Hiking the Loblolly Trail (+ Reedy Creek Trail loop) in Umstead State Park

When you need to get out of the city and enjoy some peace and tranquility in the forest, then it’s time to hike the Loblolly Trail in Umstead State Park. This 6.4-mile hiking trail in Raleigh is a hidden gem, and one of the best trails in the park to experience its diverse landscape and scenery. Unlike other trails in the park, the Loblolly Trail is an out-and-back trail, whereas most trails are a loop.

Out-and-back trails can be a bit boring, but fortunately you can combine this tail with the Reedy Creek multi-use trail to make it into a loop (more on that later). Apart from our beloved Lake Johnson nature trail, Loblolly now has to be one of our favorites – especially if you want to go deep into a forest. If you’re thinking of hiking the Loblolly Trail but not sure what it’s like, how to do it, or what there is to see, then this guide has everything you need to know about this trail.

About The Loblolly Trail

One of the reasons we love living in Raleigh is because of all the greenery and forests nearby, which are arguably at their most dense in the William B Umstead State Park, home to the Loblolly Trail. The Loblolly Trail is so named because it’s surrounded by the namesake loblolly pines which are native to the region and in abundance here. They are also some of the largest in the region and you can definitely appreciate their magnitude as they offer ample shade throughout the trail. Here are some quick facts about the Loblolly Trail:

• Length: 6.4 miles (3.9 miles if you make it into a loop with the Reedy Creek Trail)
• Time to complete: 1 hour 30 minutes for the out-and-back trail (2 hours for the loop)
• Trail type: Out & Back (but we turned it into a loop)
• Elevation gain: 115 meters
• Trail difficulty: moderate to intermediate hike
• Trail surface: natural surface
• Trail Blaze: Blue triangle
• Umstead Park Hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm November – February, 8:00am – 8:00pm March, April, September, October, 8:00am – 9:00pm May – August

This trail is open year-round, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The trail is uneven terrain throughout and has a few short climbs and roots on the forest floor, so hikers are advised to wear sturdy footwear and take care when walking. If this is your first time to Umstead and you are looking for another easy and shorter hike, consider doing the Sal’s Branch Trail. 

How to Get to the Loblolly Trail

The Loblolly Trail is located in the Southern section of Umstead State Park, close to the I-40 and Cary/Morrisville area.  To reach the trailhead, enter Umstead State Park at the Reedy Creek entrance via Harrison Ave and I-40. Head to the northeast corner of the parking lot and you’ll find the Loblolly trail head, which is indicated by blue squares nailed to trees. Follow these blue markers as you hike and they will lead you along the trail.

Our Experience Hiking the Loblolly Trail Loop (including the Reedy Creek M.U.T)

Generally rated as a moderate hike, this trail took us around two hours, but we stopped to take a lot of photos and videos! We did this hike on a Saturday afternoon in the first week of May and only saw four other people. While Umstead can get busy, and I have heard the Loblolly trail can get crowded, we certainly didn’t experience that on our hike!

As experienced hikers, we found this an easy trail, but if you’re not used to hiking, be prepared for inclines, and natural paths that include plenty of tree roots, narrow side trails, and stone crossings over creeks.

If you follow our path and go counterclockwise, I think you will have fewer inclines than the other way around. The trail starts at the northeast corner of the parking lot past the picnic area. It starts out rather flat and you’ll pass the interesting Young Cemetery, one of several old cemeteries in the park. The deteriorated graves of the Young family are enclosed in a rusty fence and have considerably deteriorated. It’s one of the hidden signs of the families that once called Umstead home in the early 1800s to early 1900s. 

To follow this loop trail, once you hit the paved Reedy Creek Parkway, turn left and keep walking until the end. Otherwise continue straight to follow the out-and-back trail. We personally think the loop trail is more interesting with pretty bluffs, lakes and creeks, and glistening ponds – so here’s the route we suggest you take…

Look for the sign for the Reedy Creek Lake Multi-Use Trail on the right. Follow this dirt road through the wooded area until you reach Reedy Creek Lake. We have ridden bikes along this path before, and you will probably pass cyclists on your hike, but don’t worry as this is a broad bicycle-friendly path that’s wide enough for everyone to have space.

Soon the trail opens up and unveils the beautiful man-made Reedy Creek Lake. It was so picturesque with a moody sky threatening storms and the vibrant green of the forest foliage surrounding it. Fall foliage is meant to be beautiful here. You can fish in this lake – but no swimming allowed. 

Take the next road to the right and continue along for some way on the Reedy Creek MUT. The road has a slight incline in parts along here. As it’s a multi-use trail, it’s a wide and open wooded trail and still picturesque. I like the different perspective it gave to this Umstead looped trail. You’ll soon come to the hiking-only Loblolly Trail. Turn left to take it to the end. This is where the trail became more interesting and beautiful for us!

The natural trail took you into more of a shaded, immersive forest. There were several short hill climbs, switchbacks, small stream crossings, and plenty of tree roots to navigate around. It was so quiet and shaded. I can imagine it being a cool(ish) respite in the summer. If that is even a thing in the thick humid heat of a Raleigh summer.

Davies Pond

Our favorite part was coming across a sign that said Davies Pond and following a very short overgrown path to this beautiful pond. I felt like I was in a lush jungle in Asia, not North Carolina. I read a review saying it wasn’t that scenic. You decide for yourself. Perception is always personal.

The Loblolly trail keeps continuing from here a bit further with plenty of up and down hills. We passed a trail runner who looked like he was having a blast! Eventually it comes to a sudden end with a sign telling you so at the park’s boundary where it meets Schenck Forest and the Richland Creek Trail, which is part of Raleigh’s Capital Area Greenway. If you did keep going, it will lead you to the RBC Center and Carter-Finley Stadium.

Return back the way you came – this is the only time on the looped walk you’ll retrace your steps. Keep following it over the Ready Creek MUT that you originally came down. 

The rest of the trail back to the parking lot continues with more wooden footbridges, switchbacks, drainage crossings – all under the lush canopy of the forest. We found a short side trail that led down to Reedy Creek – follow it. It’s a nice spot to dip your toes in if you need a break. Plus it adds a different perspective layer to the hike. 

There will be a few more switchbacks on the last section of the trail, which is just as beautiful as the other parts. You’ll soon come to the main creek crossing, which is a picturesque, tranquil spot that invites you to sit and rest for a while. This would be a good spot for a lunch or drink/snack break. There are large stepping stones across the creek. Do not be like me. My daughter phoned as I was crossing them while filming myself. I was so distracted that I fell down!

I didn’t hurt myself and it was quite funny, but be warned, the rocks are slippery, so phones down and pay attention. At the last section of the trail before hitting the paved road again, we quickly learned how uphill the trail relay is. We had spent so much time taking photos, we were late picking up our daughter from her friend’s party so we had to run the last half mile out of the trail.

Surprisingly, I actually enjoyed it! All up, the Loblolly Trail combined with the Reedy Creek M.U.T is not very technical for experienced hikers, but bring your hiking poles if you need them. We loved the diversity, tranquility, and beauty of the trail and will walk (maybe run) it again.

Tips for Hiking the Loblolly Trail

• As always, whether you’re hiking in Raleigh or anywhere, bring enough water to stay hydrated – we hike with our 40 oz Hydro Flasks.
• You might also want to bring some insect repellent in the summer months!
• Wear sturdy hiking boots or trainers.
• Watch out for sinkholes, roots, and logs on the forest floor. Sometimes they can be covered with leaves and you don’t realize they are there!
• As mentioned, be careful when crossing creeks and rivers and try not to look at your phone – that’s why I fell in!
• Remember pets welcome but need to be on a leash
• Download MapsMe, which allows you offline use GPS and follow the route if you lose the markers.

Final Thoughts

How lucky are we to have such great hiking trails right near Raleigh downtown? I can’t think of a better way to spend a spring day than by hiking along the Loblolly Trail and admiring the spring wildflowers and the fresh leaves on the trees. If you’re looking for more trails in Raleigh to walk, click on this link to see all the hikes we’ve done. Read our full guide to theUmstead State Park in Raleigh Durham for more trails and things to do.

More Trails in Umstead State Park

Check out these other hiking trails in Umstead:

• The Sycamore Trail (longest trail in Umstead) with a detour to the famous Log Art.
• Sal’s Branch Trail (family friendly)
• Pott’s Branch Trail (shortest trail)
• Company Mill Trail

Video: Hiking the Loblolly Trail