We love that William B Umstead State Park is only a 15-minute drive from downtown Raleigh, and with more than 20 miles of hiking trails, it is a jewel in the heart of the Triangle region.
We quickly realized that although this is Umstead’s longest trail, it would be more like a walk than a hike, with gentle rises and falls in elevation and nothing too strenuous.
Keep in mind we have done some serious hikes in Yosemite, Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and Zion National Parks so your perspective may differ!
There are some tree roots in sections and a little rocky here and there so watch your step and wear appropriate walking shoes, and bring your trekking poles if you are not that sure-footed.
And a decent length of the trail follows Sycamore Creek making for a nice variety of landscape, and adding to the pleasant, ambient noise and pretty scenery.