William B. Umstead State Park

Map of TRACK Trail at William B. Umstead State Park

The William B. Umstead State Park TRACK Trail is an easy 0.6 mile loop that features Oak Rock – an oak tree that has grown out of a rock outcropping – and interpretive panels describing the trees found along the trail.

Tucked between the growing cities of Raleigh, Cary, Durham and the corporate world of Research Triangle Park is an oasis of tranquility, a peaceful haven. Here, two worlds merge as the sounds of civilization give way to the unhurried rhythm of nature. Highways fade in the distance as trees, flowers, birds and streams form a more natural community. William B. Umstead is a place to escape the pressures of everyday life, a place to picnic in the pines, to wait for a fish to bite, to take a hike or horseback ride on trails through the woods.

Divided into two sections, Crabtree Creek and Reedy Creek, this 5,579-acre park is easily accessible from Interstate 40 and US 70. Visit William B. Umstead State Park and enjoy this region of wilderness at the city's doorstep.

Track an adventure here
Collectible sticker for William B. Umstead State Park

Location Details

Recreational Features: Canoe / Kayak, Picnic Tables, Interpretive Programs, Birding
Amenities: Restrooms, Nature Center, Visitor Center, Gift Shop
ADA Compliant: No
Seasonality: Open all year
Rock formation in the forest
Forest canopy
Stream with exposed roots on the bank
Trails through a stand of young trees
Tall pines
Tree growing out of rock formation
Stone bridge across small pool of water
Picnic tables
Forest in summer
Trail through the forest

Adventures for William B. Umstead State Park

Hiking

Nature's Hide & Seek

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.60
The Nature's Hide & Seek brochure is designed so that kids of all ages can walk along the trail and discover common things that are often overlooked in nature. Some of them are hard to find, others are easy. Best of all, the adventure never ends because every time you walk the trail you will discover new things hiding in nature.
Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.60
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to frog hops, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Need for Trees brochure
Hiking

Umstead: Need for Trees

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.60
By following the picture and textual clues found in "The Need for Trees" brochure, kids will discover six of the more common trees found along the trail. During their adventure, kids will learn about the need that people and other animals have for trees and about the roles trees play in the forest.
Hiking

Nature's Relationships

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.60
In the Nature's Relationships brochure you will discover how everything in nature is connected... even us. As you walk along the trail, the brochure will tell you a story about a few of the relationships that can be found. Many more relationships exist, so keep your eyes and heart open and you will discover many of nature's relationships - even yours.
Hiking

Let's Explore - ecoEXPLORE

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
0.60
Scientists need your help! Use this brochure to learn how to be an ecoEXPLORER and share your nature observations with real scientists.

Directions

8801 Glenwood Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27617
Latitude: 35.874348000000
Longitude: -78.760917000000

Partners

This TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed with North Carolina State Parks, William B. Umstead State Park, and with funding provided by the BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina Foundation.