Umstead State Park, Raleigh, NC

Umstead State Park was founded in 1934 as a recreational park. The Resettlement Administration purchased 5,000 acres to develop. Over the next three years picnic facilities were constructed, along with roadways. The park officially opened to the public in 1937, with camping areas. Needing more land, the state decided to purchase Crabtree Creek Recreation Area to build more facilities for park goers. In 1940 the recreation park became a state park. By the 1950's, another 1,000 acres was added.

The additional 1,000 acres was used as a park for African American individuals, since it was a time of segregation in the Southern states. The African American section was called Reedy State Park. Crabtree Park Recreation was renamed William Bradley Umstead, a couple years after the addition of Reedy State Park. In 1960 both parks were united, keeping the Umstead name.

Today William B. Umstead State park is 5, 579 acres. It sits between Raleigh, Cary, and Durham North Carolina in Wake County. The cities unite to make the Research Triangle Park, a location known for its businesses, financial district, and colleges. Umstead State Park is an oasis in the middle of professional and financial development. The park offers hiking trails, bike trails, boat rentals, camping, and programs for educational purposes.

William B. Umstead Park opens each day at 7am during the summer months for trail access. Other gates do not open until 8am. All gates will close between 6pm and 9pm depending on the time of year. The state park is not open on Christmas Day.

Boating options take park users around the Big Lake. They have canoes or rowboats for rent. Boat rentals are $5 for the first hour. Each additional hour is $3. Boats are only available between April 1st and October 10th. The end date may vary depending on current weather in North Carolina. Boats can be rented between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm during the week and weekend.

Camp sites open on March 15th, closing on December 15th. The camping area allows for tents and trailers. Campers may book camp sites for Thursday through Monday. Check in time is 8:00am, with a check out time of 1:00pm. The state park provides 28 camping spots with picnic tables and grills. There are no water hookups or electric. There is a fee charged for the camp site.

Bridle trails provide a choice for park users to move around the trails on horseback. Any individual wishing to use the bridle trails must have an equine infectious text and proof of test in order to bring their horse into the park. There are clear signs to mark the bridle trails.

All trails marked for horseback or cycling should be avoided by hikers. There are designated hiking trails. The hiking trails have discreetly placed educational signs used for park education programs. These signs explain the vegetation, wildlife, and history of the park. Sycamore trees, Rhododendron, laurel plants, and Crabtree are native to the North Carolina Park. Wildlife such as beavers, ducks, deer, and raccoon can be spotted along the trails.