Umstead State Park — Bridle Trails

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.”

― John Muir

This week we visited William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh. This is one of my family’s favorite parks! I love everything Umstead has to offer including it’s challenging hills. Training in this park will make you a stronger walker/runner both mentally and physically. On this visit we explored all three bridle trails: Turkey Creek, Reedy Creek and Graylyn. The bridle trails are gravel and wide which is great so that there is plenty of room for other runners and bikers to pass.

To get to the Turkey Creek Trail we took the Glenwood entrance to the park, 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617. Pass the visitor center. Shortly after follow the signs for multi-use trailhead.

Take a left on Maintenance Rd, right on Group Camp Rd and then a left on Sycamore Rd.

Again, follow the sign for the multi-use trail parking.

There is a good size parking lot, bathrooms and a water fountain at the beginning of the trail.

Once on foot follow signs for the multi-use trail. You’ll take a right and then merge onto the Graylyn trail.

Don’t forget to imagine what spending a night in this guy would be like!

Once you are on Graylyn you are going to take a left turn onto Turkey Creek. The turn comes up quick. Unfortunately the sign for Turkey Creek is gone so if you see the chainsaw log you’ve gone too far.

Turkey Creek is very hilly but also the most scenic!

Les’s favorite tree in Umstead. Yes, there’s a story.

Well, at least you won’t get bored!

Taking in all the views of Turkey Creek.

Remember to bring your hydration with you! There is only one water fountain on this route and it is currently closed.

Once you complete Turkey Creek you are going to make a right onto Reedy Creek, the bread and butter trail of Umstead. Enjoy the long downhill that’s waiting for you. You’ve earned it!

Take a right on Reedy Creek B/B Trail.

Wait a minute, something in Umstead is labeled EASY!!

Stay on Reedy Creek B/B, but take a minute to check out the lake views!

Take a right on Graylyn.

You are going to remember Graylyn for one thing, the power line hill. Yes, it’s brutal but you are almost done. Hang in there!

The “Grand Finale” hill! Yay!

With only a half mile left you can catch the beautiful chainsaw art.

Umstead is a wonderful treasure and this run will give you a great tour of it. Enjoy!

Lollipop. When a loop sits at the end of an out-and-back trail, it looks like a sucker. The out-and-back portion of the trail is called a stem, as you don’t turn around upon reaching the trail junction (like you would on an out-and-back trail) but continue on the loop.