- Highlights: River views, history
- Distance: 5.9 mile loop
- Elevation Change 628 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt with some rocky sections
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Trailhead Parking: Umstead State Park, Reedy Creek entrance, Raleigh NC
- Trail Markings: Orange blazes
- Website: AllTrails and Umstead State Park
- Beer Pairings: Raleigh Brewing—Want Another IPA & Citrus Boogie IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
Umstead State Park is located about ten miles from downtown Raleigh. Despite its close proximity to the airport and Interstate 40, the park offers secluded hiking on over 30 miles of trails. Rest rooms, water, and a picnic area are located at the trailhead. The trails were well marked and well maintained.
The orange-blazed trailhead is located on the northern end of the parking area. The trail passes through the forest before reaching a footbridge across Crabtree Creek at .9 miles. The creek was home to several grist mills including Company Mill which dates to the early 1800s.
The loop begins just past the footbridge. We went clockwise, following the AllTrails map. There are several nice views of Crabtree Creek before the trail begins a gradual climb through the park. The trail passes beside remains of a dam and the millstone used by the Company Mill nearly 200 years ago. Bear left on the footbridge to cross the creek and follow the oranges blazes to return to the trailhead.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Raleigh Brewing at the Arboretum is located about one mile from the trailhead in Cary NC. This location has indoor and outdoor seating, The on-site Chelsea Café serves up a variety of pub fare including sandwiches, quesadillas, and salads.
Pete really liked Want Another (6.7% ABV • 78 IBU), a tasty west coast IPA with citrus and pine notes. Kathy enjoyed Citrus Boogie (6.4% ABV • 40 IBU), a New England IPA with zesty grapefruit and a hoppy finish. Hoppy Trails!
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.