William B. Umstead State Park, State park and National Natural Landmark in Wake County, North Carolina
William B. Umstead State Park is a protected landscape covering about 5,599 acres of forest with three lakes and their tributaries. The property features 34.5 miles of hiking trails, 13 miles of cycling routes, and designated fishing and camping zones.
The land was acquired in 1934 by federal and state agencies and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps before opening to the public in 1937. Two separate facilities merged in 1966 to form the single park that exists today.
The park draws visitors from across the region seeking outdoor recreation and connection with nature. The name honors a conservationist who advocated for protecting this landscape.
The trails are accessible year-round, though spring through fall offers the most pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Arriving early in the day helps visitors secure parking and experience quieter hours on the paths.
A special section within the park preserves about 62 acres of mixed forest with mature beech trees, an often-overlooked botanical feature. This forest type is uncommon in the region and displays native plant diversity that visitors can explore on dedicated routes.
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