The park was developed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
Many original stone and timber buildings constructed by the CCC are still standing and currently used within the park.
The land was originally designated as the Crabtree Creek Recreational Demonstration Area before becoming a state park in 1955.
The park's topography contains the transition zone between the Triassic Basin and the older Piedmont plateau, resulting in unique soil and vegetation diversity.
The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous species of migratory waterfowl.
William B. Umstead State Park is a 5,579-acre wilderness located between Raleigh, Cary, and Durham. It features three man-made lakes—Big Lake, Sycamore Lake, and Crabtree Lake—and spans the transition zone between the North Carolina Piedmont's rolling hills. The park provides over 30 miles of hiking trails and 13 miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking and horseback riding. Originally established as a Resettlement Administration project in the 1930s, the park sits on land formerly used for farming. It serves as a primary forest corridor in the densely developed Research Triangle region. The terrain includes varied elevation changes and deep hardwood forests. Visitors can access recreational facilities including group campsites, picnic shelters, and boat rentals. The park is managed by the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation.
The wooden footbridge overlooking Big Lake near the visitor center.
Use the Reedy Creek entrance for easier access to the paved multi-use trails suitable for strollers and road bikes.
Check the official NC State Parks website for trail status updates, as some paths close temporarily during heavy rain to prevent erosion.
Bring your own water, as filling stations are limited once you depart from the main parking areas.
Attempting to swim in the lakes, as swimming is prohibited; relying solely on GPS, as cell service can be spotty in deep valleys.
Park gates operate on seasonal hours, closing earlier in the winter months; individual facility availability may fluctuate based on maintenance schedules.
Stay on marked trails to protect local ecology; dogs must remain on a leash at all times.
