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Anna Walter

I love Umstead. It never gets old. I made a last minute decision to go on a trail run Wednesday evening and I knew Umstead was the perfect place. I wasn't sure how long I wanted to run for and knew I had to be mindful of the sunset at 7:00 PM. I laced up my trail runners, grabbed my fanny pack and water, and drove to the trail. I didn't have a specific trail in mind before taking off. I figured I would run out 2 miles then turn around. As I started my run on the Loblolly trail, I quickly realized this trail connected to the Reedy Creek trail. I double checked my inkling (and yes there is service for most of this section of Umstead) and I was correct. Loblolly and Reedy Creek form a steady 4.2 mi loop. So I was able to run a loop...which is always my preference over an out-and-back. I am still a newbie when it comes to trail running, but there are some helpful tips that I've learned recently that I would love to share with you. ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ . 5/5 ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ž. I parked at the south entrance parking lot of Umstead State Park and started my run on the Loblolly Trail and continued on the Reedy Creek Trail. These trails form a loop. ๐ฅ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก. 4.2 mi ๐๐ข๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฒ. Moderate ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ. -Trail is 0.5 mi off I-40 -Great for newer trail runners as it has moderately difficult terrain -Very quiet and away from the road noise -Reedy Creek Lake lookout at 3.1 mi mark ๐œ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ. -Last 1.7 mi is on a gravel path.

Tons of people frequent this slab. Definitely worth checking out if youโ€™re looking for a climb the Richmond area. Be sure to walk on the nearby trails as well.

Enjoy the peaceful and open space at Maymont. Be sure to explore the gardens. This is the perfect spot for throwing a frisbee or having a picnic.

You must check this out. Be careful as you walk since this requires people to be in decent shape. This gives you a different view of Richmond.

This is a great trail for people looking for a break from the city. It is in the woods and is not too crowded. It is family friendly and takes you past a few spots. My favorite is the bridge.

The views are gorgeous. This is the perfect place to go on a trail run, walk, or hike. Part of this trail is on gravel which is a nice change up. This trail also takes you to a beautiful lake.

This is a key greenway in Morrisville, NC. It connects to Crabtree Lake greenway which gives you access to the entire Cary greenway system. Use this greenway for walking, running, and biking. Itโ€™s also a great way to travel the Morrisville/Cary area.

Visit this quaint town and take a dip in the York river, grab ice cream at Ben and Jerryโ€™s, or visit the Yorktown museum. This area has it all!

This path is perfect for running, biking, or walking on. Ride the ~150 miles to Richmond if youโ€™d like! There is a cute coffee shop/gift shop called Spoke and Art close to the Williamsburg entrance of the path that is definitely worth checking out.

I volunteered at Colonial Williamsburg (or CW as we call it) and had such a wonderful time. This is truly a special place and great for the whole family. Be sure to checkout the Powell House and the capital. You wonโ€™t regret it!

This is a great trail for everyone in the family (including your furry family members). Get on the Neuse and donโ€™t look back because this trail goes on for miles. Itโ€™s a go-to for triangle residents.

This is a hidden gem. The reedy creek trail connects to the greenway system in Morrisville, NC. It is also part of Umstead State park which contains many miles of hiking. This serene trail takes hikers to a beautiful creek that is surrounded by trees bursting of autumn colors in the fall.

This trail is the perfect way to get into the woods and away from all the noise. Located in the Morrisville entrance of Umstead, itโ€™s easily accessible and not super crowded.

I loved this hike. You walk in the woods for most of the hike then enter a fire road for the last quarter. The fire road is where you will see the beautiful piece of tree artโ€ฆyes itโ€™s a sculpture in a tree! Checkout the picture Iโ€™ve included! Well worth the trip.

Bond park quickly became one of my favorite spots in Cary. This is a great place if you are looking to hop on a Cary greenway, go on a hike, or spend the day boating on the beautiful Bond Park Lake which is the center point of this park. I've been wanting to get into trail running and I thought this would be the perfect spot for a newbie like myself. It did not disappoint and I will definitely be back! ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ . 5/5 ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ž. I parked at the Bond Park Community Center and started my run from the parking lot. I went out a mile and back. This is a loop but I decided to go out and back. ๐ฅ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก. 2.1 mi ๐๐ข๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ฒ. Easy ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ. -Easy way to get into the woods quickly -Great for newer trail runners as it has moderately difficult terrain with low elevation gain -Beautiful views of Bond Lake for most of the trail ๐œ๐จ๐ง๐ฌ. -Trail is located behind houses which are visible for the majority of the hike (this is why I gave it a 4.5 instead of a 5.0) AllTrails. Bond Park Lake Trail

I LOVE this trail. Itโ€™s the perfect spot for walking, running, and biking. I usually park at North Cary park and get onto the greenway from there. Be sure to turn left after youโ€™ve gone down the big hill. This will take you to Lake Crabtree and the views are gorgeous! You can also park on the opposite side of this trail (Reedy Creek), but I prefer parking at North Cary park since there is always ample parking.

This is a โ€œlocalโ€ park and has numerous mountain biking trails, green space for throwing a frisbee, volleyball, and boat rentals. Would 10/10 recommends visiting!