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Sal's Branch Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 256 Google reviews · Running trail in Raleigh, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sal's Branch Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area with a 2.5-mile trail past a lake that's suitable for families.
What runners say about Sal's Branch Trailhead
“Staff and visitors keep the trails and parking clean.”
“Just because it's easy doesn't mean it isn't beautiful!”
A calming, massively shaded, trail with tall trees, and lots of fauna. The trail is easy, we saw very small kids walking, eagerly looking for mushrooms (there were many types). Traffic on the trail on a Saturday was low - but almost every single person we passed and said hello.
We did the Sal trail. Super easy. Just under three miles. This was probably one of the easiest trails we've ever did. Just because it's easy doesn't mean it isn't beautiful! What a beautiful trail.
Sal's Branch Trail located inside Umsted State Park is approximately 2.8 miles long. The terrain is perfect for a light pair of hiking shoes. There are a few small little bridges to pass over, one steep hill to climb and a few gradual hills and down slopes.
We did the First Day hike at Umstead in Sal’s Branch Trail. We usually mountain bike in the park, so this is the first time we hiked this trail. As others reviewed, the roots are prolific! After the hike, we drove a short distance to the Sycamore trail entrance to check out the log art.
Trail conditions & character
“Just because it's easy doesn't mean it isn't beautiful!”
“This trail at William B Umpstead State Park is great for exercise with all of the inclines and natural obstacles (roots, trees, burrows, etc.”
“There are a few small little bridges to pass over, one steep hill to climb and a few gradual hills and down slopes.”
“It can be a little confusing since there are numerous marked trails but they will all eventually bring you back to one of the parking lots.”
“I didn’t see any public restrooms but could’ve just missed them if they do exist.”
Plan your run at Sal's Branch Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone+1 919-571-4170
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Raleigh
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Umstead Sycamore Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 97 reviews
Park featuring winding, tree-filled trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Company Mill Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 205 reviews
Scenery-rich park popular for hiking trails, featuring rolling hills, creeks and a river.
Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 385 reviews
Hiking area with trails along a lake, including one leading into Umstead Park, and a restroom.
