Home › North Carolina › Raleigh › Umstead Sycamore Trail
Umstead Sycamore Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 97 Google reviews · Running trail in Raleigh, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 7.2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Umstead Sycamore Trail'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.
Park featuring winding, tree-filled trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.
What runners say about Umstead Sycamore Trail
“The water next to the trail is pretty clean it is typically running water.”
“There were some beautiful wildflowers in bloom, and I even saw a few deer.”
“The path is well-marked, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing hike.”
“If you’re a regular outdoor person, this is pretty easy hike to take.”
I recently hiked the Sycamore Trail in William B. Umstead State Park and I highly recommend it! It is a 7.2 mile loop trail that is moderately challenging, but not too strenuous. The trail winds through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams.
Took a short walk with the family to see the log art. The trail was very beautiful and well maintained. Lots of friendly hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and casual walkers/joggers. Driving on the service road to the parking lot felt like we were far away from Raleigh. It was so refreshing!
One the best hikes near to Raleigh. If you’re a regular outdoor person, this is pretty easy hike to take. Its less than moderate and best part is you can take loop back at anytime. 1.3 mile one way till actual loop starts but total 7.2 mile if you want to go full stretch.
This four mile loop is extremely scenic. One of my favorites that I've come across in umstead so far. It is definitely a trail run, not a nature hike. Plenty of roots, rocks, and inclines. The water next to the trail is pretty clean it is typically running water.
Trail conditions & character
“There were some beautiful wildflowers in bloom, and I even saw a few deer.”
“We start at company mill and do at least the loop of sycamore trail (if it's cool enough we do the whole thing)”
“Driving on the service road to the parking lot felt like we were far away from Raleigh.”
“3 mile one way till actual loop starts but total 7.2 mile if you want to go full stretch.”
“Is a well worn trail, has a lot of unevenness, LOTS of roots and rocks, with higher canopy (no webs).”
“There are also a few short climbs, but nothing too steep.”
“There 2, 5 ,and 7 miles trails, maps for info, and pic nic tables , even restrooms.”
“The path is well-marked, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing hike.”
Plan your run at Umstead Sycamore Trail
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
- Loop distance7.2 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Phone+1 984-867-8240
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8 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.
Sal's Branch Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 256 reviews
Hiking area with a 2.5-mile trail past a lake that's suitable for families.
Lake Lynn Loop
4.8 ★★★★★ 110 reviews
Wooded park with a paved path circling the lake, plus a playground.
Company Mill Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 205 reviews
Scenery-rich park popular for hiking trails, featuring rolling hills, creeks and a river.
