Raleigh/Cary Parks and Trails Archives

Umstead State Park: Combining Trails for Longer Hikes

Most recently updated September 30th, 2022

Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors – in fact, it’s healthier for you to take breaks and get outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine!

Being stuck indoors by yourself – or with your kids – with no end in sight could make you nuts.

Paved trail beside Big Lake in Umstead State Park

Getting out on the trail on your own, or with 10 or fewer members of your family or friends, could help bring you back from Crazy Town.

If you’re a hiker local to Cary or Raleigh, NC, you know the nearby hiking places, and have been on the trails.

They’re beautiful, have varied terrain and are easily accessible.

Continue reading Umstead State Park: Combining Trails for Longer Hikes

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Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

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Wild Things – A Short Hike at the Carolina Tiger Rescue

Most recently updated July 30th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 5.6 minutes

You can go visit the tigers again! — You can go visit the tigers!

Last summer I went back to visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, NC. I first visited the rescue about three years ago.

I originally heard about the organization many years ago, but life (work, childraising, etc) was more than busy enough already, so I let it go.

And then COVID limited all of our activities…

But lately, I’ve been taking another look at local volunteer opportunities – especially those dealing with animals and wildlife.

Saber Tiger and his friend greet the visitors.

The Carolina Tiger Rescue was high on my list of possibilities, and I visited their website to see what I could find.

The facility offers public tours by appointment Fri-Sun, so I reserved a ticket for one of their Friday morning tours. Continue reading Wild Things – A Short Hike at the Carolina Tiger Rescue

Top 3 Reasons William B. Umstead State Park is my Favorite Forest

Most recently updated July 30th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 8.5 minutes

Umstead State Park has been my go-to hiking place for at least the past ten years. I hike in the forest, or with the forest as a starting place, at least twice per week.

Sometimes I hike on my own, sometimes as a hike leader for Raleigh Recreational Hikers or I’d Rather Walk meetups.

Park History

Umstead State Park has a long history: initially a wild hardwood-forested area inhabited with bison, bobcats and elk, it later became the site for indigenous peoples homes and trade, was part of a land grant for farms in 1774.

Finally, in 1934 – through a joint effort of Federal and State agencies – 5,000 acres were purchased to create a public recreation area.

The Civilian Conservation Corp and the Works Progress Administration helped with construction, and the park was open to the public in 1937.

There are so many reasons to love this park, it’s hard to fit them all into a single post. So I’ll just start with my Top 3.

Continue reading Top 3 Reasons William B. Umstead State Park is my Favorite Forest