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Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop

Cary, North Carolina

5.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

4.03 miles

Elevation Gain

456 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Anna Walter

The Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop is a great loop trail for hiking, running and biking in Umstead State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina. 

TRAIL
I started my run on the Loblolly Trail from the parking area and then continued on the Reedy Creek Trail. Combining these two trails forms a loop back to the parking area. The trail is a 4-mile loop with approximately 450 feet of elevation gain. This trail is moderately difficult. 

PARKING
I parked at the south entrance parking lot of Umstead State Park. 

PROS

  • 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

CONS

  • Last 1.7 mi is on a gravel path
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Features

Fitness
Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic

Loblolly and Reedy Creek Trail Loop Reviews

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. 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠. 5/5 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞. 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. 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡. 4.2 mi 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲. Moderate 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐬. -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 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬. -Last 1.7 mi is on a gravel path.

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.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Reedy Creek and Loblolly Trail

Company Mill Trail

Hike the Reedy Creek Lake Trail

Black Creek Greenway to Lake Crabtree

Day Trip to Lake Crabtree

Sal's Branch Trail