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A three mile loop starting from the visitor center at William B. Umstead State Park.


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Map Key

2.6

Miles

4.2

KM

Loop

429' 131 m

High

351' 107 m

Low

197' 60 m

Up

206' 63 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

9%

Max Grade (5°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Wildflowers

Family Friendly Easy walk, good views of a lake.

Description

Sal's Branch Trail starts at the park office from the Crabtree Creek entrance to the park (US-70). The trail leads down to the gravel parking lot behind the park office and then heads into the woods. You'll follow along the small stream for which the trail is named, but unless it has rained recently, there isn't usually much water. In about a half-mile from the start, a spur trail splits and goes right towards the family campground.

After this point, the trail loops around and starts heading towards the south. Although there are some minor ups and downs, the elevation change on this trail is minimal, making it a good option for all ability and fitness levels. The trail crosses a service road and soon you should be able to get glimpses of Big Lake through the trees.

Eventually, the trail comes out of the woods at a powerline clearing near the boat house. Turn left to head back into the woods and follow the trail back to the start. The trail crosses the service road once more, and you should be able to see and hear vehicles on Umstead Parkway not far to the east of the trail. At the end the trail comes out at the gravel parking lot below the visitor center. Look for blazes across the parking lot and pick the trail back up to return to the visitor center.

Flora & Fauna

Pines, oaks, maples. Jack in the pulpit and many different species of ferns.Several species of mushrooms in the fall.

Contacts

Shared By:

Justin Paul with improvements by Jean-Claude Linossi

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 21 votes

#6871

Overall
  4.0 from 21 votes
5 Star
24%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
29%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#224

in North Carolina

#6,871

Overall
26 Views Last Month
1,911 Since Mar 16, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

5%
11%
79%
0%
5%
0%

Photos

Looking Down the Trail - Sal's Branch Trail - William B. Umstead Park
Aug 28, 2017 near Cary, NC
View of Sal's Branch.
Aug 23, 2019 near Cary, NC
View of the Big Lake.
Aug 23, 2019 near Cary, NC
Umstead Park Lake. with permission from Justin P
Mar 21, 2016 near Cary, NC

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 59 days ago
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