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A loop of the Umstead State Park bridle paths.


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Map Key

16.1

Miles

26.0

KM

0%

Singletrack

464' 142 m

High

247' 75 m

Low

987' 301 m

Up

986' 300 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Overview

This is a decent loop to ride when all the singletrack trails nearby are closed due to being wet. The bridle paths are graveled (fine gravel) and can be ridden when damp.

Need to Know

There are water fountains (turned on unless the weather is freezing at night) at 2.1 miles, 6.3 miles, and 13.1 miles.

Description

This loop ride begins at the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead. This fairly new trailhead features a nice restroom with running water, shaded picnic tables, and paved parking. This trailhead offers easy access to Umstead State Park for those approaching from the south side of the park. The trailhead is adjacent to the Town of Cary's Black Creek Greenway and Wake County's Lake Crabtree Park, offering easy access to both.

The ride starts out by following the paved Old Reedy Creek Road over Interstate 40. The pavement ends a short distance beyond the bridge.

The gravel road continues on for almost two miles before ending at the gate that marks the state park boundary. Beyond the gate you reach one of the park's 'bridle paths' of fine gravel. They are just as wide as the gravel road. This fine-grained material is smooth enough to ride with all but the skinniest of bike tires. When wet weather closes the nearby singletrack trails, these bridle paths remain open and offer another way to get in a ride.

The ride follows the bridle paths in a counter-clockwise loop around the park. From 11.3 miles to 13.3 miles, the ride follows a section of gravel road within the park that may have light vehicle traffic.

Five significant climbs will be found along the way, offering a bit of a workout. The flip side of these are the fast downhills that follow!

Contacts

Shared By:

Don Childrey with improvements by Glenn Lawrece

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 15 votes

#2318

Overall
  3.7 from 15 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#108

in North Carolina

#2,318

Overall
137 Views Last Month
10,711 Since Aug 1, 2018
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

50%
17%
28%
6%
0%
0%

Photos

Some obstacles.
Jan 12, 2018 near Cary, NC
Awesome little bend and climb to bomb thru!
Nov 19, 2018 near Cary, NC
Just off the main Bridle Path Loop
Nov 19, 2018 near Cary, NC
North Turkey.
Jan 12, 2018 near Cary, NC
Sweet turns!
Nov 19, 2018 near Cary, NC
Fall is here.
Jan 12, 2018 near Cary, NC
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 11, 2023
Andres Franco
12.7mi — 1h 50m
Nov 24, 2022
Zach H
1h 30m
Mar 17, 2021
Brian Lord
17.9mi — 1h 58m
Mar 3, 2021
Brian Lord
1h 11m
Feb 27, 2021
Brian Lord
26.2mi — 2h 29m
Feb 23, 2021
Brian Lord
15.8mi — 1h 22m
Feb 21, 2021
Brian Lord
21.6mi — 2h 09m
Oct 31, 2020
Collin Townsend
13.2mi — 2h 00m

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