Umstead State Park With Dogs: Trails, Leash Rules and Tips
William B. Umstead State Park is Raleigh's big backyard. It's a forested park between Raleigh and Cary, about 10 miles northwest of downtown, with 34.5 miles of hiking trails, three lakes and miles of wide gravel paths. Best of all, dogs are welcome.
Here's what to know before you load up the car: the rules, the entrances, which trails suit which dogs, and a few tips from the people who walk Raleigh's dogs every day.
Are dogs allowed at Umstead State Park?
Yes. According to NC State Parks:
- Pets are allowed in the park and at campsites.
- Pets must be on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- Pets aren't allowed inside buildings or cabins. That includes the visitor center.
Across all North Carolina state parks, the rules also say:
- Pick up after your pet and put waste bags in a trash can, not beside the trail.
- Keep pets on the trail.
- Yield to other trail users, including bicyclists and horseback riders, when you can.
- Pets aren't allowed in bathhouses or swimming areas.
- Owners may be asked to remove dangerous or noisy pets.
- Owners whose pets are off leash may be fined.
Service animals are covered separately under the ADA.
Hours, fees and entrances
Day use is free. Fees apply only to boat rentals, camping, some event permits and facility reservations.
Gates open at 8 a.m. year-round. Closing times change with the seasons:
| Months | Gates close |
|---|---|
| November–February | 6 p.m. |
| March, April, September, October | 8 p.m. |
| May–August | 9 p.m. |
The park is closed on Christmas Day and open on all other holidays. The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (dogs wait outside).
Two entrances:
- Crabtree Creek Entrance and Visitor Center: 8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh 27617. This is where you'll find the visitor center, and it's the way in to all the camping areas.
- Reedy Creek Entrance: 2100 N. Harrison Ave., Cary 27513.
The entrances are on different sides of the park, so set your GPS for the one closest to the trail you want. Check the park map (PDF) to see which trailheads are near each entrance.
Best Umstead trails for dogs
The park lists these trails. Distances come from NC State Parks.
Short and easy (good for puppies, seniors and small dogs)
- Inspiration Trail: 0.4-mile loop, easy, hiking only.
- Oak Rock Trail: 0.6-mile loop, easy, hiking only.
- Pott's Branch Trail: 1.3-mile loop, easy, hiking only.
Medium (a solid weekend outing)
- Sal's Branch Trail: 2.8-mile loop, moderate, hiking only.
- Loblolly Trail: 2.7 miles one way, moderate, hiking only.
Long (for fit, trail-ready dogs)
- Company Mill Trail: 5.8-mile loop, moderate, hiking only.
- Sycamore Trail: 7.2-mile loop, moderate, hiking only.
Multiuse trails (wide gravel, shared with bikes and horses)
- Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail: 3.7 miles one way.
- North Turkey Creek: 2.6 miles one way. South Turkey Creek: 2.8 miles one way.
- Graylyn: 1.6 miles one way. Cedar Ridge: 1.5 miles one way.
Multiuse trails are wide and easy to follow, but expect cyclists. If your dog lunges at bikes, the hiking-only loops are a calmer choice.
Getting there on foot: the Reedy Creek Greenway
Raleigh's Reedy Creek Trail runs about 5 miles from Umstead to the North Carolina Museum of Art's Museum Park. It's a great out-and-back if your dog has the miles in them. City greenway rules apply on the way: dogs on a leash of 6 feet or shorter. See our dog-friendly greenways guide for more.
Tips for a great Umstead day with your dog
- Use a fixed 6-foot leash. Retractable leashes that extend past 6 feet don't meet the rule.
- Bring more water than you think. Plan for both of you, plus a collapsible bowl.
- Pack waste bags and carry them out. The park notes that pet waste is not fertilizer and can spread disease.
- Check for ticks afterward. Woods and leaf litter are tick habitat. Check ears, neck, armpits and between toes, and ask your vet about prevention.
- Watch the heat. Summer afternoons in the woods are humid. Go early, and see our hot-weather walking tips.
- Step aside for horses. Move your dog off to the side and let the rider pass calmly.
- Start small. If your dog is new to trails, start with a short loop and build up.
- Mind the gate time. Winter gates close at 6 p.m., so don't start a 7-mile loop at 4.
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed at Umstead State Park?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the trails and at campsites on a leash of 6 feet or shorter. They aren't allowed inside buildings or cabins.
Is there a fee to visit Umstead?
No. Day use is free. Fees apply to boat rentals, camping and reservations.
Which Umstead entrance is better with a dog?
It depends on the trail you want. Crabtree Creek (Raleigh) has the visitor center and campground, and Reedy Creek (Cary) is on the opposite side. If your dog reacts to bikes, pick a hiking-only loop rather than a multiuse trail, and use the park map to find the closest entrance.
Is Umstead open on holidays?
Umstead is open on every holiday except Christmas Day.
Can I camp at Umstead with my dog?
Yes. Pets are allowed at campsites. Statewide rules say pets must stay in your tent or vehicle during quiet hours, and they're not allowed in cabins.
No time for the trails this week?
A steady weekday walk keeps your dog fit for weekend hikes. Hooman walks start at $24 for 15 minutes and $45 for an hour. See pricing. Book your free meet & greet or call us at (984) 212-2524.
Sources
- NC State Parks: William B. Umstead State Park (pets, hours, fees, entrances, construction notice)
- NC State Parks: Umstead trails table
- NC State Parks: Guidelines to Park Rules and Regulations (Dogs and Pets)
- City of Raleigh: Greenway Safety and Rules
- NC State Parks: Umstead park map (PDF)
- Umstead Visitor Center: 984-867-8240 (the park's number, for visitor questions)
Sources were checked in October 2026. Local rules, hours and events can change, so please check the linked sources for updates.