Recreation
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 Fishing
Cast a line from
the banks of Reedy Creek, Big, and Sycamore Lakes in
Umstead State Park or from the banks of Richland Lake.
Within Umstead, fishing is permitted in the three lakes
as well as connecting streams. The regulations of North
Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission apply
Hiking
Looking for solitude?
Wanting to explore the intimate parts of the Richland
Natural Area? Trek across it on the many trails throughout
the North Carolina Museum of Art, Reedy Creek Road,
Schenck Forest, and Umstead State Park. The City of
Raleigh’s Reedy Creek Greenway connects Meredith
College and the Museum of Art with Umstead State Park.
The City’s Loblolly Trail connects Schenck Forest
and Carter Finley Stadium with Umstead Park. |
 Horseback
Riding
Explore Umstead State Park on
horseback. Umstead’s generously wide silt-gravel
trails offer about 11 miles of horse trails shared with
bikers and hikers. Splash through Sycamore Creek or
climb to the summit for a gorgeous vista.
Camping
Enjoy the park longer. Stay the
night in Umstead State Park. Umstead is the only park
within the Richland Natural Area where camping is permitted.
Click here to learn more.
Hunting/Trapping
Hunting and trapping is
not allowed on any lands in the Richland Natural Area.
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Biking
Ready for a thrill? Eager for
an escape? The Richland Natural Area offers many paved
and unpaved bike trails and bike lanes. Umstead State
Park’s generously wide crushed gravel trails
offer challenging climbs and invigorating downhill
sprints. The City of Raleigh’s paved Reedy Creek
Greenway begins at the corner of Faircloth Road and
Hillsborough Street and ends at the Trenton and Reedy
Creek Road entrance of Umstead, running through the
North Carolina Museum of Art. The museum portion of
the trail is lined with sculptures and features a
spectacular pedestrian bridge. The Edwards Mill Extension
includes bike lanes along both sides of it. Looking
for an off-road, single-track experience? Lake Crabtree
County Park, bordering RNA on the west, has a network
of these dirt trails.
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Running
Run with the deer literally
or figuratively in the Richland Natural Area. Just a
pair of running shoes will open up miles of scenic trails
abounding with rich fauna, whispering streams, towering
pines, and breathtaking views. There’s a variety
of paved, gravel, and dirt trails in Museum Park, Prairie
Ridge, Schenck Forest, Umstead State Park, and Lake
Crabtree. The Loblolly Trail (dirt) and the Reedy Creek
Greenway (paved) connect all of the parks in the RNA.
Grab those shoes and run!
Picnicking
Spread a blanket on any
of the park grounds in the Richland Natural Area for
a fun and relaxing afternoon. In Umstead State Park,
both the Reedy Creek and Crabtree Sections offer covered
shelters and picnic tables. There is also a covered
shelter in Schenck Forest.
Boating
Glide through the glass-like
tranquil waters of Lake Crabtree in Lake Crabtree County
Park or Big Lake in Umstead State Park. Both of these
parks offer boat rentals during the warmer seasons of
the year. Check www.wakegov.com/parks/lakecrabtree/default.htm
and http://ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/wium/home.html
for more information.
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