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William B. Umstead State Park, with its three man-made lakes and forest, is a quiet oasis tucked between Raleigh, Cary and Durham.
As its name implies, Big Lake is, at 55 acres, the park's largest lake. Swimming is permitted only by group camps. There is no public swimming area.
Anglers commonly catch bass, bluegill and crappie in all three lakes. Private boats and gasoline motors are not permitted on any of the lakes. Canoes and rowboats may be rented.
Twenty-two miles of hiking trails range from a short nature trail to more ambitious, interconnecting forest trails. Hikers explore a varied landscape dotted rhododendron, laurel and wildflowers that is the habitat of beaver, ducks, raccoons and deer.
Another 13 miles of bridle and biking trails wander through scenic and secluded park areas.
A special permit is required to visit the Piedmont Beech Natural Area, a 50-acre tract of towering beech trees included in the National Registry of Natural Landmarks.
Outdoor Activities |
An angler tries his luck on Big Lake.
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