7 Essential Secrets Of The Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead: Your Gateway To The Triangle's Best Trails
The Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead, located in Cary, North Carolina, has solidified its status as one of the most vital and interconnected trail hubs in the entire Triangle region, offering immediate access to three major trail systems. As of late 2025, this trailhead is a dynamic starting point for hikers, runners, and cyclists, linking the rugged wilderness of William B. Umstead State Park with the expansive, paved greenway network that stretches across Wake County and beyond. Its strategic position near the I-40 corridor and Lake Crabtree makes it an indispensable asset for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both long-distance cycling routes and challenging local mountain bike loops.
This unassuming parking lot and access point is far more than a simple entry point; it is a nexus for the East Coast Greenway, the 7.1-mile Black Creek Greenway, and the mountain bike trails of Lake Crabtree County Park. Whether you are planning a moderate 3.7-mile trail run on the gravel surface of the Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail or embarking on a lengthy ride towards Fred G. Bond Metro Park, understanding the specific connections and surface types available at the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead is crucial for maximizing your adventure.
The Ultimate Trail Hub: Biography of the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead
The Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead, situated on property jointly managed by the Town of Cary and Wake County, serves as a critical junction for several of North Carolina's most popular outdoor recreation areas. Its "biography" is less about historical figures and more about its unparalleled connectivity to the region's vast greenway system.
- Official Address: 2139 Old Reedy Creek Rd., Cary, NC 27513.
- Management: Jointly managed by the Town of Cary and Wake County.
- Operating Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset, ensuring ample time for morning runs or late-day hikes.
- Key Geographic Features: Located between the Lake Crabtree dam and Old Reedy Creek Road, with the I-40 bridge serving as a major landmark for the Umstead connection.
- Primary Activities: Hiking, trail running, road cycling, and mountain biking.
- Parking: A dedicated parking lot is available, though it can fill up quickly on weekends due to the trailhead's popularity.
- Dog Policy: Provides access to several dog-friendly trails, making it a popular spot for pet owners.
Unlocking the Triangle's Trail Network: The "Big Three" Connections
The true value of the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead lies in its ability to funnel users directly into three distinct and major trail systems, each offering a unique outdoor experience. This trifecta of access points gives the trailhead massive topical authority for trail enthusiasts in the Raleigh-Durham area.
1. The William B. Umstead State Park Gateway
The trailhead is the principal western access point to the Umstead State Park trail network via the Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail. This connection is a vital segment of the larger East Coast Greenway, a planned trail system stretching from Maine to Florida. The Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail itself is approximately 3.7 to 5 miles long one way, characterized by a wide, hard-packed surface of gravel and screenings (not asphalt). The trail is blazed with red circles and is officially rated as moderate difficulty, popular with mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers alike. This path takes you over the dramatic I-40 bridge, offering unique views before diving into the dense woods of Umstead State Park towards the park's southeastern entrance and the North Carolina Museum of Art.
2. The Black Creek Greenway Spine
Beginning at the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead, the Black Creek Greenway is one of the Town of Cary's longest and most celebrated greenway trails. This paved, multi-use path extends continuously for 7.1 miles, traversing the town of Cary and connecting to the greenway hub at Fred G. Bond Metro Park. This route is perfect for long-distance road cycling, leisurely family rides, and paved surface running. It also provides a critical link to the White Oak Creek Greenway, further expanding the network. Visitors should note that a 2.5-mile section of the Black Creek Greenway, specifically between Old Reedy Creek Road and West Dynasty Drive, has been the subject of recent renovation and redesign projects to improve the user experience.
3. Lake Crabtree County Park Mountain Bike Trails
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the trailhead offers direct access to the extensive trail system within Lake Crabtree County Park. The trailhead is positioned strategically near the Lake Crabtree dam, and users can access the park's famous 286 Trails (a network of singletrack loops) by following the Lake Trail for about 1.2 miles to the main Lake Crabtree parking lot. This connection provides up to 7 miles of dog-friendly exploration through natural surroundings, featuring scenic Lake Crabtree overlooks and challenging terrain for intermediate riders.
Navigating the Terrain: Surface, Lengths, and Trail Tips
Successfully navigating the trails from the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead requires knowing the specific surface types and trail characteristics, which vary dramatically depending on your chosen direction. This knowledge is key to selecting the right gear, whether it's trail running shoes or a mountain bike.
Surface Types and Trail Specifications
The trailhead itself sits at the transition point between paved greenways and natural surface trails, offering a diverse experience that caters to all types of outdoor activities:
- Umstead State Park (Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail): The surface is predominantly gravel/screenings and hard-packed dirt, which is excellent for mountain biking and trail running but less suitable for thin-tire road bikes. The 0.6-mile connection along Old Reedy Creek Road to the Umstead section is also gravel.
- Black Creek Greenway: This trail is a paved, asphalt, or concrete surface, making it ideal for road bikes, strollers, and casual walks.
- Lake Crabtree Trails (286 Trails): These are classic singletrack mountain bike trails, composed of natural dirt and roots, offering a more technical and challenging ride.
Essential Trail LSI Keywords and Entities
To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, familiarize yourself with the full scope of the Capital Area Greenway system that the Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead feeds into. The entire network is a designated State Trail, providing continuous routes for miles. Entities to remember include the Capital Area Greenway, the Umstead Multiuse Trail, the Lake Trail, and the connection to the Triangle's mountain biking community. The area is a haven for cyclists who appreciate off-road conditions, with Umstead offering 13 miles of multi-use paths made of hard-packed dirt.
When planning your visit, always check the current status of the Lake Crabtree mountain bike trails, as they are often closed after heavy rain to prevent trail damage. This active management ensures the long-term sustainability of the 286 Trails and the entire Lake Crabtree Loop. The Old Reedy Creek Road Trailhead is not just a place to park your car; it is the definitive starting line for exploring the vast, interconnected wilderness and greenway system of central North Carolina.
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