At the end of last summer we ventured out for some hiking at Umstead Park. Since Claire was only about a month old at the time, we wanted to keep it pretty easy so we explored Pott’s Branch Trail, which is only 1.6 miles and easy on the difficulty scale. To get to Pott’s Branch Trail, use the park entrance at 8801 Glenwood Ave and continue straight to the back of the park where you’ll come to a large parking lot. We parked in the larger, two-level parking lot and after a lot of configuring backpacks and bjorns we set off to find the trail head.
For some reason, even for two directionally-sound people we had a hard time finding the trail head for Pott’s Branch Trail. From what I remember the signage was horrible and after a lot of stumbling around, we eventually found it. Lucky for us, this is small looped trail so regardless of where we got on, we’d eventually get back to the parking lot.
Raleigh had a very wet summer last year and the trail was evidence of such. Portions of the trail parallel a small stream, which had debris filled branches indicative of higher water levels. There were also some large downed trees and muddy areas, which made us think the stream must have risen over the bank in areas.
The trail itself was very easy; other than a few downed trees that we walked around and large tree roots along the way, the trail is very flat and comfortable for most any fitness level. Along the way, you’ll pass a large wooden deck, picnic table and small grill, and roads in the very far distance. Since this trail is on the opposite side of the road from Big Lake, you won’t see any large bodies of water, but the flowing stream offers some interesting views and holds the attention of toddlers!
Thumbs up: quick and easy hike, nearby stream, wide and shady trail
Thumbs down: poor signage from the parking lot to trail head
Sal’s Branch Trail Photo Update
Labor Day weekend my sister and brother-in-law visited so we headed back to Umstead Park where we hiked Sal’s Branch Trail again. Be sure to read my first review of that trail, but again, I love that it’s a good distance (2.75 miles) and has nice views of Big Lake. We got such an early start on the hike that we were able to grab lunch to go from Moe’s and visit the nearby Gizmo Brew Works for some much needed beers and a picnic lunch! Gizmo Brew Works is nestled in an industrial park off Glenwood Ave and has an array of inside seating (couches, tables) and some picnic tables outside. Albeit, probably not designed to bring kids, but we made it work! They don’t serve food, but we’re fine with us bringing outside food so plan accordingly.
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Fall is prime time for hiking, enjoying the great weather and taking in the leaves changing colors. We recently visited Brookhaven Nature Park in the Brookhaven neighborhood at 
With Fall in full swing, it’s a great time to do some hiking in Raleigh’s backyard. Months ago we visited Jordan Lake State Park for some hiking and a picnic and with the leaves changing colors now it’d be a perfect time to go back. Having survived Profile Trail in western NC we wanted to try one of Jordan Lake’s more challenging trails. After researching the NC Parks website we decided on the blue trail at 
The Blue trail had a moderate difficulty with some gradual hills and tree stumps along the path. It was well cleared and easy to follow. It took us about 1.5 hours to finish the hike, making it a great mid-morning outing with Ashley and Ripken. After the hike we headed over to the shore line near the boat ramps for a yummy picnic lunch. Unfortunately there weren’t any picnic tables so we roughed it on the shore line. We all had a great time and can’t wait to head back to Jordan Lake soon for some more hiking and perhaps some camping! Visit the 
If you’re looking for a place to go hiking in Raleigh and have exhausted your options at Umstead Park, you should definitely make your way into North Raleigh to Annie Louise Wilkerson, MD Nature Preserve Park. Being the only visitors at the park a few months ago, we visited the main office and spoke to the very friendly and knowledgeable staff about the history of the park. It was lovely to hear her speak about Dr. Annie’s will to leave the land as a nature preserve park. The park office was converted from an old residence on the property and there are future plans to convert Dr. Annie’s old standing residence into indoor classrooms.
Oh, boy! It’s been a few weeks since I last posted about our trip to Grandfather Mountain: partly because I’ve been busy with other things, but mostly because I’m still wrapping my head around conquering the Profile Trail and Calloway Peak. Yes, I used the word “conquered” when describing this hike.
At 2.3 miles you reach Profile View, which offers a spectacular view of the Grandfather Profile. After you pass Profile View, the terrain gets much steeper and harder to ascend. At 2.7 miles you reach Shanty Spring, which is known for being the “last sure water” spot. We refilled here on the way back down the mountain as we did not come prepared with enough water. Shanty Spring is a great rest area offering a lot of shade and a cool drink before ascending the strenuous path of boulders, which lies next.
Continuing on, we headed to Calloway Peak, which includes climbing three different ladders suspended between large boulders. It was unlike anything we’d climbed before, but so were the views at the top: the sky was so blue, the mountains so green and you could see for miles.
For Memorial Day weekend we headed out to the Grandfather Mountain area on the annual 
