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 Reporter |
Summary: The Company Mill Trail can be surprisingly tranquil for it proximity to the capitol city. Approximately 25 minutes into the hike Crabtree Creek appears, which is where the Company Mill site existed back in the early 1800's. Remnants of the old dam are visible on both sides. Crossing an iron bridge, you begin the trail's loop section. Heading right, the trail follows the creek before walking up a short series of terraced steps. The views at the top will be minimal during the summer months. Continuing on, crossing the bike and bridle trail, takes you to a kiosk with information on the destructive impact of the Southern Pine Beetle. A sharp left keeps you on the trail, along Sycamore Creek. This back half of the loop can be very muddy and slick after a good rain. A slight elevation gain via a pair of switchbacks leads across the bridle trail once more. The remainder of the trail is easy hiking with very slight ups and downs. Follow along the creek to the bridge. Trailhead: Take Interstate 40 to Exit 287/Harrison Ave. Umstead Park is on the left if you traveled I-40 East and on the right for I-40 West. Keep straight into the park and veer to the first right you encounter. Driving into the parking lot, this trail is located in the back-left corner. Park maps can be obtained at a kiosk located in the back-right corner as you enter the parking lot. (Lat:35.8363 Lon:-78.76) Trail Guides for Company_Mill_Loop: North Carolina Hiking Trails by Allen de Hart () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: William B. Umstead State Park (919)571-4170/after 5pm-(919)218-9106 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Rick Howell Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by LUGIANO on 2/1/2005 I have measured this trail on a couple of occassions. The total loop is 5.9 miles from the parking lot. It is particularly nice in the spring and later fall of the year when the pine needle cover is still fresh. Fun to run in the right direction off the Iron Bridge. 
Reviewed by Andy on 7/31/2003 Hiked, er..., walked this trail many times. It's quite easy, but as the reviewer says, "surprisingly tranquil" if you consider how it's surrounded by "town". Add this to the minimum drive-time to get here, it's definitely worth an afternoon. 
Reviewed by Joel on 5/17/2003 It's been years since I hiked in this park. This Californian always found the changes of season fascinating: in the summer, you couldn't see six feet in any direction because of the undergrowth. In winter, you could see for hundreds of yards because of the barrenness of the trees. One annoying thing: Raleigh Durham Airport is right next to the park and every few minutes you hear a jet taking off. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Wake County Hiking, Wake County Trails, Wake County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||