Crabtree Creek – Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail loop from North Carolina State Fair
Crabtree Creek – Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail loop from North Carolina State Fair
4.9
(9368)
9,369
riders
Crabtree Creek – Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail loop from North Carolina State Fair
02:10
36.6km
360m
Gravel riding
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
William B. Umstead State Park
Carl Schenck Memorial Forest
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
Get Directions
6.39 km
East Coast Greenway Entrance – William B. Umstead State Park
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
6.61 km
William B. Umstead State Park Entrance
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
8.10 km
Reedy Creek Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
8.44 km
Crabtree Creek
Highlight • River
Tip by
8.47 km
Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
10.6 km
Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
15.3 km
Reedy Creek Trailhead at Lake Crabtree
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
23.0 km
Chainsaw log
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
36.6 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
19.8 km
9.55 km
4.19 km
2.23 km
670 m
165 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
22.3 km
7.27 km
4.84 km
1.54 km
679 m
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Elevation
Highest point (150 m)
Lowest point (80 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 27 June
34°C
22°C
55 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Crabtree Creek – Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail loop from the North Carolina State Fairgrounds is one of those gravel biking routes worth your time: a moderate 22.7-mile (36.6 km) ride with 1179 feet (359 metres) of climbing over roughly 2 hours and 9 minutes. This loop is perfect if you're looking for a substantial gravel biking experience in Raleigh that blends natural beauty with urban accessibility, offering a solid workout without extreme technical challenges.
What to expect on Crabtree Creek – Reedy Creek Multiuse Trail loop from North Carolina State Fair
You'll find yourself traversing a surprisingly diverse landscape on this route. While it's often called a gravel ride, expect a mix of paved sections, compacted gravel, and unpaved paths, particularly as you wind through the scenic William B. Umstead State Park. The trail offers beautiful views of Lake Crabtree and a picturesque bridge crossing Crabtree Creek, with chances to spot wildlife along the way. It’s a route that demands good fitness for its length and elevation, making it ideal for experienced gravel cyclists or those looking to push their endurance on varied terrain.
Planning your visit
Starting from the North Carolina State Fairgrounds area, this loop offers excellent connectivity to other greenways. A great access point is the Reedy Creek Trailhead at Lake Crabtree, which provides ample parking, restrooms, water, and even a bike repair station. While the route is accessible year-round, consider cooler months for a more comfortable ride, especially given the length and varied surfaces. Always carry enough water, particularly during warmer North Carolina days.
Trail details
- Distance: 22.7 miles (36.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 1179 feet (359 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 9 minutes
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