William B. Umstead State Park, once known as Crabtree Creek Recreation Demonstration Area, is located in Wake County near downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. With its boundless network of hiking and multi-use trails, three manmade lakes and their tributaries make it a great multiple-bridges park. Pack a picnic as both park entrances offer picnic shelters, or better yet, pack an overnight bag to stay at Crabtree Creek's camping areas, primitive cabins, and the historic landmark Maple Hill Lodge. Here are a few highlights.

It is easier to appreciate this gorgeous North Carolina State Park when you know about the investment that went into creating such an impressive public space.

From about 1936-1949, some of the Civilian Conservation Corps construction projects at the park included clearing trees and brush to create a lake on Sycamore Creek;

building a dam, group camp cabins, and mess halls; and excavations for a waste disposal field and septic tank.

1. North Turkey Creek Trail/Graylyn Trail

Set aside about two hours to hike this moderately challenging six-mile out-and-back trail.

A wooden bridge takes you deep into the unpaved, multi-use, wide, and shaded path.

Expect some steep inclines and windy turns, and no parking spaces are offered here.

When you cross this iron bridge, you begin the trail's loop section.

Notice the stark architecture against the leafy backdrop.

2. Company Mill Trail to Reedy Creek Trail Loop

This approximately 5-mile loop trail is also moderately challenging and takes about two hours to complete.

After about 25 minutes, Crabtree Creek appears, which is where the Company Mill site existed back in the early 1800s.

Remnants of the old dam are visible on both sides.

The views are stunning everywhere you look, especially at Reedy Creek.

3. Sal's Branch Trail

This easy, 2.5-mile, loop trail only takes about an hour to hike.

The gentle, rolling stroll guides you through gorgeous pines and hardwoods.

4. Sycamore Trail

Try out the 7.2-mile, moderately challenging loop trail which takes about two hours to hike.

The curving stone bridge makes a picturesque arch dividing the horizon.

And bits of history are tucked in everywhere throughout the park.

5. Big Lake Upper Dam Loop

This wooden bridge takes you across a drainage stream near Big Lake.

Several parking areas make this trail accessible including Big Lake, the visitor center, and the Campground Spur.

And some of us don't need a bridge at Big Lake.

Come on in — the water's just fine.

Have you decided to explore the most breathtaking views and trails in this vast multiple bridges park? If you visit William B. Umstead State Park, please tell us about your adventures in the comments below. And if you are open to an old-fashioned experience, take a delightful carriage ride through Raleigh.