# William B. Umstead State Park Thanksgiving Sal's Branch Trail Hike > Event for families in the Raleigh–Cary area (NC). Times are Eastern Time. - When: Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM - Where: William B. Umstead State Park (Crabtree Creek Entrance), 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617 - Ages: All ages - Price: Free state park admission and parking - Organizer: North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation - Official page: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-park - Last checked: Thu, Nov 5 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 10, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/raleigh/activities/william-b-umstead-state-park-thanksgiving-sal-s-branch-trail-hike--listing-e3934dc6dc843c76a5a4a91d ## About Encompassing nearly 6,000 pristine acres between Raleigh and Cary, William B. Umstead State Park is North Carolina's premier urban wilderness. On Thanksgiving Day, families head to the Crabtree Creek entrance off Glenwood Avenue to hike the beloved 2.8-mile Sal's Branch Trail loop. The well-marked trail meanders beneath towering beech, oak, and pine canopies, leading hikers down to the tranquil shoreline of 55-acre Big Lake and across bubbling forest streams crossed by wooden footbridges. Children can borrow a Junior Ranger activity guide from the Visitor Center, discovering animal tracks, fallen acorns, and forest fungi along the path. It is an invigorating Thanksgiving tradition that reconnects busy families with natural peace and holiday mindfulness. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Sal's Branch is a natural soil trail with roots and rocks best suited for hiking carriers; the multi-use gravel bridle trails nearby accommodate rugged jogger strollers. • Nursing & Rest Spots: The Park Visitor Center features heated indoor restrooms with baby changing counters, interactive nature exhibits, and comfortable rest benches. • Age Suitability: Suitable for all ages; elementary school kids easily hike the 2.8-mile loop at a leisurely, curious pace. • Sensory Tips: Deep, soothing forest stillness punctuated by the murmur of flowing streams and wind through the pine needles; minimal artificial noise. ## Similar picks in Raleigh - [Lake Crabtree County Park Thanksgiving Wetland Nature Hike](https://grassyknees.com/raleigh/activities/lake-crabtree-county-park-thanksgiving-wetland-nature-hike--listing-b2ca5f1d08bc3cc961e2bdf2) — Fri, Nov 27 · 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM · Lake Crabtree County Park, Morrisville · All ages · Free · checked Nov 5. 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