Here's a hike I'm guessing you haven't done: Umstead State Park to Carter-Finley Stadium. (Unless you've done it before on a Rod Broadbelt marathon hike.)
On the face of it, that might sound like an odd hike. It's not. It's just unusual. But very cool. It starts from the parking lot off the Harrison Avenue entrance to Umstead and takes the Loblolly Trail out of the park. It takes in a Wake County flood control lake, passes through Schenck Forest, then picks up Richland Creek under Wade Avenue before popping out near the stadium. The Richalnd Creek stretches are especially nice.
Hike leader Rod Broadbelt says you'll get there and back — a 13.5-mile roundtrip — in 5 1/2 hours or he will surrender his title as the Triangle's most expedient hike leader. (Actually, he didn't say that, I did. But as anyone who has hiked with Rod can attest, he will make the mark.) Meet at 8 a.m. sharp, bring water and lunch, the latter to be consumed under the sculpted wolves at Carter-Finely.
Other upcoming hikes Rod has planned:
May 2, 14 miles Umstead to Lake Crabtree mountain biking trails and back to Umstead.
June 6, 12 miles, no off-trail.
July 11, 10 miles, no off-trail.
Questions? Rod will entertain them via email at rbroadbelt@nc.rr.com or by phone, (before 7 p.m., please) at 363-6611.
