Umstead Park Log Art: Exploring with a Toddler

For those of you that are following along, you know my newest obsession is finding hidden gems in cities, and it’s a huge plus if they’re outdoors. The William B. Umstead Park Log Art is both of those things. So how did this amazing piece of art come to be?

Origin Story

A red oak tree, which had been standing in North Carolina’s William B. Umstead State Park for over 100 years, blew over during a storm in 2015. Instead of letting it lay there to decay, Jerry Redu and Randy Boni of Smoky Mountain Art turned it into a masterpiece. They spent about a week carving the ornate depictions of animals and plants into the tree (measuring in at about 25 feet long) using chainsaws! While the log art has been around for several years now, it’s still in really good condition. Some of the animals have lost ears to decay, but that doesn’t deter from its beauty.

What’s the most toddler-friendly hike to locate the log art?

The easiest (and shortest) route to see the log art is by entering the Crabtree Creek entrance off of Glenwood Avenue. You will continue driving past the Welcome Center and follow the signs to the Sycamore cabins. This will get you to the Sycamore parking lot, where you will take the trail on the left. This is clearly marked, so you can’t miss it.

You’ll then follow the signs to the “Log Art” off of the Graylyn Trail. Again, these were very easy to follow (I was actually worried we’d get lost, so I grabbed a map at the trailhead). Once you’re on Graylyn Trail, you’ll walk past a cabin and then cross over Sycamore Trail. The only turn you make is a right just past Sycamore Trail. (You actually don’t have a choice but to turn.) A little ways up, you’ll see the log art on the left, just past the crossing the North Turkey Creek Trail. It’s impossible to miss.

Trail Travel Suggestions

The entire walk from the parking lot to the log art and back was just over one-mile. Since Poppy loves exploring, I opted to have her walk, instead of riding in a stroller. If you choose to put your little one in a stroller, I would just make sure it has large enough tires for the terrain (think gravel road). This wouldn’t be something an umbrella stroller could attempt. Another option would be to use a carrier, like this one, made specifically for hikes. I wouldn’t try having your little one bike the path, unless they’re experienced trail riders.

Have you taken a trip out to Umstead Park and viewed the log art? We’d love to hear about it!