hey i am all for it. Umstead is a good local choice. there are lots walking trails in the triangle but most are filled with jogging college kids, mini-van-moms, strollers, and kids on heelys, etc.

for real hiking in the area beyond Umstead, I would suggest: Raven Rock State Park south of the Triangle, and Hanging Rock State Park in the Triad area, and as Brian said also in the Triad is Pilot Mountain State Park, and on the north side of the Triangle is the Eno River State Park.

oh i just rememberd a local gem here in the Triangle: Hemlock Bluffs. this is a little city operated park, but it is unusually rugged and thus doesn't get swamped with alot of traffic.