Home › Pennsylvania › Philadelphia › Houston Meadow
Houston Meadow
4.8 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Running trail in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Houston Meadow yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Houston Meadow
“If you're coming from Forbidden drive it can be a bit steep but nice quiet hike since not many people venture off the drive.”
Trail running here makes me happy in any season! Help keep the meadow happy by volunteering with Friends of the Wissahickon.
Nice quiet trail off of the orange trail of forbidden drive. Occasional horse walking the narrow trails is a pleasant surprise. This is my favorite location to take in nature, you get a nice workout with the scenery.
Nice wide meadow with some Holly and tall grass. Great spot for sunset photos. If you're coming from Forbidden drive it can be a bit steep but nice quiet hike since not many people venture off the drive.
I parked in the neighborhood here , the steep hill on the way back up from forbidden drive will definitely get your heart pumping!
Trail conditions & character
“I parked in the neighborhood here , the steep hill on the way back up from forbidden drive will definitely get your heart pumping!”
“If you're coming from Forbidden drive it can be a bit steep but nice quiet hike since not many people venture off the drive.”
Plan your run at Houston Meadow
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Philadelphia
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Andorra Meadow
4.8 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
Nature preserve offering kid-friendly hikes and bird watching opportunities, plus a cafe.
Bells Mill Road West Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 55 reviews
Kid-friendly area features walking and hiking trails amid verdant surrounds.
Wissahickon Valley Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 6,926 reviews
Vast park with over 50 miles of trails for hikers, bikers & equestrians, plus a trout-stocked creek.
Pastorius Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Large park featuring a lake and a stage for outdoor summer concerts, plus a loop trail.
Carpenter's Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Wooded trails featuring salamanders, birds, and plenty of dogs.