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Natural Lands' Saunders Woods Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 116 Google reviews · Running trail in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Natural Lands' Saunders Woods Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Tranquil green space featuring marked trails through meadows and forest, plus a 19th-century barn.
What runners say about Natural Lands' Saunders Woods Preserve
“It is so well maintained and clean, the trails are excellent and a good range in difficulty.”
“The nature at this place is stunning.”
“Sitting at the bench that overlooks the creek, and allows you to hear it's quiet flow is always relaxing.”
Plenty of parking for this petite hidden gem. The paths are very well maintained and mostly grass/stamped down by foot traffic. Lots of nature sounds despite being in a sparse residential area. It connects to a trail that then connects to another park, Henry Lane Park, if you want a longer walk/hike.
This is my FAVORITE place to hike. I love the trials, the meadow, woods and rivers. It’s the best of everything. I come here to hike frequently alone and I feel completely safe. It is so well maintained and clean, the trails are excellent and a good range in difficulty. The wildlife is amazing too.
Saunders Woods is an ideal place to take a light hike. I call it a "light hike," because being on hills and uneven ground, it's certinaly more rigourous than taking a walk, yet not as challenging as hiking at nearby Rolling hill Park. The nature at this place is stunning. Lots of trees, and a nice path along the creek.
My first exploration of Saunders Woods. Just did some cursory looking around. Trails look pretty navigable and not difficult to find. Did not notice restrooms. Appears to have adequate parking. Very few people there this afternoon. I saw one person in a car and another person walking. Too of four cars, including mine.
Trail conditions & character
“-Whoever spray painted the leash your dog sign should stay home- An amazing park with with an abundant species of birds and plants.”
“One of the parking lots is right next to a private road however, so make sure to pay attention to the signs.”
“I call it a "light hike," because being on hills and uneven ground, it's certinaly more rigourous than taking a walk, yet not as challenging as hiking at nearby Rolling hill Park.”
“Sitting at the bench that overlooks the creek, and allows you to hear it's quiet flow is always relaxing.”
“Saunders Woods is an ideal place to take a light hike.”
Plan your run at Natural Lands' Saunders Woods Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitenatlands.org
- Phone(610) 353-5587
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Gladwyne
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Rolling Hill Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 512 reviews
Nature park with a creek features trails & historic landmarks, including a mill & housing ruins.
Spring Mill Trail Head
4.7 ★★★★★ 61 reviews
Park featuring biking trails, plus some parking at the local train station.