Meadow Trail Hike

Just after the bridge at the Highway 9 entrance to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Meadow Trail begins as a gateway path into this historic landscape. A wide and open meadow surrounded by redwood trees greets you as you make your way toward the park office. Meadow Trail cuts along the sideline of this meadow and provides a few breakout views through the trees and brush. This is a short, dog-friendly trail that has very minimal change in elevation. Various species of fungi local to the Santa Cruz Mountains can be found along this trail as well as throughout the park. Keep an eye out for meadow dwelling animals such as rabbits and squirrels as well as the prey birds that feed on them. This is a great location to see hawks perched in the trees. From the park office, Redwood Grove Loop, River Trail and Pipeline Road are all close by to take you deeper into the forest. Restrooms, picnic tables, the nature center, and the visitor center are all centrally located at the main parking lot.