Amenities and Rules: Picnic Area
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Akron Falls Park – Akron Falls Trail
Location: Akron, NY This beautiful waterfall is located 1 hour west of Rochester, NY just outside of Buffalo. It was about 0.1 mile each way to the lookout over the falls and about 0.2 miles each way if you add in the hike down to the base of the falls. The trail was pretty narrow… Read more
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Alden Town Park – Joe Panza Nature Trail
Location: Alden, NY This nature trail is located a bit over 1 hour west of Rochester, NY outside of Buffalo. The entire loop trail was around 1.5 miles and starts from the Alden Town Park Loop. The path was a mix of gravel and dirt and would not be considered very stroller friendly. The trail… Read more
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Andrews Park and Trail
Location: Henrietta, NY This park is located in a neighborhood with gravel/stone dust trails through the woods with some swampy areas (and lots of bugs). We did the smallest 0.4 mile clockwise loop, but there were different side trails we didn’t try. The trail wasn’t muddy or wet when we went and was mostly flat.… Read more
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Outdoor Areas
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. There are several hiking trails as well as hands-on activities inside of the nature center. There are also some beautiful spots to visit just outside of the nature center building, including a birds of… Read more
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Blue Cut Nature Center
Location: Lyons, NY This beautiful hiking area is located 45 minutes east of Rochester, NY. We parked at the parking lot near the restrooms and picnic area then walked along the line of evergreen trees and past the field to the next pavilion and picnic area. According to the official website there are several trails… Read more
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Brighton Town Park
Location: Brighton, NY This lovely park is located 10 minutes south of Rochester, NY. There are two walking areas here in addition to baseball fields, pavilions, a lodge, restrooms, and a new playground. There are picnic tables and benches as well. Trail Map: Trail Map AllTrails: Brighton Town Park Trail (this 1.8 mile loop includes the… Read more
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Brookdale Preserve
Location: Chili, NY This Genesee Land Trust nature preserve is located 18 minutes southwest of Rochester, NY. According to their website, Brookdale Preserve ” contains wooded wetlands, an open wet-meadow, and hardwood uplands. The Preserve is home to a Floodplain forest which is a rare ecological community in New York State and one of the… Read more
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Buckland Park Loop
Location: Brighton, NY Buckland Park is located 10 minutes south of Rochester, NY. This park has many sports fields, picnic areas, pavilions, seasonal restrooms, three playgrounds, and a 1-mile stone-dust path around the perimeter. The path goes through some wetland areas with a few bridges, passes by a handful of pine trees, and some benches.… Read more
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Bullis Park
Location: Macedon, NY This park is 30 minutes east of Rochester, NY. Bullis Park also has a traditional playground, basketball court, tennis court, and two pickleball courts, two pavilions, bathrooms, and grass fields. Official Website: Macedon Recreation Department; Times of Wayne County Read more
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Canawaugus Park
Location: Scottsville, NY We really enjoyed this peaceful park about 25 minutes southwest of Rochester, NY. It is located along Oatka Creek. in Scottsville. There were two benches overlooking the creek at the “Oatka Overlook”. There is a bridge, known as the “George Bridge”, more benches, picnic tables, and a grassy field. From Canawaugus Park,… Read more
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Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park (North Ponds Park)
Location: Webster, NY This park is located 20 minutes east of Rochester, NY. There are two beautiful ponds with a 1-mile paved path around them. There are benches, picnic tables, fitness stations, restrooms near the southern parking area, and a disc golf course. This trail connects to the Hojack Trail and the Bird Sanctuary Trail.… Read more
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Cobb’s Hill Park/Lake Riley
Location: Rochester, NY The bottom part of Cobb’s Hill Park, located along Culver Road in the city of Rochester, has a lot to offer! While there is not an official hiking trail, there is a nice walking path from behind the playground up to the tennis courts that connects all the way to Monroe Ave… Read more
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Davis Park
Location: Chili, NY This park west of Rochester has a paved walking path from one end to the other, two playgrounds (one traditional playground and one accessible playground), a free little library, tennis courts, benches, pavilions, restrooms, and soccer/baseball fields. Official Website: Town of Chili Read more
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Delphi Falls Park – Lower Falls
Location: Cazenovia, NY This waterfall park is located south of Syracuse, two hours from Rochester. We walked along the brand new ADA accessible stone dust trail to the beautiful overlook of the 62-foot tall lower falls. There is parking just inside the gate and a trail that leads over a pedestrian bridge. There are also… Read more
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Durand Eastman Park – Irondequoit Lakeside Trail
Location: Rochester, NY This trail, also called the Lakeshore Bike Trail and the Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail, is located in Rochester, NY. The roughly 9 mile trail trail starts at the intersection of Durand Blvd and Culver Rd and goes along Sweet Fern Road and Lake Shore Blvd all the way to the Genesee… Read more
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Ellison Park – Coyote Den Trail
Location: Penfield, NY Ellison Park is located less than 10 minutes east of Rochester, NY. The Coyote Den Trail is a 1.1 mile out and back trail that goes from Penfield Road to Blossom Road. We parked at Penfield Road where there was a picnic table. The trail goes through a beautiful forest with sloped… Read more
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Ellison Park – Indian Landing Trail
Location: Penfield, NY Ellison Park is located less than 10 minutes east of Rochester, NY. The Indian Landing Trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail. The path is mostly flat and is somewhat stroller friendly, though the gravel is bumpy in some places and there can be large mud puddles after a rain. The trail… Read more
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Ellison Park – Overlook Trail
Location: Penfield, NY Ellison Park is located less than 10 minutes east of Rochester, NY. The Overlook Trail is a 0.6 mile loop trail that branches off of the Coyote Den Trail, making for a hike that will be longer than 0.6 miles. We parked at Penfield Road where there was a picnic table. The… Read more
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Fellows Road Park
Location: Perinton, NY This lovely park is located 20 minutes east of Rochester, NY. There is a one-mile stone dust path around the perimeter of the park with fitness stations. It was stroller friendly except for one small section where the path was in need of some repair, but it may be fixed by now!… Read more
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Fishers Park
Location: Victor, NY This park is located 25 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. There are five miles of trails in the park that include wooded hillsides, wetland areas, and trails along Irondequoit Creek. There are many small wooden bridges. At the entrance on Main Street there is a picnic area along the creek and porta… Read more
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Ganondagan – Granary Trail at Fort Hill
Location: Victor, NY Note: There is hunting allowed at Ganondagan. Do your research before visiting these hiking trails and take safety precautions. Ganondagan, located 25 minutes south of Rochester, is the original site of a 17th century Seneca town. Today, it is home to the Ganondagan State Historic Site and miles of beautiful trails. The… Read more
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Gates Memorial Park
Location: Gates, NY This basic park is located 10 minutes west of Rochester, NY. It has a 0.5-mile paved walking path around some fields that passes by small wooded areas. It can be connected with the paved path at Lions Park to make a 1-mile loop. The park has a memorial, sports fields, a pond… Read more
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Genesee Country Village & Museum – Historic Village
Location: Mumford, NY GCV&M is located 30 minutes west of Rochester, NY. It is the largest living history museum in New York State spanning 600 acres. The village and museum offer an immersive experience of 19th-century American life. It features 68 relocated and restored buildings from the Genesee Valley region, representing three time periods: Pioneer… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – Forestry Trail
Location: East Bethany, NY This beautiful 0.61 mile loop trail is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. The Forestry trail is connected to many other trails in a large network. We accessed the trail via the 0.08 mile connector trail past Turtle Pond starting from the Interpretive Center parking lot, but there are other… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – Interpretive Center
Location: East Bethany, NY This beautiful interpretive nature center is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. There are numerous displays including interactive dioramas, animal taxidermy, birds nest matching, a working honeybee hive, and a live turtle. The children’s room includes many interactive and hands-on activities including fossil digging, puppet theater, scavenger hunt, books, puzzles,… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – Plantation Trail
Location: East Bethany, NY This beautiful trail is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. It is a 0.5 mile loop through several tree plantations planted throughout the late 1960’s. Larch, Norway Spruce, Red Pine, and White Pine. In some areas the trees are planted in perfect rows which is beautiful to look at! A… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – Play Area
Location: East Bethany, NY This beautiful park is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. In the northeast corner of the park property is a parking area that is closed in the winter. There are pavilions to rent, public restrooms, benches, a traditional playground, and beautiful evergreen trees. From here, you can access the Plantation Trail… Read more
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Genesee Valley Park – Red Creek Trail
Location: Rochester, NY This park is located in the city of Rochester, NY. The Red Creek Trail is 0.6 miles each way (1.2 round trip) starting from the Tupelo Shelter. The paved path travels alongside Red Creek and passes by pavilions, ball fields, and beautiful trees. A few short detours can take you to some… Read more
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Geneva Lakefront Trail
Location: Geneva, NY This trail is located at the northern shore of Seneca Lake, 45 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. The 4.4 mile long out and back path is paved and stroller friendly. The trail passes the Finger Lakes Welcome Center (with the I LOVE NY sign), Geneva Lakefront Park, Seneca Lake State Park, Long… Read more
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Glen Park
Location: Williamsville, NY We visited this beautiful park on a recent trip to Buffalo, located 1.5 hours west of Rochester, NY. We parked near the Nature Play Playground which had fun signs for kids, a mural, a pavilion, a Little Free Library, and beautiful hand painted benches. We walked across the street to the view… Read more
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Gosnell Big Woods Preserve – Big Field Trail
Location: Webster, NY NOTE: Gosnell Big Woods Preserve is open for hunting during the appropriate season. Read all posted signs and follow safety precautions during hunting season. This beautiful nature preserve is located 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY near the shore of Lake Ontario. This preserve has an old-growth forest, a field, and a… Read more
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Great Embankment Park
Location: Pittsford, NY This park is located along the Erie Canal 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY. We parked in the lot by the bathrooms and walked up the steep, gravel path to play on the really nice playground! We then continued along the stone dust path to the canal and walked along the stone… Read more
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Green Lakes State Park – Green Lake Trail
Location: Fayetteville, NY This beautiful state park is located 1.5 hours east of Rochester, NY just south of Syracuse. The Green Lake Trail is a 2 mile loop trail that circles Green Lake with beautiful views and some informational signs. The path is stone dust and is stroller friendly. It can be combined with the… Read more
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Green Lakes State Park – Grounds
Location: Fayetteville, NY This beautiful state park is located 1.5 hours east of Rochester, NY just south of Syracuse. General Park Info: Trail Map: Trail Map AllTrails: Green Lake to Round Lake Trail Official Website: NY State Parks; Go Finger Lakes Other Websites: NY Falls; Uncovering New York; CNY Hiking Read more
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Green Lake State Park – Round Lake Trail
Location: Fayetteville, NY This beautiful state park is located 1.5 hours east of Rochester, NY just south of Syracuse. The Green Lake Trail is a 1 mile loop trail that circles Round Lake with beautiful views and some benches and informational signs. The path is stone dust and is stroller friendly. It can be reached… Read more
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Grimes Glen Park
Location: Naples, NY This beautiful waterfall hike is located 1 hour south of Rochester, NY. There is a wooden bridge and dirt trail along the creek at the beginning of the hike, but when it became steep and sketchy we went down and walked through the creek instead. It was helpful to have solid, grippy… Read more
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Hamlin Beach State Park – Beach Boardwalk
Location: Hamlin, NY This state park is located 30 minutes northwest of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. The Beach Boardwalk is a 1.84 mile path along the lakeshore between Devil’s Nose and the Yanty Marsh. The stroller friendly path is paved and passes playgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, and swimming beaches. There are… Read more
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Hamlin Beach State Park – Yanty Creek Nature Trail
Location: Hamlin, NY This state park is located 30 minutes northwest of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. On the east end of the park is the Yanty Marsh with a beautiful nature trail. About 0.2 miles into the hike is a beautiful boardwalk to a viewing platform over the marsh. The trail… Read more
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Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area
Location: Springwater, NY This beautiful park is located about an hour south of Rochester, NY. There are wooded hiking trails and an amazing scenic view with a bench overlooking Honeoye Lake. According to their website “Overlook Road leading into the park from the parking lot passes by a spectacular view of the length of Honeoye… Read more
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Harris Whalen Park
Location: Penfield, NY This park is located 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY. We started at the playground that had a few older metal structures and a more modern structure with slides and a bridge. We then hiked along the winding network of short trails through the woods. The full loop consisting of the East… Read more
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Hemlock Lake Park
Location: Hemlock, NY This beautiful park on the north end of Hemlock Lake is located 40 minutes south of Rochester, NY. There is a pine tree grove, picnic area, pavilion, restrooms, pond and some basic playground equipment. Then there are stairs and an inclined gravel path up to the beautiful views of the lake and… Read more
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High Acres Nature Area – Frog Pond Loop
Location: Perinton, NY This nature area is located 20 minutes east of Rochester, NY. This area contains public trails on Waste Management property. If you don’t mind the occasional smell of the landfill, this is a lovely place to take an easy nature hike! We did the 0.5 mile loop around the Frog Pond which… Read more
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Highland Park – Lilac Adventure Zone
Location: Rochester, NY Lilac Adventure Zone, located in the City of Rochester NY, is part of Highland Park. There is a natural play area made of logs for climbing and playing plus some benches, picnic tables, large parking lot, and restrooms. There is a tiny 0.1 mile walking path in a loop around the play… Read more
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Holley Canal Park
Location: Holley, NY This is a lovely park located on the Erie Canal in Holley, NY. Up near the canal there is a gazebo, a pavilion, a Little Free Library, restrooms and a porta potty, accessible parking, informational signs, benches, and a paved path along the canal. There is a paved path or a gravel… Read more
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Honeoye Falls
Location: Honeoye Falls, NY We visited this beautiful and accessible waterfall located 25 minutes south of Rochester, NY. We parked in the lot next to the Mendon Town Clerk (also shown as Vest Pocket Park on Google Maps). From there, you can walk right up to the viewing platform next to the building overlooking the… Read more
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Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge – Visitor Center
cation: Basom, NY This beautiful hiking area is located 1 hour west of Rochester, NY. The visitor center has a sculpture garden and a small picnic area outside and interactive exhibits, a gift shop, live fish, and restrooms inside. Trail Map: Park Map; Interactive Trail Map Official Website: Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Other Websites: Day Trips Around Rochester NY Read more
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Kennelly Park
Location: Fairport, NY This park is located 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY. The park is on the Erie Canal just next to the Fairport Public Library. There is a gazebo where there are events and concerts as well as an art sculpture. A short paved path leads to some picnic tables and a fenced… Read more
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Kent Park – Hiking Trails
Location: Webster, NY This park is located 20 minutes east of Rochester, NY. Behind the Webster Arboretum at Kent Park is a network of short hiking trails. The paths are grassy and can be very muddy and wet after rain. There is a bench, a boardwalk, a small bridge, a swamp area with a poem,… Read more
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Keuka Lake State Park – Lakefront Path
Location: Keuka Park, NY This state park is just over an hour from Rochester, NY on the northwest shore of Keuka Lake. There is a short paved and dirt path along through a small wooded area along the shore. This path is located between two parking areas (labeled as an “Unmarked Trail” on the map… Read more
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King’s Bend Park
Location: Pittsford, NY This park is located 12 minutes south of Rochester, NY. This small park has a playground and several shelters. There is a pond for catch-and-release fishing, benches, and a stone dust trail that makes a small 0.1 mile loop and also goes 0.2 mile each way to the end of the pond… Read more
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Krull Park
Location: Olcott, NY This park is located on the shore of Lake Ontario, 1.5 hours west of Rochester, NY. It’s a lovely view with the lake down below, with many benches and picnic tables as well as an observation deck overlooking the water. There are many shady trees, restrooms, pavilions, and tic tac toe shelters.… Read more
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LaSalle’s Landing Park
Location: Penfield, NY This small park is located northeast of Rochester, NY along the Irondequoit Bay. There is fishing access and a small canoe/kayak launch. There is a short sidewalk to an area with picnic tables, bench, and informational sign. There is another short sidewalk that ends with views of Irondequoit Bay. Official Website: Town… Read more
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Lehigh Valley Trail North Branch – Rush Trailhead
Location: Rush, NY The Lehigh Valley Trail is a 15 mile converted rail-trail that once served as the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The North Branch of the Lehigh Valley Trail runs from the main trail northward. I parked in the parking lot on East Henrietta Rd (15A) just south of Ward Hill Road. There was an… Read more
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Letchworth State Park – Highbanks Recreation Area Playground
Location: Mt Morris, NY This park is located 1 hour southwest of Rochester, NY. The Highbanks Recreation Area is located at the northern end of the park, near the town of Mt. Morris. The playground is fantastic – with unique, nature-themed features, informational signs, and some inclusive elements. Behind the playground is access to the Highbanks… Read more
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Letchworth State Park – Middle Falls and Upper Falls
Location: Castile, NY This park is located 1 hour southwest of Rochester, NY. There are numerous trails and viewpoints throughout the park. Middle Falls and Upper Falls are two of my favorite views in Letchworth. You can park at either of the waterfalls. There is a stone dust path between the waterfalls allowing you to… Read more
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Letchworth State Park – Tea Table Area and Eddy’s Overlook
Location: Castile, NY This park is located 1 hour southwest of Rochester, NY. There are numerous trails and viewpoints throughout the park. Tea Table Area and Eddy’s Overlook have some beautiful views over the river. There are picnic tables and a pavilion near the overlook and there are restrooms, a playground, and more picnic tables… Read more
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Letchworth State Park – Wolf Creek
Location: Castile, NY This park is located 1 hour southwest of Rochester, NY. There are numerous trails and viewpoints throughout the park. The Wolf Creek area has a beautiful wooden bridge and picnic tables along the creek. If you climb the stone stairs, it leads to the Gorge Trail that spans the park. The trail… Read more
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Lock 33 Canal Park
Location: Henrietta/Brighton, NY This park is located in Henrietta on the border with Brighton, 10 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. There is a small parking area near the lock. Here, you can find informational signs, picnic tables, a porta potty, and the Erie Canalway Trail extending in both directions. The path is stroller friendly, though… Read more
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Long Point State Park on Lake Chautauqua – The Point Trail and Minturn Trail
Location: Bemus Point, NY This park is located in Chautauqua County – 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo. Long Point, which juts into Lake Chautauqua, is one of the moraines left by a retreating glacier long ago. A highlight of the park is the Point Trail or Minturn Trail,… Read more
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Lucille Ball Memorial Park
Location: Celoron, NY This park is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. This park is dedicated to Lucille Ball whose hometown was Celoron. There are two statues of her and a memorial plaque. We enjoyed the huge and inclusive playground with many fun structures for kids of… Read more
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Luensman Overview Park
Location: Portland, NY This park is located in Chautauqua County – 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo. Just near the parking lot you can find a pavilion, a large mowed sloped area, and two observation decks with wide views of the surrounding hills and Lake Erie in the distance.… Read more
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Mark Tubbs Memorial Park
Location: Lima, NY This park is located 30 minutes south of Rochester in Lima, NY features a playground, gazebo, and a gravel/grass trail that leads to a pond. We walked around the well-marked stone dust trails starting with the Bluebird Crossing trail and made our way to the pond. There was one section of rough… Read more
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MaryFrances Bluebird Haven
Location: Victor, NY We visited this beautiful nature area on an October morning. This park is supposed to be great for birdwatching, particularly bluebirds so I look forward to returning in the spring/summer! There is a 1-mile trail around the perimeter of the park that is through low trees and then a forest area. It… Read more
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Mendon Ponds Park – Devil’s Bathtub Trail
Location: Mendon/Pittsford, NY This beautiful trail is located in Mendon Ponds Park, 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY. According to the park website, Devil’s Bathtub Trail is a loop and is described as a ”easy 0.67 mile walk with one steep climb and stair and boardwalk sections.” It has a small viewing platform with benches… Read more
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Mendon Ponds Park – Log Play Area
Location: Mendon/Pittsford, NY Mendon Ponds Park is located 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The natural log play area is located near Wild Wings Nature Center and birds of prey sanctuary, Sharon’s Sensory Garden, and the Birdsong Fairy Trail. There are large logs to climb over and inside of, a wooden table and several other… Read more
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Meridian Centre Park
Location: Brighton, NY This lovely park is tucked behind some office buildings 12 minutes south of Rochester, NY. This park contains meadows, wetlands, and forest areas. There is a nice playground near the parking area with a few paths to take. The paved paths around the park are stroller friendly and accessible. When the trail… Read more
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Onondaga Lake Park – East Shore Recreation Trail and Shoreline Walking Trail
Location: Liverpool, NY This park is located just over an hour east of Rochester, NY on the shore of Onondaga Lake near Syracuse. There are two main trails on the east shore of the lake. The following are from the official website. East Shore Recreation Trail Shoreline Walking Trail Trail Map: Trail Map AllTrails: Shoreline Walking… Read more
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Onondaga Lake Park – Willow Bay
Location: Liverpool, NY This park is located just over an hour east of Rochester, NY on the shore of Onondaga Lake near Syracuse. The Willow Bay area of the park is located at the northwest end of the lake. From Willow Bay you can walk or bike on the East Shore Recreation Trail which connects… Read more
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Ontario Beach Park
Location: Rochester, NY This large and stroller-friendly park is located in the City of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. There is a network of paved paths through the grassy park area that lead to a boardwalk along the beach with a gazebo. There is also a pier with a lighthouse that you… Read more
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Ontario County Park at Gannett Hill – “The Jump Off”
Location: Naples, NY Ontario County Park is located less than an hour from Rochester. The “Jump Off” is a 0.1 mile stroller friendly, ADA accessible trail and is one of our absolute favorite hikes in the area. It’s a flat, stone dust path through beautiful woods that leads to a viewing platform with a stunning… Read more
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Pal-Mac Aqueduct Park
Location: Palmyra, NY This park is located 30 minutes east of Rochester, NY. This small park has historic remnants of the Erie Canal, including the 1857 Mud Creek Aqueduct, the 1858 Aldrich Change Bridge (the oldest iron bridge in New York), and a unique spillway waterfall. There are picnic areas, restrooms, and access to the… Read more
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Panama Rocks Scenic Park
Location: Panama, NY This park is located in Chautauqua County – 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo. This is a beautiful natural area filled with huge rock formations, some as tall as 60 feet, surrounded by forest. The rocks were formed over 300 million years ago and there are… Read more
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Panorama Valley Park – Irondequoit Creek Panorama Plaza Trail
Location: Penfield, NY Panorama Valley Park is located 10 minutes east of Rochester, NY. This little park is located behind Panorama Plaza. There is a small grassy area with a covered picnic table. This is one end of the Irondequoit Creek Panorama Plaza Trail. The trail continues 1 mile along Irondequoit Creek to Channing Philbrick… Read more
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Papermill Falls at Papermill Park
Location: Avon, NY This roadside waterfall is located 30 minutes south of Rochester, NY. There is a bridge to walk over the Conesus Creek with views of another bridge to one side and a view over the small waterfall on the other side. There are several picnic tables here and a sign about the history… Read more
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Parma Town Park
Location: Hilton, NY This park is located 20 minutes west of Rochester, NY. There many amenities in this park, listed below. In addition there is a beautiful area with a nature trail. I did not complete the entire hike because much of the trail was closed due to a cross country meet. The website says… Read more
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Perinton Park
Location: Perinton, NY This lovely park is located on the Erie Canal 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY. We parked in the large lot near the multi age playground and skate park. We then walked along the paved path to the canal and walked on the Canalway trail. This park also features fishing spots, a… Read more
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Powder Mills Park – Fish Hatchery
Location: Pittsford, NY The fish hatchery is located 15 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. This is a nice spot to walk around to see the fish, feed them, or just enjoy the park. There are machines to buy fish food for a quarter. Be sure to read all of the signs and follow directions. There… Read more
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Pratt’s Falls County Park
Location: Pompey, NY This beautiful park features a waterfall and pond and is located near Syracuse, roughly 2 hours east of Rochester, NY. This park features a 137 foot waterfall and is the site of Onondaga County’s first mill operation in 1796. We wandered around the beautiful ponds, checked out the accessible viewpoint over the… Read more
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Red Jacket Park
Location: Penn Yan, NY This park is located 1 hour southeast of Rochester, NY on the shore of Keuka Lake. There is swimming access, a playground, benches, and picnic tables. There are no trails but you can walk along the shore on the grass. It’s a great sunset spot! Leashed dogs are allowed. Official Website:… Read more
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Richard P. Outhouse Memorial Park
Location: Canandaigua, NY This small park is located 30 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. This basic park has a 0.75 flat paved perimeter path with several benches and very little shade. There is a small fitness station, a pirate theme playground, several pavilions, and public restrooms. The path is stroller friendly. Leashed dogs are allowed.… Read more
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Rothfuss Park
Location: Penfield, NY This park is located 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY. There is a ~1 mile flat, stroller-friendly gravel walking path around the perimeter of the park and a QR Fit Trail. There is an inclusive playground (with recycled rubber safety surfacing that is wheelchair accessible) as well as a dinosaur theme “JACK’S… Read more
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Royalton Ravine Park
Location: Gasport, NY This beautiful park is located 1 hour west of Rochester, NY. The park starts with a pavilions, restrooms, grassy fields, and a beautiful pond. There is an opening through the trees beyond the pond that leads to wooded trails. Along the trails are a suspension bridge, a wildflower meadow, a small waterfall… Read more
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Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm
Location: Arcadia, NY NOTE: The Sanctuary is closed to hikers during hunting season. This beautiful nature trail is located 45 minutes east of Rochester, NY. While there are 1.6 miles of trails, we only did a short section of them. There was a grassy road down to a trailhead sign and a porta potty. I… Read more
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Sandy Bottom Park and Nature Trail
Location: Richmond, NY This park is located 40 minutes south of Rochester, NY at the north end of Honeoye Lake. There is a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding hills with benches and picnic tables, two playgrounds, swimming beach, boat launch, fishing area, porta potty, and informational signs. Be sure to look for signs… Read more
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Saunders Finger Lakes Museum – Natural Playscape
Location: Branchport, NY The Saunders Finger Lakes Museum is located 1 hour southeast of Rochester, NY. There are nature trails, a kayak launch, story walk, and a natural playscape. Other exhibits are currently under construction. The natural playscape is a fun spot for children to play with natural elements. There is a sand box, an… Read more
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Saunders Finger Lakes Museum – StoryWalk
Location: Branchport, NY The Saunders Finger Lakes Museum is located 1 hour southeast of Rochester, NY. There are nature trails, a kayak launch, StoryWalk, and a natural playscape. Other exhibits are currently under construction. At the Creekside Center, there is a StoryWalk trail. It begins near the Natural Playscape and goes along the creek, passing… Read more
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Sawyer Park
Location: Greece, NY This lovely 16.4 acre park is located 20 minutes west of Rochester, NY. Tucked away from the busy Long Pond Road, this park is actually quite peaceful. Near the entrance there is a nice area with tall evergreen trees, a pavilion, bathrooms, and a brand new playground as of summer 2025. If… Read more
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Seneca Park – Trout Lake
Location: Rochester, NY Trout Lake is located right in the city of Rochester, NY in Seneca Park. There is parking at the several shelters around the lake or alongside the lake. A paved path circles the lake (about a half mile around the lake) with benches and lots of waterfowl (with signs saying NOT to… Read more
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Shadow Pines
Location: Penfield, NY This former golf course is now a hiking and walking area as well as located 10 minutes east of Rochester, NY. There are a few different areas of this large park. The map below shows the different sections (the STAR is the parking for the recreation/playground area, the SQUARE is the parking… Read more
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Sherburne Park Nature Trail
Location: Walworth, NY This park with a nature trail is located 25 minutes east of Rochester, NY. There is an easy and flat 1 mile nature trail around the perimeter of the park. When we visited in March, the road all the way to the playground and dog park was closed with a gate so… Read more
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Sodus Point Beach Park
Location: Sodus Point, NY This beautiful beach with a pier and lighthouse is located 40 minutes east of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. We started at the playground on the beach. We then walked the path to the pier and out to the lighthouse. It is paved and stroller friendly BUT there… Read more
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Spring Lake Trail
Location: Perinton, NY This trail is located 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY. We parked in the parking lot of Spring Lake Park and played on the playground for a bit. It’s not a very new playground and is designed for 5-12 year olds. We then walked to the Spring Lake Trail which did require… Read more
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Star Alley Park
Location: Rochester, NY This small “pocket park” is located in the South Wedge neighborhood in the city of Rochester, NY. There is a small covered stage, picnic tables, public art murals, and a Little Free Library. There were lovely Christmas decorations when I visited. This park has street parking and is nearby many small local… Read more
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Sterling Nature Center – Lakeview Trail
Location: Sterling, NY This nature park is located 1.25 hours east of Rochester, NY along the shore of Lake Ontario. The Lakeview Trail is a short, accessible stone dust path that leads from the interpretive center down to an observation deck looking out over Lake Ontario. There is also a wildflower meadow with benches. The… Read more
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Stewart Park
Location: Ithaca, NY This park is located in Ithaca along the shore of Cayuga Lake, 1 hour 45 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. This beautiful park has so much to offer. This park includes a section of the paved Cayuga Waterfront Trail with beautiful views of the lake and many benches. This path connects to… Read more
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Stony Brook State Park – Gorge Trail
Location: Dansville, NY This beautiful trail is located in a state park located one hour south of Rochester, NY. It features beautiful creek views and waterfalls. There are benches, a designated swimming area, campground, beautiful bridges, clean restrooms, and more! The Gorge Trail does have many stairs and is therefore not stroller friendly. We hiked… Read more
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Taughannock Falls State Park – Gorge Trail
Location: Trumansburg, NY NOTE: Deer hunting (bow only) is permitted in season. Take precautions. This beautiful state park in the Finger Lakes is located 1.5 hour southeast of Rochester, NY along Cayuga Lake near Ithaca. The Gorge Trail is a 3/4 mile out and back trail (1.5 miles total) to the base of the majestic… Read more
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Taughannock Falls State Park – Lakefront Area
Location: Trumansburg, NY NOTE: Deer hunting (bow only) is permitted in this park in season. Take precautions. This beautiful state park in the Finger Lakes is located 1.5 hour southeast of Rochester, NY along Cayuga Lake near Ithaca. Across the road from the waterfall trails is the lakefront area. This is not a hiking trail,… Read more
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Tinker Nature Park – Nature Trail
Location: Pittsford, NY This is a beautiful park located 15 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The Nature Trail is the inner loop, shown in the map below. The loop is 0.45 miles long with a mostly flat surface through beautiful woods. There are several benches along the trail and a short boardwalk section. There are… Read more
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Tinker Nature Park – Woodland Trail
Location: Pittsford, NY This is a beautiful park located 15 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The woodland trail is the outer loop, shown in the map below. The loop is 1.2 miles via the exercise path or 0.78 miles long if you take the cut through path along the boardwalk next to the pond. The… Read more
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Trail of Hope
Location: Lyons, NY This short, flat trail (about 0.5-0.75 miles) is located near the Lyons Community Center. The trail contains a LOT of wooden signs, art, and gardens. There’s a covered bridge, a yellow brick road, benches, artwork, picnic tables, a wooden ship, a butterfly garden, a deck overlooking the creek, and more! Official Facebook… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Nature Playground
Location: North Java, NY This Buffalo Audubon Society nature center (formerly Beaver Meadows Nature Center) is located 1.25 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 40 minutes from Buffalo. A short walk from the interpretive center is the nature play area. There are some neat features for kids such as a swing, a willow tunnel and… Read more
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Veterans Memorial Park (Henrietta)
Location: Henrietta, NY This park is located 15 minutes south of Rochester, NY. To access the hiking trail, park in the lot near Bushman Cabin or walk down Cabin Rd from one of the other parking areas. This short ~0.75 mile loop trail is part of the Lehigh Valley Multi-Use Trail (North Branch). The path… Read more
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Veterans Memorial Park (Penfield)
Location: Penfield, NY This Veterans Memorial Park (not to be confused with the one in Henrietta or the one in Rush) is located 15 minutes east of Rochester. Near the playground is the stroller friendly TotTrail – a short 300-foot paved path with a few fitness stations geared toward kids (monkey bars, curved balance beams,… Read more
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Vitale Park
Location: Lakeville, NY This is a lovely lakeside park located 30 minutes south of Rochester. There are two parking lots: a gravel lot on the west side of the park and a larger paved lot near the playground on the east side. Vitale park has two paved loops that connect by the “Freedom Bridge”. My… Read more
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Webster First Responders Park – Chiyoda Paved Loop
Location: Webster, NY This trail is located at First Responders Park 20 minutes east of Rochester, NY. According to the website: “The Chiyoda Trails are located at the Webster Recreation Center. They consist of a paved trail (one-mile loop) around the ball fields and the First Responders Memorial Playground, plus a packed-dirt trail through the… Read more
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Webster First Responders Park – Chiyoda Trail
Location: Webster, NY This trail is located at First Responders Park 20 minutes east of Rochester, NY. According to the website: “The Chiyoda Trails are located at the Webster Recreation Center. They consist of a paved trail (one-mile loop) around the ball fields and the First Responders Memorial Playground, plus a packed-dirt trail through the… Read more
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Webster Park – Beeches Trail
Location: Webster, NY This hiking trail is located 15 minutes east of Rochester, NY near Lake Ontario. We recently were sledding at Webster Park off of Holt Road and decided to hike the short Beeches Trail to the Webster Pier. There were a few pine trees, bridges, and walking through the tunnel under Lake Road.… Read more
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Webster Park – Ridge Trail
Location: Webster, NY Webster Park is located 25 minutes northeast of Rochester, NY near the shore of Lake Ontario. The Ridge Trail is a beautiful 1.4 mile trail that follows a mowed lane and dirt path through the woods. I especially loved the grove of spruce trees located near the sign for Wolf Cabin. There… Read more
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Whirlpool State Park – Niagara Gorge Rim Trail
Location: Niagara Falls, NY This state park is located 1.5 hours west of Rochester, NY on the American side of the Niagara River. We visited in winter and walked along the Niagara Gorge Rim Trail, enjoying the views of the river and whirlpool below. Water from the rapids just flows into the whirlpool to make… Read more
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Wolcott Falls
Location: Wolcott, NY This roadside waterfall is located 50 minutes east of Rochester, NY. There is a viewing platform right next to the parking lot to view the waterfall from above. There is also a trail down to the bottom. I did not hike this trail, but according to CNY Hiking: “The short 0.18 mile… Read more
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Zebulon Norton Trail
Location: Honeoye Falls, NY This trail is located 30 minutes south of Rochester, NY. This out-and-back trail is about 0.7 mile each way (1.4 miles roundtrip). There is a trailhead behind the playground at Harry Allen Park and another trailhead at Rotary Park. The trail is wooded and goes along Honeoye Creek. The trail crosses… Read more