Structure: Viewing Platform
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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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Audubon Community Nature Center – Big Pond Trail
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. The Big Pond Trail is a 2 mile long loop trail blazed with yellow triangles and takes you through fields, forests and wetlands. This trail shares sections with the Overlook Trail and the Spatterdock… Read more
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Overlook Trail
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. The Overlook Trail is a 0.6 mile long loop blazed with blue circles. The paved, stroller-friendly section of Overlook Trail takes you past ponds to the Blue Heron Overlook. The rest of the trail… Read more
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Audubon Community Nature Center – Spatterdock Trail
Location: Jamestown, NY This nature center is located 2.5 hours southwest of Rochester, NY and 1.5 hours south of Buffalo, NY. The Spatterdock Trail is a 1 mile loop trail blazed with orange squares. The trail passes by ponds, goes through both hemlock and hardwood forests, and leads to a photo blind and a side… Read more
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Cayuga Nature Center – TreeTops Treehouse
Location: Ithaca, NY We had so much fun visiting this nature center 1.5 hours south of Rochester! We especially enjoyed climbing the six-story treehouse in the woods! To reach the tree house, walk through the gate to to the left of the lodge and walk around back. Then follow the gravel path that winds back… Read more
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Chili Nature Trail
Location: Chili, NY We really enjoyed the Chili Nature Trail at the Town of Chili Nature Area, located 20 minutes west of Rochester. It was a nice 1-mile loop trail with grassy paths. There were also some inner cutoff trails that you could take – we used AllTrails to make sure we stayed in the… Read more
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Corbett’s Glen Nature Park
Location: Brighton, NY This beautiful nature park is 7 minutes east of Rochester, NY. There are two entrances to the park: the parking lot on Penfield Road provides access to Corbett’s Glen North and the street parking on Glen Road provides access through the tunnel to Corbett’s Glen South. (*Park patrons must park at the… Read more
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Four Mile Creek Preserve
Location: Webster, NY This network of wooded trails with beautiful creek views is located 30 minutes northeast of Rochester, NY. Throughout the trail are informational signs about different trees as well as helpful trail map signs. There are wooden bridges, benches, sections of boardwalk, and a nice observation deck not too far along the trail.… Read more
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Genesee County Park & Forest – ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center
Location: East Bethany, NY This outdoor learning center is located 45 minutes west of Rochester, NY. The ACORNS Outdoor Learning Center is located right next to the Interpretive Center. There is a wildlife observation deck, gazebo, benches, large field, sensory garden, “messy materials” area, “discovery trail”, and more! I can’t wait to check this out… 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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Greece Town Campus Walking Path
Location: Greece, NY The Greece Town Hall Campus Walking Trail is located 20 minutes northwest of Rochester near the Greece Public Library and Community Center. There is a 1/2 mile paved, accessible, stroller friendly path around the pond that includes a StoryWalk, benches, exercise stations, dock platform, Little Free Library, and pickleball court. Near this… Read more
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Helmer Nature Center
Location: Irondequoit, NY This beautiful nature center is part of the West Irondequoit Central School District and is located 15 minutes north of Rochester, NY. There are wooded trails, meadows, wetlands, a stream, and a pond. In addition there are some bridges, benches, and a wildlife viewing area. There are a network of short trails… Read more
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Hickory Bark Trail
Location: Webster, NY This trail is located 15 minutes northeast of Rochester, NY. This short trail is hidden away in a tiny wooded area behind a shopping plaza and the Webster Library! This trail is only 400 feet long and consists entirely of wooden boardwalks. There are benches along the path, birdhouses in the trees, a… 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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Huckleberry Swamp (SEASONAL)
Location: North Rose, NY 🚨Note: this trail is NOT always open for hiking! I believe it’s closed every Monday for trail maintenance and also closed in the fall and winter!! Their Facebook page is the best way to get updated information🚨 This is a gorgeous and peaceful wetland trail 45 minutes east of Rochester! There… Read more
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Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge – Kanyoo Trail
Location: Basom, NY This beautiful hiking area is located 1 hour west of Rochester, NY. This trail has two loops: the yellow trail is 0.7 mile and the blue trail is 1 mile or the trails can be combined (see the map below). The trails pass through wooded areas and vernal wetlands. There is a… Read more
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Isaac Gordon Nature Park
Location: Pittsford, NY This nature park is located 15 minutes south of Rochester, NY just north of Mendon Ponds Park. We followed the 1 mile “Glazer Loop” trail shown on AllTrails and the trail map below, though there are several branching trails that could make it longer and some cut throughs that could make it… Read more
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Jones-Blunt Park
Location: Shortsville, NY This park is located 30 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. It is a really cute park along the Canandaigua Outlet in Shortsville. There are swinging benches along the river, an overlook platform, a large gazebo, and a small hiking area with two small bridges. We walked across the grass toward the small… 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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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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Legion Eyer Park
Location: East Rochester, NY We enjoyed this peaceful park located 15 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. We first parked at the small parking lot just outside of the park entrance. From here you can hike part of the the Rochester, Syracuse, & Eastern Trolley Trail (RS&E Trail). This was a pretty flat dirt and grass… 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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Lime Hollow Nature Center – Eric Kroot Art Trail
Location: Cortland, NY Note: There is hunting allowed at Lime Hollow Nature Center. Do your research before visiting these hiking trails and take safety precautions. This 0.32 mile trail is “accessible to wheelchairs during most times of the year, and to strollers and people with mobility challenges throughout the year.” It’s a beautiful flat trail… Read more
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Lime Hollow Nature Center – Trail for All
Location: Cortland, NY Note: There is hunting allowed at Lime Hollow Nature Center. Do your research before visiting these hiking trails and take safety precautions. This 0.25 mile, flat accessible trail is located near the beautiful log cabin visitor center which had accessible parking spots, a ramp, a covered bridge, benches, and restrooms. The trail… Read more
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Lock 32 Canal Park
Location: Pittsford, NY This park is located 10 minutes east of Rochester, NY. This is a beautiful spot to access the Erie Canalway Trail for a stroll along the canal. There are benches and informational signs near the parking lot. If you walk west along the canal, you will pass by the historic lock 32… 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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Manchester Gateway Trail
Location: Manchester, NY This trail is located 30 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY. We parked in the small parking area at the northern end of the trail at Route 96 in Manchester. We then walked the 1.5 mile paved and stone dust path along the beautiful Canandaigua Outlet. Along the path were lookout viewpoints, fitness… 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 – Birdsong Fairy Trail
Location: Mendon/Pittsford, NY This super fun trail located 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY is lined with fairy doors and fairy houses that are painted on and built into the trees. There are other whimsical treasures and informative displays to be found along the path. This trail is stroller friendly with a durable stroller, with… 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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Northampton Park – Victory Fairy Trail at Springdale Farm
Location: Spencerport, NY This short fairy house trail is located at Springdale Farm 20 minutes west of Rochester, NY. To reach the fairy trail, follow the 0.2 mile paved path with a slight incline through the farm and toward the woods. There are some beautiful apple trees and a lovely pond with a nice deck… Read more
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Onanda Park – Uplands Trail
Location: Canandaigua, NY This park is located 45 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The trail started out as wood chips with a bit of an incline. There is a small lookout point about a quarter mile into the hike with two Adirondack chairs where you can see bits of Canandaigua Lake in the distance and… 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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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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Salmon Creek Nature Preserve
Location: Hilton, NY This Genesee Land Trust nature preserve is located 25 minutes northwest of Rochester, NY. This preserve opened in 2022 and is adjacent to the Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area. The preserve is located along Salmon Creek and contains a small pond. There are wooden benches and an accessible observation deck. This is… 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 – Izaak Walton League Verdi Burtch Wildlife Sanctuary
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. Across the road from the Creekside Center is the Verdi Burtch Wildlife Sanctuary maintained by the Izaak Walton League. There is… Read more
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Seneca Park – Zoo Falls
Location: Rochester, NY This waterfall is located right in the city of Rochester, NY in Seneca Park. I hiked this trail on October 30th. We parked at the Wegman Lodge and started walking the paved road behind the parking lot. We then turned left into the woods when we saw an orange trail marker on… 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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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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Thomas Creek Wetland Walk
Location: Fairport, NY This is a really lovely wetland walk located in the village of Fairport located 20 minutes east of Rochester. We parked in the small gravel lot at the end of Liftbridge Lane. First we visited the interactive sundial, where you stand on a brick with the current month, put your arms above… 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 – Arboretum
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. Down the road a bit from the interpretive center is an arboretum. There is a lean-to, picnic area, benches, fields, a small stream, and a variety of… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Beaver Pond Trail
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. The Beaver Pond Trail is located behind the interpretive center. It goes through the woods to the short of Beaver Pond where there are some wooden platforms… Read more
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Trillium Nature Center – Fox Trail & Hawk Watch
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. The Fox Trail starts in the Arboretum. The path is grassy and goes through a beautiful wildflower meadow and passes small groves of evergreen trees. Branching off… Read more
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Turning Point Park
Location: Rochester, NY This beautiful park is located in the City of Rochester and includes a section the Genesee Riverway Trail. After parking at the lot on Boxart Street, we took the trail north. The path starts out paved through a beautiful wooded area. There is a steep hill down that leads to a beautiful… Read more
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Twin Cedars Environmental Area
Location: Avon, NY This beautiful hiking area is located 25 minutes south of Rochester, NY. The property is owned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). We hiked the ~1 mile trail clockwise around the pond. It started by an adorable red A-frame and then along a grassy path along the north… Read more
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Veterans Memorial Park (Rush)
Location: Rush, NY This small park is located 20 minutes south of Rochester, NY. There are no trails in this park but there is a veterans memorial, gazebo, and you can walk down the grass for two viewing platforms of Honeoye Creek and the small waterfall over the dam. The dam was once part of… Read more
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Victor Municipal Park
Location: Victor, NY This nice park located 25 minutes southeast of Rochester, NY features a StoryWalk, fitness area, playground, and a fishing pond with a small dock. The StoryWalk is on grass, so would be stroller friendly only for strollers that can be pushed over uneven grass. There is a stone dust path in the… Read more