Autumn in Rochester offers a variety of unique seasonal activities, such as scenic train rides, leaf-peeping in arboretums, fall bird migrations, and ghost walks. From pretty to paranormal, take advantage of them while you can!
Upcoming Event
Roc the Riverway Weekend, October 4–6, 2024, highlights the Genesee River’s natural beauty, historical significance, and plans for its future. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for an early-fall outdoor experience, each event provides an opportunity to better know Rochester’s amazing river. Check out my favorite events!
1. Observe changing foliage during Autumn in Rochester
Pick a place with tree diversity—it may even be your own neighborhood. Observe the autumn changes once a week, maybe on your way home from work or on Sunday mornings.
I have a few favorite places I like to frequent in the fall because of their dramatic displays:
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Mount Hope Cemetery’s winding roads are best explored on foot for a glimpse into the area’s rich history, ecology, and geology.
Mendon Ponds is Monroe County’s most expansive park, with woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and 21 miles of color-coded trails across 2,500 acres.
Highland Park has even been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
Webster Arboretum at Kent Park
Covering 32 acres, the arboretum boasts a pond, winding paths, various trees and shrubs, and formal gardens with over 200 daylily cultivars.
2. Witness the autumn migration
Massive migrations of waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors come back through New York on their way south toward open waters. These areas around Rochester are dedicated to giving them a safe harbor to eat and rest. Bring your binoculars!
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Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
At 10,828 acres, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is the state’s largest refuge. Alabama Swaps amasses 19,000-acres designated for wildlife.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is a 7,000-acre preserve on the north end of Cayuga Lake, under one of the most active flight lanes.
Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area
If you’re cruising on Edgemere along the ponds, or on the parkway near Manitou, you’re enjoying the Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area.
3. Take a drive
You don’t have to be in the Catskills or Adirondacks to find an inspiring view. Pick any slow road leading out of Rochester. There are lots of scenic overlooks to enjoy along the way.
My personal favorite! Take County Road 21, 12, 33, 34, or 36 to Naples. Stop at the “jump off” in Ontario County Park, Harriet Hollister, or Bristol Mountain.
Lake Ontario Seaway Trail east to Huron or west to Olcott
Route 96 to Seneca Falls and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Route 15-15A loop around Hemlock Lake
Drive through Letchworth from Mt. Morris to the Glen Iris Inn.
Route 20 east to Skaneateles or Lafayette or Cazenovia
Route 98 to Salamanca and Little Rock City
Route 20A west to East Aurora
Route 19 to Rushford Lake
Seriously, I could keep going! If you have a favorite, let us know in the comments. And check out our Google Maps, pinned with overlooks and scenic vistas.
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Routes 5 & 20, a 67-mile stretch where NY-5 and US-20 converge, is a gently rolling scenic highway passing through small cities and quaint villages.
Explore The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail
The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
4. Take a hike
A walk anywhere in a park or forest, along a lake shore, or in your own neighborhood is satiating enough! I love a combination of tree diversity, water elements, moments of canopy and vista, and a bench to take it all in. Try these!
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22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
My favorite fall hikes offer a variety of landscapes and scenic views, including rivers, forests, and peaceful surroundings.
Holley Canal Falls is located in the heart of the Village of Holley. The water that flows into the glen is overflow from the Erie Canal.
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
5. Ride the rails on a heritage train
If you want to relive the transportation of yesteryears, there are four heritage train museums around Rochester offering a unique and immersive experience. Each museum takes you back in time to witness the evolution of rail transportation through the ages, from the early steam engines to the modern electric trains. You will get to see and even ride on some of the well-preserved vintage trains that were once the backbone of the transportation industry. These museums are perfect for train enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a fun and educational experience.
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All Aboard! Ride the Rails at These 4 Heritage Train Museums
Listen to the rhythmic chugga-chuggas and whistling choo-choos while enjoying the scenic landscape passing by on a Rochester-area train ride.
6. Follow the river
Spend time along the Genesee River as it courses through the City of Rochester.
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Roc the Riverway Weekend: Oct. 4–6, 2024
Roc the Riverway Weekend, October 4–6, highlights the Genesee River’s natural beauty, historical significance, and plans for its future.
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
You can climb the 40-foot tower in the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and Ontario Beach Park.
Maplewood Park is a linear park that follows the river from Driving Park and the Lower Falls to just north of Route 104, ending at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee.
Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1888, find Genesee Valley Park where the Erie Canal, Red Creek, and Genesee River intersect.
Turning Point Park’s most striking feature is a 3,572-foot-long boardwalk over the Genesee River Turning Basin.
The 20-acre Seneca Park Zoo is a small portion of the 300-acre county park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893.
7. Get above the canopy
There is nothing like leaf-peeping from above the tree line!
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🍁 Fall Foliage: 7 Breathtaking Views Near Rochester
If you’re looking for picturesque autumn scenery, these locations offer stunning fall foliage and unique landscapes.
Soar above the treetops on Bristol Mountain’s Comet Express lift and enjoy panoramic views of the stunning fall foliage.
Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area
Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area is a New York State Park located in the hills six miles south of Honeoye Lake.
8. Take a ghost tour
Ghosts are active all year, but something about October piques our interest in the paranormal. From storytelling to investigating, these night trips help explore Rochester’s other side.
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🧟 Paranormal Activities: Our Favorite Haunts for 2024
There is something about October that piques our interest in paranormal activities. Explore the other side of Rochester!
9. Or a haunted hayride
These may scare you more than the ghost tours!
Powers Farm Market (Pittsford) *least scary
Verhulst Haunted Hayride (Spencerport) *scariest
10. Fun on the farm
Grab some cider and donuts, get lost in a corn maze, and pick your favorite pumpkin on family farms around Rochester. There are also harvest festivals, like Genesee Country Village’s Agricultural Fair.
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🍎 Apple Everything! Rochester’s best ciders, fry cakes, fritters, pies, and more
Come September, we begin to crave all things apple: cider, donuts, fritters, hard cider, pie, and warm cinnamon fry cakes.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches & Farms Around Rochester
Experience the perfect autumn day at our Rochester-area pumpkin farms with wagon rides, fresh apple cider and donuts, and corn mazes.
🍎 Apples: 17 Places to Pick Your Own
Many of our farms offer a family-fun experience, with hay rides, cider and donuts, and activities for the kids, in addition to apple picking.
What are your favorite ways to enjoy autumn in Rochester?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Deb – Thank you for the research involved in offering these excursions
Alice at: busygal02@rochester,rr,com
Happy to help! Enjoy!!
This is very nice. Thanks for your reccomendations