Cobbs Hill + Washington Grove

Nestled between Culver Road, Monroe Avenue, and Highland Avenue, lower Cobb’s Hill Park is primarily recreational, but the hill makes it unique. A 0.7-mile paved walking path encircles a reservoir and offers a panoramic view of the Rochester skyline. A trail through Washington Grove leads visitors through a tranquil urban forest of old oak trees to a series of ever-changing graffiti-tagged water towers.

Magnificent Skyline View

No matter the weather, season, cloud cover, or time of day, I love looking out over the treetops at the Rochester skyline.

Cobb’s Hill Reservoir

The Reservoir’s walkways, iron fence, steps, and overlooks were designed by the Olmsted firm. Encircling the reservoir is a 0.7-mile paved walking path, perfect for a jog or a stroll and a favorite for workday lunch breaks.

Viewing Pinnacle Hill from Cobbs Hill

Pinnacle Hill is the highest point in Rochester and is home to five of Rochester’s broadcast signal towers. Cobbs Hill and Pinnacle Hill are two of the original five Pinnacle Hills in the Pinnacle Range—a glacial moraine created by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier 10,000 years ago.

Two of the other hills are in Highland and Mount Hope. The fifth was Oak Hill, leveled to create a golf course that has since relocated; the land is now the University of Rochester’s riverside campus.

Cobb’s Hill is the most popular spot to sled in the City of Rochester.

In the right light, the granite, Greek-Revival-style gatehouse reminds me of a Maxfield Parrish painting.

Cobbs Hill also hosts Monroe Country’s Public Safety Communications.

Washington Grove

Because of the Pinnacle Range, all major infrastructure, like the Erie Canal, subway, and expressway, were routed around the area, leaving this beautiful area untouched by development. Early advocates for green space rallied to preserve the woodland.

The water towers in Washington Grove serve as a rotating exhibit for graffiti art. Often, you’ll find artists creating new pieces and practicing their techniques for more significant projects. There are several places to enter the grove, but the most common is on the east side of the reservoir. Look for the trailhead near the northeast part of the tree line. After walking down a steep hill, look to the left to see the water towers behind the trees. Follow the trail east of (or to the right of) the towers to head up the hill. There are also trailheads behind Tay House Lodge on Hillside Avenue and at the dead end of Nunda Boulevard.

More information about Cobbs Hill Park

Cost: Free

Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)

More information: cityofrochester.gov

This marker is located on the ground near the overlook.

This marker is located on the ground behind the water tower on the right, coming up the trail. I was unfamiliar with these markers, so I found some information and a few links you may find interesting.

Survey marks are permanent markers with known coordinates on the ground or attached to a structure. Synonyms are “survey points” or “control points.” The term “benchmark” refers to marks indicating elevation, while horizontal position markers used for triangulation are called triangulation stations. Survey markers were frequently placed during triangulation surveys, which were systematic measurements across states or regions to establish angles and distances between different points. Such surveys laid the foundation for map-making worldwide.

Learn more at National Geodetic Survey FAQs, The NGS Data Sheet, and Survey Marker on Wikipedia.

When is your favorite time to visit Cobb’s Hill?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.