Nestled in between an expressway and two highly trafficked roads near the Penfield-Brighton town border, Corbett’s Glen Nature Park is a glorious green space in a suburban jungle.
As overused as this statement may be, Corbett’s Glen is truly a hidden gem. I am always surprised by how many people drive past it daily and don’t realize it’s there.
To visit Corbett’s Glen North, start from the parking lot on Penfield Road. You can follow stone dust, wood chips, and pine needle trails toward the south end. The pathways are easy to navigate, though some parts of the trail, like the Stone Steps, can be steep.
If you prefer to start at the park’s south end, you can park along the designated shoulder on Glen Road. The trails here lead through marsh meadow, shrubland, and wetland. There are also two designated accessible parking spaces after driving through the tunnel, though visitors who do not require using these spaces should walk through.
The park is divided into Corbett’s Glen North and Corbett’s Glen South.
Corbett’s Glen North
You can start your exploration of Corbett’s Glen from the north, parking in the eight-car lot located off Penfield Road, across from Forest Hill Road.
Get directions to the parking lot off Penfield Rd.
Stone dust, wood chips, and pine needle trails lead you toward the south area. The pathways are easy to navigate and crisscross and loop each other, encouraging you to choose your own adventure.
Corbett’s Glen North encompasses roughly 34 acres of land. The trails are relatively smooth, with portions that cut into the creek valley, like the Stone Steps, and down toward the Glen and Allen Creek.
- Stone Dust Trail Loop: 0.35 miles
- Trailhead to Park Lane Access: 0.4 miles
- Trailhead to Corbett’s Glen South: 0.75 miles
There are also splinter trails that lead off to the surrounding neighborhoods and up to Temple Sinai. Built in 1967, Temple Sinai was designed by Rochester architect James H. Johnson, who also designed the Mushroom House, Phillis Wheatley Library, the Liberty Pole, and dozens of other magnificent structures.
Keep heading south along the trails to reach the portion of the park most people envision when thinking of Corbett’s Glen.
Corbett’s Glen South
I do not have a photo of the parking area on Glen Road off Linden Ave, NY-441. But once you get there, you will see parking and no-parking signs that will guide you. You’ll park along the side of the road and walk down the hill toward Allen Creek through the neighborhood.
Get directions to the tunnel off Linden Ave.
There is also room for two cars in the handicap-only spots: drive through the tunnel to access these.
Tunnel Falls
Prom, wedding, and senior pictures are staged next to anglers trout fishing.
The landing between Tunnel Falls and Postcard Falls is the perfect spot for a picnic.
When you visit, you will notice you seem to be walking through people’s backyards—you are. The homeowners are passionate about protecting Corbett’s Glen and ensuring it is available for everyone’s enjoyment today and into the future. The glen may have been a story of the past had it not been for this nature-loving community.
Postcard Falls
You’ll find a trail leading toward the falls and several large boulders perfectly placed for sitting.
Regular visitors to the glen may recall that the area used to have no fencing, resulting in damage to the creek and plant life due to foot traffic. To preserve the natural beauty of this “nature park,” we kindly ask you to respect the fencing and appreciate the creek from a distance. Unless you’re trout fishing, please refrain from wading in the creek.
The trails in Corbett’s Glen South wind through 18 acres of marsh meadow, successional shrubland, and wetland, offering a unique environment distinct from the woodlands in Corbett’s Glen North.
- Glen Road to Postcard Falls: 0.13 miles
- Perimeter Trail Loop: 0.65 miles
- Plus, the Cross Meadow Trail and South Meadow Trail that cut through the center
Map of Corbett’s Glen
More Information
Cost: Free
Located in Brighton, roughly 15 minutes / 10 miles from Rochester
Parking: North entrance: 415 Penfield Road, South entrance: 11 Glen Road
Website: townofbrighton.org
Both trailheads have informational signage introducing the area’s history, with the south portion capturing a much longer history.
I found this timeline section most interesting, but please read the rest when you visit. You will find Sandra L. Frankel‘s legacy and impact on preserving natural spaces throughout Brighton, including the Sandra L. Frankel Nature Park Brickyard Trail.
1990s – Much activity by Town Supervisor Sandra L. Frankel, the Town Board, and Administration, and various local grass-root organizations toward the preservation of the glen, maintenance of property as a wildlife sanctuary and park, vs. development
1994 – Chief Shenandoah, Iroquois walks through the valley in Corbett’s Glen
1997 – Chief Waterman, Onondaga Turtle Clan, and members of his tribe come to the glen to perform a sacred tobacco ceremony, and pray for the preservation of the Allen Creek Valley.
1999 – With the assistance of the Genesee Land Trust, the Town purchased Corbett’s Glen property for Corbett’s Glen Nature Park.
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What do you enjoy most about Corbetts Glen?
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.
Such wonderful memories I have as a child of Corbett’s Glen. Patrick Corbett is my great grandfather, and at that time the glen was still owned by the Corbett family. How wonderful that families now can enjoy it the same way I did. It truly is a treasure.
Anne thank you so much for sharing! We’re eternally grateful to Mr. Corbett. Do you at all remember visiting there when it was still his home?
If I am traveling through in a wheelchair is the path all accessible?
Flooding can affect the condition of the trail deeper into the park. There is room for 1-2 handicap-stickered cars if you drive down Glen Road through the tunnel. The lot is right after the tunnel. From there, the path to the creek is hard-packed.