The creeks coursing through the Greater Rochester region have a subtle but significant impact on our lives, often blending into the background. These freshwater streams offer abundant opportunities for recreation and relaxation. You can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and hiking along the creek trails. These activities provide a chance for physical exercise and outdoor adventure and encourage a deeper appreciation and understanding of our natural environment.
Moreover, freshwater creeks serve as gathering places, bringing people together for community events, festivals, and celebrations. The banks of these creeks can serve as ideal locations for picnics, outdoor concerts, and other social activities that help to strengthen our community bonds.
Allen Creek
The creek originates in Henrietta, flows under the Erie Canal, and through Corbett’s Glen on its way toward Irondequoit Creek.
Irondequoit Creek
Irondequoit Creek drains into Irondequoit Bay, carrying with it waters from Thomas Creek and Allen Creek. Enjoy the creek as it runs through Powder Mills Park, Channing H. Philbrick Park, Ellison Park, Lucien Moren Park, Tryon Park, Panorama Valley Park (conjunction of Irondequoit & Allen Creeks) and Legion Eyer Park (conjunction of Irondequoit & Thomas Creeks).
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Irondequoit Creek drops 90 feet over one mile through Channing H Philbrick Park, creating the cascades that make it unique.
Ellison Park is a popular spot to launch a kayak or canoe and paddle downstream on Irondequoit Creek toward Irondequoit Bay.
Honeoye Creek
Spend time on the creek as it leaves Honeoye Lake, flows over Honeoye Falls and through Rotary Park in Mendon, and again over Honeoye Creek Falls in Rush, heading for the Genesee River near Golah Road.
Conesus Creek
Check out the creek as it leaves Conesus Lake, passes over Littleville Falls and Papermill Falls, and under Five Arch Bridge on its way to the Genesee River.
Thomas Creek
Check out Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk, which parallels the Erie Canal through Fairport. The creek originates in Penfield and flows into Irondequoit Creek near Legion Eyer Park.
Oatka Creek
Enjoy this creek as it runs through LeRoy, Oatka Creek Park, and under the George Bridge in Scottsville, where you can jump right in, unsupervised, of course. The Oatka empties into the Genesee River.
Cascadilla Creek
Take the Cascadilla Gorge Trail between Cornell University and downtown Ithaca to appreciate this powerful creek. Enjoy multiple waterfalls and cascades along a 400 ft. drop in elevation as it flows toward Cayuga Lake.
Black Creek
Black Creek originates near East Bethany, passing through Genesee Country Park & Forest, then Bergen Swamp. Take a paddle on the creek as it widens and passes through Churchville Park and Black Creek Park, emptying into the Genesee River.
Taughannock Creek
Enjoy the creek as it courses through Taughannock Falls State Park on the way to Cayuga Lake.
Glen Creek
Appreciate the power of the creek as it winds through Watkins Glen State Park on the way to Seneca Lake.
Buttermilk Creek
Swim in the creek’s natural pool at the base of Buttermilk Falls as it flows through the state park on its way to Cayuga Lake.
Wolf Creek
The creek originates in Silver Springs. You’ll find Wolf Creek passing through Letchworth State Park as it plummets into the Genesee River gorge, 3.5 miles north of the Glen Iris Inn.
Fall Creek
On its journey toward Cayuga Lake, Fall Creek passes through FR Newman Arboretum and Cornell Botanic Gardens, under several spectacular footbridges, and over many wonderful waterfalls, including Triphammer, Rocky, Horseshoe, Forest, and Ithaca Falls.
Oak Orchard River
Enjoy the waterway as it passes through Lake Alice, Oak Orchard State Marine Park, and Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, under the Erie Canal in Medina, and over Oak Orchard Dam on its way to Lake Ontario.
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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.
Sandy Creek
You can enjoy Sandy Creek as it flows through Holley Canal Park and joins with canal runoff flowing over Holley Canal Falls. From there, it flows under the Erie Canal on its way to Lake Ontario through Hamlin.
Flint Creek
Flint Creek has branches that merge in Phelps before making its way to the Erie Canal in Lyons.
The western branch serves as the north-end outlet of Canandaigua Lake, running through Canandaigua, Shortsville, and Manchester.
The eastern branch originates in the Italy Valley, making its run through Gorham and Seneca Castle.
You can hike or bike the Ontario Pathways Trail from, for example, the Rt. 96 trailhead in Clifton Springs to Vogt Rd trailhead in Stanley, roughly 8 miles one way. Or a nice 2-mile hike one way from Rt 96 to the Wheat Hill trailhead. Or spend the day relaxing at Crooked Bridge Park in Phelps.
Even more creeks around Rochester!
Tonawanda Creek through Batavia, over Indian Falls, merges with the Erie Canal south of Lockport. Follow its tributary, Murder Creek, through Akron Falls Park, too!
Bear Creek through the Maquire Family Wildlife Sanctuary on its way to Lake Ontario.
Ellicott Creek through Ellicott Creek Park
Chittenango Creek through Chittenango Falls State Park
Fish Creek through Fish Creek State Forest, emptying into Oneida Lake at Sylvan Beach.
Cattaraugus Creek originates in Java Lake, through Arcade, the Zoar Valley, and the Cattaraugus Reservation in Irving before emptying into Lake Erie.
Canaseraga Creek originates near Swain, merges with Stony Brook, and empties into the Genesee River near Dansville.
Eighteen Mile Creek empties into Lake Erie next to Graycliff Estate after passing through Eighteen Mile Creek Park.
Salmon Creek originates in Claredon and runs through Northampton Park, under the Erie Canal, emptying into Braddock Bay on Lake Ontario.
Fourmile Creek originates in Walworth and courses through Four Mile Creek Preserve on its way to Lake Ontario.
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Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
H2O Heritage: Exploring Rochester’s Freshwater Resources
Rochesterians are fortunate to be surrounded by abundant freshwater resources that present us with unique stewardship opportunities.
Paddle, Pedal, and Trek Along Rochester’s Waterways
With parks, preserved wetlands, historic neighborhoods, and miles of trails, Rochester has no shortage of adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
On a hot day, you can stand under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or wade through a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming holes
Water Trails: Over 50 Places to Explore Rochester’s Waterways
Paddle your way to peace and quiet along Rochester’s water trails. Use these launches for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
9 Lake Ontario Lighthouses in New York
These lighthouses along Lake Ontario in New York are within a two-hour drive of Rochester. And where there’s a light there’s a sweeping view!
39 Other Great Lakes Near Rochester
Rochester is well-known for its 11 Finger Lakes and two beautiful Great Lakes. But there are even more freshwater lakes to enjoy.
Unlock the Wonder: 12 Ways to Fully Experience the Erie Canal
Experience the beauty, history, and community of the Erie Canal through activities that offer a unique perspective of life along the canal.
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Which are your favorite creeks?
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.
Thank you for your website and all your work to gather this information. A helpful addition would be to include which creeks are walkable with public access.
Very few are walkable, especially in the immediate area. These creeks are walkable:
• Barnes Creek Gully, Canandaigua
• Conklin Gully, Naples
• Eternal Flame Falls, Orchard Park
• Grimes Glen , Naples
• Gully Preserve, Dansville
• Havana Glen, Montour Falls
• Royalton Ravine, Gasport
• Tannery Creek, Naples
Living in Greece N. Y. 16 years ago on Venetia View Drive …….never realized to ask” what was the name of the creek that runs through the street property.
It looks to me like a branch of Larkin Creek, originating in Greece Canal Park. I’m not 100% but they do merge near Mill Rd.