Quiet Places: 10 Spots to Seek Solitude Around Rochester

We recognize the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, breathing in fresh air (protected by sunscreen), and immersing ourselves in nature. Spending time outdoors is essential to our physical and mental. Here are some locations where I have experienced abundant space for solitude and inner peace amidst the beauty of nature.

Webster Arboretum

Webster

The 32-acre Webster Arboretum, maintained by local garden clubs, boasts a pond, winding paths, various trees and shrubs, and formal gardens with over 200 daylily cultivars.

Ganondagan State Historic Site

Victor

Atop Boughton Hill sits Ganondagan State Historic Site, the original site of a significant 17th-century Seneca town, which at its peak had 150 longhouses where a replica stands today. The grounds surrounding the Seneca Art & Culture Center offer two interpretive trails that tell the story of Hodinöhsö:ni life, history, and connection to the natural world.

A third trail, one mile west on Boughton Hill Road, interprets the history and the importance of Fort Hill, a large fortified storehouse for grain. It connects with Dryer Road Park. The website states, “The location of Gah:ha-da-yan-duk is significant to the Seneca. Looking south on a clear day from this hill, the observer can see Bare Hill, the legendary birthplace of the Seneca nation.”

Stone-Tolan House Historic Site

Brighton

Constructed in 1792, the Stone-Tolan House is the oldest building in Monroe County. Although there is traffic noise from the expressway in the backyard and East Avenue in the front, it’s peaceful walking through the apple tree grove and around the garden and historic outbuildings.

Oatka Creek Park

Wheatland

In the undeveloped Oatka Creek Park, some pathways may be muddy and shared with horses, but there is little elevation change. The pathways lead through woodlands and wildflower meadows, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience. Highlights include a bridge over Oatka Creek along the purple trail and a beautiful quaking aspen grove along the black trail.

MacKay Wildlife Preserve

Caledonia

There are fascinating man-made and geologic wonders to discover at MacKay Wildlife Preserve. You’ll find a sea of round, moss-covered boulders, a diverse collection of hardwoods, and unusual land formations, yet very few people!

Hamlin Beach

Hamlin

Hamlin Beach State Park offers seven miles of paved and dirt hiking trails and a self-guided tour of a historic CCC/POW camp. The lake shore is perfect for reading a book in the shade with your toes in the sand. In Area One, you can find green space, an unguarded beach, a kayak launch, and the Yanty Creek Environmental Nature Trail. Areas Three and Four have guarded swimming beaches, picnic tables, pavilions, playgrounds, bathhouses, and concession stands. Area Five has green space, an unguarded beach, and the Devil’s Nose hiking trail along the West Bluff.

Hemlock Lake

Hemlock

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) protects Hemlock Lake, situated 45 minutes south of Rochester, as the city’s drinking water source. Because of this conservation effort, the lake is popular for kayaking and night-sky photography. The peaceful surroundings make it a great spot to relax and recharge. At Hemlock Lake Park, on the north shore, quietly enjoy a picnic, read a book, or put in a kayak using the launch. A drive around the entire lake takes about 30 minutes, or you can hike one of several trails through Hemlock-Canadice State Forest, such as Rob’s Trail, which connects Hemlock and Canadice Lakes.

Meridian Centre

Brighton

Gravel and wood chip trails, along with a beautiful boardwalk featuring picturesque wooden arches, assist visitors in exploring an arboretum and a wetland, making Meridian Centre Park a popular destination for birdwatching. Follow paths that connect to the Erie Canalway Trail to create a loop back to the parking lot.

Mount Hope Cemetery

Rochester

Established in 1838, Mount Hope Cemetery is a popular destination for Rochester residents seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Walkers, runners, and bikers often use the well-maintained roadways, even during the colder months. While the landscape is delightful year-round, this beautiful Victorian cemetery is extraordinary in October. The diversity of trees in the arboretum displays a vibrant array of colors, with bold yellows and reds carpeting the ground before the snow arrives. The cemetery is divided into two sections: the south side, which is the newer area, and the north side, which is older and home to notable figures such as Nathaniel Rochester, Susan B. Anthony, and Frederick Douglass. The north section’s winding cobblestone roads are best explored on foot and provide a glimpse into the cemetery’s rich history, ecology, and geology. Maps and guided tours are available to provide more in-depth information about the land’s fascinating past, including ice age landforms and fossils.

Al Lorenz Park

Mount Morris

Located across the Genesee River from Letchworth State Park’s Mount Morris entrance, Al Lorez Park is a true gem that offers a range of walking paths, a pond with beautiful footbridges, and a diverse collection of trees, including a serene pine grove.

Finding Solitude on Hiking Trails & Preserves

These trails are much less traveled than those in our park systems. They are more secluded and rustic, and even in the best of times, they are excellent places to immerse yourself in nature.

Where do you go to find solitude in nature?

I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.