Explore a world of incredible places just off the beaten path. From secret gardens and enchanting waterfalls to breathtaking vistas and fascinating geologic wonders, discovering hidden places around Rochester is a great way to enhance your travel experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to see and do things that most sightseers never even know about, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
On June 2, 2024, I added the 24th hidden place—The Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park.
City of Rochester
1. ARTISANworks
This unique, immersive experience challenges the senses and defies conventional boundaries. Discover a world of vibrant color and intricate design. From the original works of Picasso and Warhol to the artist studios that showcase the creative process in action, this is a space where art lives. Explore the 360-degree canvas and discover hidden gems that can surprise, inspire, and sometimes shock you. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or simply looking for something new and exciting, ARTISANworks promises an unforgettable experience. Admission fee. 565 Blossom Road, (585) 288-7170, artisanworks.net
2. Hidden Sidewalk
To access the hidden half-mile-long sidewalk, start at Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte and walk west along Beach Avenue. You will find the main entrances across from Clematis and Cloverdale Streets, with smaller entrances between roughly every fourth house. Note that the lawns, gardens, and docks along the sidewalk are privately owned and not open to the public. Only the sidewalk itself is available for public use. Beach Avenue
3. Pure Waters Pedestrian Bridge
The 20-acre Seneca Park Zoo is a small portion of the 300-acre county park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893. The zoo operates a seasonal ZooTram shuttle, transporting visitors between the extreme ends of the park for a nominal one-way fee. Many people walk through the zoo and take the tram to the main entrance, appreciating Seneca Park’s scenic views. Beyond the zoo, you will find a trout pond surrounded by pavilions, a playground, and hiking trails. The north trail leads toward Lake Ontario over a tiny but steep waterfall, with several risky descents to the river’s edge using deteriorating wood steps. The south trail ends at the scenic Pure Waters Pedestrian Bridge, part of the Genesee River Trail, which spans the river to connect with Maplewood Park. 2222 Saint Paul Street
4. Sunken Garden
In 1951, Monroe County Parks purchased the castle and grounds as an extension of Highland Park. The 1854 Gothic-style castle is now the headquarters for the Landmark Society of Western New York. In 1930, landscape architect Alling S. DeForest, who also designed the Eastman estate’s gardens, added the sunken garden to the property. Photographers often capture wedding and family photos in the park, but it can be a peaceful retreat if you visit when it’s not crowded. 5 Castle Park
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Sunken Garden at Warner Castle
In Highland Park, walk behind Warner Castle or up the hill from Highland Bowl, and there you will find the magnificent Sunken Garden.
5. Turning Point Boardwalk
The park’s most striking feature is a 3,572-foot-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin. The boardwalk takes visitors onto the river, close to blue herons, swans, turtles, deer, and other wildlife. Consider starting your walk from the north at Petten Street by the marina and O’Rorke Bridge for minimal elevation change. This section shows the abandoned 150-foot Spirit of Rochester, which offered lake cruises from 1985 to 2004. To begin at the south end, park in the Boxart Street lot. Most people walk north and down the steep, paved road toward the river, but you can also take the train-grade path by heading south for a half-mile from the parking lot and turning left at the Genesee Riverway Trails split near Brewster Harding Park. This route through Bullock’s Woods follows a seasonal creek with a small waterfall. 260 Boxart Street
6. 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. Encircling the reservoir is a paved 0.7-mile walking path offering 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.
Monroe County
7. Channing H. Philbrick Park
Irondequoit Creek drops 90 feet over one mile through this town park, creating the cascades that make it unique. While the Irondequoit Creek Trail spans the park’s length and beyond, the most exciting section lies east of Linear Park Drive. Near the kiosk next to the upper parking lot, find the easy-to-walk dirt path that follows the creek toward an unusual series of wooden footbridges. Or, walk across the pedestrian bridge that connects Linear Park Drive with North Washington Street to find the Mills Trail—a quick path that leads to the cascades along the creek’s south bank. Follow the Fishing Trail downstream to see the sandy cliff resembling Chimney Bluffs, complete with bank swallow nests. 1 Linear Park Drive, Penfield
8. Corbett’s Glen
To visit Corbett’s Glen North, start from the parking lot on Penfield Road. From there, you can follow stone dust, wood chips, and pine needle trails that lead toward the south end. The pathways are easy to navigate, though some parts of the trail, like the Stone Steps, can be steep. As you continue your journey, you will eventually reach the well-known Tunnel Falls and Postcard Falls along Allen Creek. Please note that wading in the creek is only allowed for trout fishing. 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. Walking through the park, you may notice that the paths pass by people’s backyards, and they do! These homeowners are passionate about protecting the park and want to keep it healthy for everyone’s enjoyment. North entrance: 415 Penfield Road, South entrance: 11 Glen Road, Brighton
9. Helmer Nature Center
Explore 45 acres owned and operated by the West Irondequoit Central School District as an outdoor classroom. Find one-and-a-half miles of combined dirt, wood chip, boardwalk, and gravel trails, with many spots covered in tree roots through the valley floor. The terrain is hilly and tree-covered, making Helmer an excellent place for peaceful woodland exploration. 154 Pinegrove Avenue, Irondequoit
10. Sara’s Garden Center
Upon arriving at Sara’s, it appears to be a typical garden shop. As you wander among the interesting plants and decor, you reach a bend and suddenly find yourself facing an inviting, inspiring, and meticulously manicured garden experience. With meandering pathways, stone structures, and diverse landscaping, it’s a lovely place for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful moment. 389 East Avenue, Brockport
11. Thomas Creek Wetland Walk
This nature trail is perfect for observing Thomas Creek’s flow toward Irondequoit Creek. The wetland offers two separate paths—one is gravel, and the other is a boardwalk—that lead to a seasonal viewing platform and connect with the Erie Canalway Trail. At the beginning of the path, interact with an analemmatic sundial, constructed with stones from Newark’s 1849 Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 58, by observing your shadow’s position. The plaque reads, “Stand on the current month, press your palms together and raise them high in the air. Note where your shadow crosses the hour markers: standard time above, daylight saving below.” 43 Liftbridge Lane E, Fairport
12. Webster Arboretum
Covering 32 acres, the arboretum is maintained by local garden clubs and boasts a pond, winding paths, various trees and shrubs, and formal gardens with over 200 daylily cultivars. Follow the pathways that meander around 40 acres of open spaces, flower and herb gardens, water elements, and a wide variety of trees. The walkways are primarily flat, hard-packed gravel. Rest by the pond or in the gazebo and listen to the sounds of birds and, sometimes, wind chimes. Kent Park, 1700 Schlegel Road, Webster
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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.
Greater Rochester
13. The Autism Nature Trail
Letchworth State Park, Humphrey Nature Center
I visit Letchworth State Park often, and The Autism Nature Trail (the ANT) is a must-do every time I go. Every season offers a peaceful and easy walk, allowing me to immerse myself in the forest and both mindfully and mindlessly follow the path.
The ANT is a flat, one-mile stone dust path with carefully designed activity stations and alone zones, perfect for experiencing the calming effects of nature. Designed specifically for those with ASD, all visitors are invited to enjoy a leisurely walk along the ANT. Cofounder Loren Penman has stated that the trail’s purpose is to provide opportunities for those with ASD. Watch the TEDxBuffalo talk on how this one-of-a-kind trail came to be and that “when we begin with the end in mind in providing opportunities for a group of under-served individuals, everybody wins.”
14. Grimes Glen
Following a short walk along the creekside trail, you must wade through the water for half a mile to find the first 60-foot waterfall. Continuing through the creek for another half mile will lead you to the second waterfall, a picturesque cascade of the same height. To return to the parking lot, retrace your steps. 4703 Vine Street, Naples, Ontario County
15. Holley Canal Falls
Holley Canal Park offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including picnic areas along the canal, an impressive waterfall, and a peaceful nature hike. Overflow from the canal creates the beautiful Holley Canal Falls, which flows into the glen and merges with Sandy Creek. This picturesque location is perfect for capturing family photos, holding wedding ceremonies, fishing, and soaking up the natural beauty of the surroundings. 1 Holley Falls Park Road, Holley, Orleans County
16. The Jump Off
The accessible Gannett Hill Jump-Off affords one of the loveliest scenic views in the Finger Lakes region, with County Route 33/West Hollow Road, Bristol Mountain, and, occasionally, Rochester’s skyline viewable from the platform. Spectacular any time of year, the optimal time to visit is during the peak of fall foliage in late October. The Jump-Off Trail connects with the Finger Lakes Trail System’s Bristol Hills Branch Trail. 6475 Gannett Hill Park Drive, Bristol, Ontario County
17. Stony Brook
Most visitors hike in and out along the 0.75-mile Gorge Trail, enjoying the stream-fed pool, waterfalls, and stone bridges. The walkway beside Stony Brook comprises shale and gravel, with some moderately challenging spots to navigate and dozens of steps to climb alongside each waterfall. The gorge trail is closed in winter. Admission fee. 10820 New York State Route 36, Dansville, Steuben County
Surrounding Counties
18. Akron Falls
Start your hike from the main parking lot near the dam for a leisurely walk beside Murder Creek through a dense forest ravine, leading straight to a magnificent 40-foot waterfall. Alternatively, you can park near the Rock Garden in the lot above the falls for a steeper approach. Halfway down the paved path, turn right to find a platform to observe the waterfall safely. If you turn left, you’ll continue into the ravine. At the bottom, you’ll see a clear path to the left, but if you turn right, the trail becomes filled with boulders. Adventurous hikers can continue to navigate around the rocks and make their way toward the waterfall’s base, but they’ll see a sign warning them not to go any further. 44 Parkview Drive, Akron, Erie County
19. Eternal Flame Trail
The Eternal Flame, where natural gas escapes through the shale into a sheltered grotto beneath Shale Creek’s 35-foot waterfall, is not actually eternal, despite its name. Bringing a lighter to reignite is a good idea if the flame goes out. To find the Eternal Flame Trail in Erie County’s Chestnut Ridge Park, start from the large parking lot on New York State Route 277/Chestnut Ridge Road and follow the trail markers to a staircase with approximately 135 steps. Then, proceed to follow the creek upstream. Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park, Erie County
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🔥 The Eternal Flame Hiking Trail
The Eternal Flame, where natural gas escapes into a sheltered grotto beneath Shale Creek’s 35-foot waterfall, is not actually eternal, despite its name.
20. Fillmore Glen
The shaded trail offers a refreshing escape on a hot day, especially when combined with a swim in the stream-fed pool. Just beyond the pool, before heading up to the gorge, take a quick detour to the base of Cow Shed Falls. Stone steps—140 in the beginning and several along the trail—and muddy paths make this a moderately challenging hike. The 1.3-mile gorge trail leads across several footbridges to four waterfalls along Dry Creek. The shale walls have fractures that allow water to trickle in, fostering the growth of lush vegetation like mosses, ferns, and trees. To return to the parking area, you can retrace your steps through the gorge or take the North Rim Trail. Next to the parking lot, close to the tree line, is a log cabin replica of the birthplace of President Millard Fillmore. The gorge trail is closed in winter. Admission fee. 1686 New York State Route 38, Moravia, Cayuga County
21. Green Lakes
Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, 15 minutes east of Syracuse, is known for its turquoise-colored glacial lakes and old-growth forest. Privately owned boats are not allowed on the lakes because of their sensitive nature, but rentals are available, including clear-bottom tandem kayaks. The park offers walking trails, a swimming beach on Green Lake, and an all-terrain wheelchair to assist with beach and trail access. Admission fee. 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, Onondaga County
22. Griffis Sculpture Park
Griffis Sculpture Park is a whimsical, fantastical, delightful art park in rural Cattaraugus County, roughly nine miles north of Ellicottville. There are over 250 large-scale sculptures integrated into the natural landscape. You’ll discover them in the open meadows and tucked into the woodlands. While you’ll need to explore the Mill Valley Road site on foot, enjoy the Rohr Hill Road site just by looking out the car window, where you’ll find impressive sculptures on both sides. 6902 Mill Valley Road, East Otto, Cattaraugus County
23. Havana Glen
McClure Creek and Eagle Cliff Falls are part of a more extensive town park and campground. A 0.75-mile trail, using a set of stairs secured to the gorge’s shale wall, leads to the base of the falls. Crowded on hot days and weekends, consider visiting on a weekday or early morning for a more peaceful experience. The gorge trail is closed in winter. Admission fee. 135 Havana Glen Road, Montour Falls, Schuyler County
24. Olcott Beach
The adorable seaside Hamlet of Olcott Beach makes for an excellent summertime day trip along the Lake Ontario Seaway Trail. Open May through October (7 days a week, Memorial Day–Labor Day, otherwise weekends only), Lakeview Village Shoppes is a quaint, pastel-colored collection of tiny stores overlooking Lake Ontario.
Olcott Beach Carousel Park is generally open on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. It’s the tiniest amusement park you’ll ever see, reminiscent of the 1940s and operated entirely by passionate volunteers. Enjoy a ride on the 1928 Hershell-Spillman carousel and five other vintage kiddie rides. There is no admission fee to enter the park, and rides are just $0.25 each.
Don’t miss the replica lighthouse, open daily for visitors, and Krull Park‘s Ye Olde Log Cabin, open on weekends. 5867 Ontario Street, Newfane, Niagara County
25. Destination 2025 TBD
I’ve started choosing a new hidden gem each year, so I’ll add the 25th destination in 2025. Hidden Gem #25 may be among the places listed below, and I already have a few contenders in mind. Do you have a favorite spot I should add to the list below? Contact me to let me know!
More Hidden Gems to Explore
This is a list of the places the Day Trips Around Rochester community suggested as candidates for the 22nd hidden gem leading into 2022. My hope is to add a new one every year to the list above. As I contemplate a new addition for 2025, a few places are rising to the top, including Garrett Memorial Chapel in Penn Yan.
I can’t wait to add the newly reconstructed Children’s Pavilion in Highland Park in 2026! To learn more, watch Katie Comeau from Bero Architecture’s April 2024 Pavilion Project presentation.
City of Rochester
- Genesee Valley Park
- Highland Park + Lamberton Conservatory
- Maplewood Rose Garden
- Mount Hope Cemetery
- Seth Green Fishing Access Trail + Norton’s Falls
Monroe County
- Abraham Lincoln Park
- Black Creek Park Fairy Trail
- Braddock Bay Hawkwatch
- Crescent Trail
- Daffodil Meadow, Powder Mills Park
- Lollypop Farm
- Northampton Park + Springdale Farms
- Oatka Creek Park
- Shadow Pines
- Sherwood Fields Park
- Thousand Acre Swamp Preserve
- Tinker Nature Park
- Tryon Park
- Wild Wings Nature Center
Greater Rochester
- Abbey of the Genesee
- Camp Beechwood
- Bergen Swamp
- Canadice North East Boat Launch
- Carpenter Falls
- Cayuga-Seneca Canal Lock Number 1
- Chimney Bluffs
- Conklin Gully
- Cumming Nature Center
- Fall Brook Gorge
- Finger Lakes National Forest
- Five Arch Bridge
- Ganondagan State Historic Site
- Garrett Memorial Chapel
- Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area
- Hidden Valley Animal Adventure
- High Tor Wildlife Management Area
- Hinchcliff Family Preserve
- Huckleberry Swamp
- Indian Fort Nature Preserve
- Keshequa Creek Falls
- Keuka Lake Outlet Trail
- Linwood Gardens
- Ludovico Sculpture Trail
- MacKay Wildlife Preserve
- Nations Road, Geneseo
- Oak Island
- Onanda Park
- Ontario Pathways Trail, Bridge over US-20
- Ontario Pathways Trail, Double Drop Falls
- Ontario Pathways Trail, “Winnie the Pooh” Walk
- Papermill Park
- Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park
- Tannery Creek
- Warsaw Falls
- Watkins Glen State Park
- Wesley Hill Nature Preserve
- Willard Memorial Chapel
- Wiscoy Falls
Surrounding Counties
- Agers Falls
- Andrew R. Fuller Park
- Beaver Lake Nature Center
- Farm Sanctuary
- Golden Hill State Park
- Gully Preserve
- Ithaca Falls Natural Area
- Kinzua Bridge State Park, PA
- Lily Dale Assembly
- Little Rock City, near Salamanca
- Moss Lake Preserve
- Otisco Causeway
- Panama Rocks Scenic Park
- Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
- Rock City Park, Olean
- Royalton Ravine Park
- Rushford Lake
- Sterling Nature Center
- Swallow Hollow Trail, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
- Taughannock Falls State Park
- Thunder Rocks, Allegany State Park
- Tifft Nature Preserve
- Wilkeson Pointe
Google Map of Locations
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Discover the best restaurants, lesser-known attractions, secluded hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and more.
Instead of being an escape, I see these places as opportunities that encourage us to transcend space, time, and our state of mind.
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Rochester, NY Events & Activities: Your Guide to Year-Round Fun
Join me as I explore the best things to do around Rochester each month, highlighting unique activities and events throughout the year.
Free Things to Do Around Rochester
Our top 12 day-trip ideas for unique, fun, and free things to do around Rochester will give you over 500 actual destinations.
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
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Land That I Love: Your Guide to Roaming the Earth Around Rochester
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the varied memorable experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms.
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Off-the-Beaten-Path Books
New York Off the Beaten Path®
by Randi Minetor
Unknown Museums of Upstate New York: A Guide to 50 Treasures
by Chuck D’Imperio
Secret Places: A Guide to 25 Little Known Scenic Treasures of New York’s Niagara-Allegheny Region, Including the Beautiful, the Bizarre, the Special, and the Sublime
by Bruce Kershner
Secret Buffalo: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure
by Elizabeth Licata
Where are your favorite hidden places around 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.
Cayuga-Seneca Canal Lock #1 connects Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. Frontenac Island is 9 miles south on Cayuga Lake in the village of Union Springs. Native American relics removed from the island are now located in Rochester Museum and Science . Small NYS picnic area at the lock is frequented by regulars. Near Montezuma Wildlife Refuge who was instrumental in saving the bald eagle from extinction. Between Seneca Falls and Auburn.
Excellent suggestions, Lois! I visited Lock 1 a few years ago and absolutely loved the spot. Loved the view! Loved watching the canal boats cut across the top of Cayuga Lake to enter the lock! I followed a boat from Seneca Lake through Seneca Falls to see it lock through all four. I’d like to learn more about Frontenac Island, thank you for highlighting it!
We visited Holley Canal Falls yesterday. It’s a nice quiet place to have a picnic or to just enjoy the short trail to the top of the waterfall. Further up you can view the Eerie Canal as well. Just be careful we found a snake by the trail. We found a few people fishing in the area.
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These are awesome ideas, thanks!!
Not a well known fact but the classic film actress, Louise Brooks, is buried in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery on Lake Avenue in Rochester NY
Also, Swallow Hollow Nature Trail in Alabama, NY (near Medina) is a very nice place.
There is a nice trail between Boxart St and the Maplewood rose Garden. A neat sculpture and a few waterfalls. Seth Green Island too.
I see my favorite hidden spot is still hidden! It isn’t really, but I’m surprised how many times I am one of only two or three walking the beautiful nature trails through woods and wetlands at Tinker Nature Center and Park. The trails are short, the longest just over one mile, mostly flat, and easy to enjoy. Located in Henrietta, many longtime residents have never been there! In front of the trails is Tinker Homestead and the Nature Center. All worth a visit!
Tinker is one of my favorite places for so many reasons!
I would suggest adding the Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk in Fairport. They recently added a butterfly garden and an analemmatic sundial near the Erie Canal Path. The sundial is the interactive kind where your body makes the shadow. Kids and adults love it, the scenery is beautiful, and the atmosphere is peaceful. The sundial was designed and built by local artist, Vanessa Sheldon, and she used stones from nearby lock 58. It’s definitely a hidden gem.
I agree! So many people don’t realize Thomas Creek Wetlands Trail is right there next to the canal. I didn’t know about the new installations…I’ll have to check that out. Thank you, Stacy, for the recommendation!
How about the Bergen Swamp?
I agree, CG, Bergen Swap would be a good addition!
Great List! How about Mt Hope Cemetary! Stunning!
Thank you, Sharon! I’m of the thought that Mt. Hope Cemetery itself is not a hidden place, BUT within Mt. Hope Cemetery are many hidden places. Would you agree? That would make a good article…hidden places within Mt. Hope Cemetery. I think one of my favorite spots is where Nathaniel Rochester is buried.
Maybe it is too far from Rochester, but Little Rock City is amazing. It is south of Ellicottville.
I’m heading down to Little Rock City on Saturday! I haven’t been in years and I’m introducing a friend to it. Such a beautiful area.
Eye flings my dogs poop in them peoples yards as eye walk on dat hidden sidewalk doe.
There’s always one, folks, and this one is ours. Please, take good care of him.
Linear Park is a beautiful place.
Thanks. Great list. 50% done. 50% to go!
Woohoo! Some great places to work into your summer adventures, Mary.
Linear Park , in Penfield, amazing.
Ever check out the Falls in Holley,NY they are excellent!!
How funny that you and JM both suggested Holley Falls. And you are both so right! I lived in Holley for 2 years when my daughter was first born and had no idea it was even there, although we were outside the village. It’s perfectly hidden!
Holley Falls Park at the end of Frisbee Terrace (stay right) in the village of Holley is a nice hidden treasure that’s pet friendly, has pretty waterfalls as well as easy hiking trails.
http://nyfalls.com/waterfalls/holley-falls/
JM, I also commented on Richard’s suggestion of Holley Falls, and you are both absolutely right! Great suggestion!