Explore some of our hidden gems this week! There’s no time like the present to start checking some off these extraordinary places your list.
We drive right past some of Rochester’s most unique spots every day, completely unaware of their existence.
I continue to meet life-long residents of Rochester who have no idea these hidden places are just minutes away from where they work & live.
A few of these are a little off the beaten path and worth going out of your way for to experience!
Table of Contents
- Channing H Philbrick
- Holley Canal Falls
- Rochester’s Hidden Sidewalk
- Sunken Garden
- Corbett’s Glen
- Turning Point
- Washington Grove
- The Jump Off
- Akron Falls
- Havana Glen
- Grimes Glen
- Helmer Nature Center
- Old Canal Lock 62
- Bergen Swamp
- Genesee Pedestrian Bridge
- Thomas Creek Wetland Walk
- Griffis Sculpture Park
1. Channing H. Philbrick Park
Penfield
Irondequoit Creek passes through three Monroe County Parks, from its origin just outside Powder Mills Park, then through Ellison Park and Lucien Morin Park on its way to Irondequoit Bay.
As Irondequoit Creek passes through Channing H Philbrick Park, it drops 90 feet over one mile giving us the cascades that make this park so special.
2. Holley Canal Falls
Holley
Approaching the Village of Holley on the canal or along NY-31, you would have no idea this beautiful waterfall exists!
I actually lived in Holley for several years and had no idea this was here.
The waterfall is fed by runoff from the canal, so it is dry once the canal is drained for the winter.
From the village square, drive past the Murray-Holley Depot and down Holley Falls Park Road where you’ll be able to see the waterfall from the parking loop at the end.
Enjoy a picnic in the park, or walk the various trails around and up to the canal, where there is a beautiful canal-side park and one of the canal’s 20 lift bridges.
3. Rochester’s Hidden Sidewalk
City of Rochester
To find it, start at Ontario Beach Park & head west on Beach Ave. Across from Clematis St. & Cloverdale St. are the two main entrances at either end, with several small sidewalks in between.
The beautiful lawns and gardens along the sidewalk are privately owned; only the path is public and maintained by the City.
4. Warner Castle Sunken Garden
City of Rochester
When you stroll behind Warner Castle and down the grassy lawn, you’ll discover the Sunken Garden.
The garden is a small part of Highland Park, yet folks don’t realize it’s here because it’s located on Reservoir Ave across South Ave toward Mount Hope Cemetery.
Take a walk behind the garden and you’ll find yourself at Highland Bowl.
5. Corbett’s Glen
Brighton/Penfield
Corbett’s Glen Nature Park is a hidden green space in a suburban jungle, nestled in between an express way and two highly trafficked roads near the Penfield/Brighton Town border.
When you visit, you will notice you seem to be walking through people’s back yards.
You are, in a sense.
The homeowners are passionate about keeping the glen beautiful and open for everyone’s enjoyment. It may have been a story of the past had it not been for this nature-loving community.
Even still, it’s one of the most popular hidden spaces!
6. Turning Point
City of Rochester
Turning Point Park’s most striking feature is a 3,572 ft-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin, part of the greater Genesee Riverway Trail.
Most folks drive down Lake Ave. never realizing they’re running parallel with this incredible boardwalk.
Turn off Lake Ave onto Boxart St. to access the south end at Turning Point Park, or start at Ontario Beach Park and follow the GRT from the north.
7. Washington Grove
City of Rochester
The trail next to Cobb’s Hill takes you by the graffiti-tagged water towers and winds through a quiet grove of ancient oaks.
The art is always evolving so every time you go you see something new.
8. The Jump Off
Naples
The Jump Off Trail in Ontario County Park is ADA-accessible and affords one of the most beautiful scenic views in the Finger Lakes Region.
Spectacular any time of year, my favorite time to visit is in the Autumn during peak leaf changing season.
The trail itself is but a sliver of an extensive system of foot paths along the Finger Lakes Trail.
This portion is part of the Western Finger Lakes Region Bristol Hills Branch Trail.
9. Akron Falls
Akron
Akron Falls Park is a linear park stretching along Murder Creek, with several places to park and walk down to access the gorge trail below.
I researched where to park by reading falzguy.com and nysfalls.com and where I ended up was the perfect!
The main falls are located at N 43.01445 W 78.48273 and there’s a parking lot above them at N 43.01531 W 78.48482.
Walk a zig-zagging, paved trail down toward the creek. From there you can head right to the overlook or left and down a little more to the forest floor. Head to the right and follow the trail to the end.
Even though the fall is the main attraction, the trial is a relatively flat walk through a lush, dense forest. Perfectly peaceful.
10. Havana Glen
Montour Falls
This is one of the few places on our list that charges a fee, but it will be the best $2 you’ve ever spent!
The 40-foot Eagle Cliff waterfall is a very short distance from the parking lot, but not at all accessible with a tight cliff-edge trail and a few sets of stairs.
Wade right in and stand under the fall.
It’s so refreshing on a hot day, but it does get pretty crowded in there! Try visiting early in the day or during the week to fully appreciate the glen and take photos of the fall and dripping, moss-covered walls.
Like most gorge trails, this town park closes for the winter, opening roughly mid-May through mid-October
11. Grimes Glen
Naples
Grimes Glen is about an hour south of Rochester, but I find it worth mentioning because so many people have no idea it’s there!
It’s off N. Main St./County Route 21, up a seemingly normal side street (Vine St.) You’ve probably been to the Naples Fest and have driven right past it.
I have even heard from people who have lived in Naples that had no idea a glen of this incredible beauty was right there.
The great thing about Grimes Glen is that the walk in and the trail along the glen is flat, though a bit muddy after a lot of rain.
There comes a point (about 1/2 mile in) at which you have to decide whether you want to walk in the water to check out the two 60-foot waterfalls just around the bend.
Go for it! It’s worth it. It’s one of our favorite hidden places!
12. Helmer Nature Center
Irondequoit
It’s hard to believe a nature center in the middle of a suburb could be considered hidden
But I’ve met residents of Irondequoit who don’t realize how extraordinary it is.
They may know it’s there because they pass a sign for it along their commute, but have not visited and that gives it hidden potential.
When you walk down the trails into the ravine, you are sheltered from the noise of St. Paul Blvd.
It is a peaceful, enclosed environment full of nature, similar to Corbett’s Glen and Channing H. Philbrick in that respect.
13. Old Canal Lock 62
Pittsford
Old Erie Canal Lock 62 is tucked just far enough off the beaten path that many do not realize it’s there.
Next time you are in Pittsford Plaza, take a look for it right behind it near Barnes & Noble.
It is one of the best preserved antiquated locks along the canal system.
14. Bergen Swamp
Byron-Bergen
Bergen Swamp is the first private environmental land trust in the United States chartered as a New York State living museum, and a National Natural Landmark with rich graminoid fens, cedar swamps, and riparian flood plains.
It is a wetland sanctuary to 36 native Orchids.
There used to be several trailheads but visitors are now encouraged to use the main trail. Get directions
The Bergen Swamp Preservation Society is an educational institution whose purpose is to conserve the flora and fauna of its Upstate New York properties. It is viewed as a living museum and an outdoor classroom.
15. Pedestrian Bridge over the Genesee River
City of Rochester
Seneca Park’s Olmsted South trail ends at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee River and connects Seneca to Maplewood, its sister Olmsted-designed park.
The bridge is part of the Genesee Riverway Trail system. You can access the bridge using stairs or ramps on both sides of the Genesee.
It’s a beautiful place to observe the seasons from high above the Genesee, and north of the last cataract before the river reaches Lake Ontario.
On the west bank is the location of Rochester’s earliest settlement—King’s Landing, followed by Hartford’s Landing—and Rochester’s first cemetery.
16. Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk
Fairport
Most folks when visiting Fairport walk along the canal path not knowing that the Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk is running parallel to them.
The Wetland Walk is actually two separate paths. One is paved yet rustic. The other is a boardwalk with a seasonal viewing platform.
They both connect to each other and with the Erie Canal Trail.
17. Griffis Sculpture Park
East Otto
The park features over 250 large scale sculptures dispersed through miles of hiking trails.
Each sculpture was placed with the natural setting in mind, creating a truly unique experience between art and nature.
Griffis Sculpture Park is actually split into two sections: Rohr Hill Road Site and Mill Valley Road Site.
The Rohr Hill area is characterized by towering sculptures set in fields and woods just off the road.
The Mill Valley Road Site features both a smooth walk area, as well miles of trails through a variety of terrain.
It’s a place worth seeing whether you have five minutes or five hours.
Sculptures like these on both sides of Rohr Hill Road are accessible by car whenever the roads are safe for driving. Get directions to Rohr Hill Rd.
The other part of the park (it’s a large property!) is open May 1-Oct 31, mainly because the trails in spring can be very muddy.
Even during the open season the trails deeper into the park may close after heavy rains. Get directions to Griffis Sculpture Park, Mill Valley Rd.
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Where are your favorite hidden places around Rochester?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
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.
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!