Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the many natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms. Our region is full of unique and fascinating places to discover!
As a side note, I’m also interested in finding places ideal for very long walks. If you have a spot where you enjoy miles of easy-to-moderate walking (some hills or slight elevation changes are acceptable) away from automobile traffic, please share in the comments below. I’m thinking of places like Letchworth, Hamlin Beach, rail trails, etc. I’m especially keen to find places that inspire introspection and promote solitude and serenity.
Take a Walk
The best thing you can do for your body and mind is simply take a walk. Enjoy our favorite places to meander, mosey, saunter, or stroll.
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Guided Walks and Tours Around Rochester, NY
Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.
Paved, Boardwalk, and Gravel Pathways for Easy Strolls
These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.
18 Wonderful Winter Walks in Monroe County
These winter walks in Rochester and Monroe County will inspire you to time outside, breathing in cold, fresh air and soaking up a little sun.
22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
My favorite fall hikes offer a variety of landscapes and scenic views, including rivers, forests, and peaceful surroundings.
These boardwalks are integrated into larger trail systems to assist individuals in navigating wetlands and conserving wildlife.
36 Places to Immerse Yourself in Green
I find green to be a soothing color, especially when surrounded by it. Here are some of my favorite places to go green!
80+ Hiking Trails Around Rochester
Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.
Gardens & Arboretums
These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees. Ideal destinations for walks between April and August, many of these places also feature interesting architectural and landscape elements that make them great for winter walks.
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Highland Park has even been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
Rochester’s Olmsted-Designed Parks
Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities with a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.
Durand Eastman Park’s 977 acres include an arboretum, hiking trails around Durand and Eastman Lakes, and a swimming beach on Lake Ontario.
The George Eastman Museum is a beautiful tribute to his life & legacy, and is the world’s oldest photography museum with one of the oldest film archives.
Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion
Located in the City of Canandaigua, Sonnenberg Gardens is an exceptional example of the lavish wealth and philanthropy of the Gilded Age.
Nature Centers & Preserves
The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.
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Mendon Ponds is Monroe County’s most expansive park, with woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and 21 miles of color-coded trails across 2,500 acres.
The terrain at Helmer Nature Center is hilly and tree-covered, making is an excellent place for peaceful woodland exploration.
Letchworth has something for everyone, from hiking one of the park’s 29 trails and picnicking beside a waterfall to taking a scenic drive.
OptOutside: Ideas for Spending Time Outdoors on the Day After Thanksgiving
Anyone can OptOutside on Black Friday. Join a guided walk through Highland Park on Friday, November 24, at 1 p.m., or explore independently.
Parks & Historic Sites
Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.
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Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
Ganondagan State Historic Site
Ganondagan is the original site of a 17th-century Seneca town, which at its peak had 150 longhouses where one replica stands today.
Explore these moss-covered rock formations near Rochester, such as Little Rock City in Ellicottville and Thunder Rocks in Allegany State Park.
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.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
Farms & Farmers’ Markets
Exploring local markets and roadside produce stands is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and support family farms. But the real fun begins when agritourism combines with harvest time!
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There are U-Pick farms all around the Greater Rochester Area. Often times, picking your own product is as much a family adventure as it is entertainment!
🍎 Apple Everything! Rochester’s best ciders, fry cakes, fritters, pies, and more
Come September, we begin to crave all things apple: cider, donuts, fritters, hard cider, pie, and warm cinnamon fry cakes.
🍁 Maple Weekends: 13 Sweet Sugar Shacks Near Rochester
During Maple Weekends, March 16-17 and 23-24, 2024, producers open their sugar shacks to honor the art and science of turning sap into syrup.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches & Farms Around Rochester
Experience the perfect autumn day at our Rochester-area pumpkin farms with wagon rides, fresh apple cider and donuts, and corn mazes.
Where do you like to roam?
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.
