Explore 21 miles of marked trails across 2,500 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and glacially created landforms like kettles, kames, eskers, and bogs. Named for its four most significant ponds—Hundred Acre, Round, Quaker, and Deep Ponds—one of the park’s unique bodies of water is Devil’s Bathtub, a rare meromictic lake with a depth of about 47 feet at its deepest point. Be sure to check out Wild Wings Inc.’s bird of prey facility and nature center, and enjoy a walk along the nearby Birdsong Fairy Trail.
In 1969, due to its geologic history and the presence of significant eskers, kames, and kettles, it was named to the National Registry of Natural Landmarks.
Mendon Ponds’ Unique Geology
To paint a richer picture, read this excerpt from an article entitled Glacial Geology by James S. Wishart:
“The southern edge of the ice sheet gradually melted, and the ice front retreated northward. Little by little, as the ice disappeared, other features appeared. Lakes formed from the melting ice developed along the ice sheet’s edge.
“Chunks of ice detached from the glacier’s edge were often found in the shallow water and partially buried by rock debris. Later, when the ice was gone, ponds appeared in the hollows once occupied by the ice.
“Some of these ponds continue to exist today—as at Mendon Ponds Park. These bodies of water are called kettle ponds and the depressions in which they are found are referred to as kettles or kettle holes.”
Glacial Geology by James S. Wishart
Now that you have the facts, you can experience the beauty and serenity of Mendon Ponds Park. Plan a visit each season to appreciate the bold-blue ponds in summer, the reflection of colored trees in the Devil’s bathtub in autumn, the bright-white hills in winter, and the rebirth of Sharon’s Sensory Garden in spring.
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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.
Areas Around Mendon Ponds
The Devil’s Bathtub
The Devil’s Bathtub is one of New York’s rare meromictic lakes, similar to Green Lake and Round Lake in Green Lakes State Park. It is so deep and protected by geological features that the water layers do not mix or “turn over.” The lake’s depth is approximately 47 feet at its deepest point.
Mendon Ponds Nature Center
The nature center includes Wild Wings Bird of Prey Facility and the Birdsong Fairy Trail.
Wild Wings Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that manages the Mendon Ponds Park Nature Center and Bird of Prey Facility. They provide short-term and lifelong sanctuary for animals that rely on human care for their survival.
Visitors can see small mammals, amphibians, insects, and reptiles in the nature center building. The Bird of Prey Facility next door houses permanently injured raptor and owl species, a raven, a bobcat, and two red foxes. Both facilities are free to explore, and donations and profits from the gift shop go directly toward the care of the animals.
The Birdsong Fairy Trail, near the nature center, is this county park’s most popular walk among bird lovers and families. With a broad dirt pathway and slight elevation change, this trail provides an easy way to explore a forest full of woodland creatures and is ideal for a multigenerational nature walk.
Walking counterclockwise along the path, you can search for over 40 colorful fairy homes and play spaces.
When food is scarce in winter and early spring, head clockwise on the trail with a handful of black oil sunflower seeds so chickadees, nuthatches, and tufted titmice can eat them directly from your hand. Make time to explore the other trails in the park, including those around the ponds.
Wandering Through the Woodlands
Sledding & Cross-Country Skiing in the Winter
Every January, Mendon Ponds hosts Winterfest with activities throughout the park. It is one of the more popular spots for skiing and sledding. Snowshoes are available to rent from the nature center.
More information about Mendon Ponds Park
Cost: Free
Located in Pittsford and Honeoye Falls, roughly 20 minutes / 13 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More information: monroecounty.gov/parks-mendonponds
Explore More
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.
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
The Best Sledding Hills Around Rochester
Are you ready to play in the snow? Take your sled to one of Monroe County’s thrilling sledding hills, like Mendon Ponds and Black Creek.
These boardwalks are integrated into larger trail systems to assist individuals in navigating wetlands and conserving wildlife.
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.
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.
Snow Sports: 6 Ways to Stay Active in Winter
Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and tubing are fun winter activities that offer exposure to fresh air and sunlight.
Where is your favorite spot in Mendon Ponds Park?
I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
I resided at #1Pond Road (for a number of years. ( House was moved out of the Park)
The County had virtually abandoned maintenance of the Park in the last 8 years, only mowing a few areas
We went to Sharon’s sensory garden in Mendon Ponds Park today. What a disappointment. We took a blind family member and could only find lavender and lambs ear for her to touch. No water features, no other plants but weeds, no labels on things that might have been plants.
Sharon, I am truly sorry to hear this. I’m not sure if it’s due to staffing issues over the past few years, unfortunately landscaping seems to be one of the first things to go unattended. I would think that August would be the perfect time to be there. I’ll see what I can find out. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.