Mendon Ponds Park is the largest Monroe County Park with 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands and glacially created land-forms. Every January, Mendon Ponds hosts Winterfest and it’s the one outdoor-winter-event you don’t want to miss! Activities are spread through the park so take a look at the activities for a place to start your day.
The Devil’s Bathtub
This is one of New York’s rare meromictic lakes, similar to Green Lakes. It’s so deep, and so protected by the geologic features around it, that the layers in the water do not mix, or “turn over”.
Mendon Ponds’ unique geologic structure
“Mendon Ponds Park is the largest Monroe County Park with 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands and glacially created landforms. In 1969, it was named to the National Registry of Natural Landmarks due to its geologic history and presence of significant kames, eskers, and kettles.”
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Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Reserve
view brochure with this information
Now that you have to facts, you can experience the beauty and serenity that is Mendon Ponds Park. Visit each and every 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.
Hiking Trails around Mendon Ponds
I have found that the trails are not clearly marked and it’s easy to find yourself on a more difficult trail than you anticipated!
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Durand Eastman Park
The most popular walks among bird lovers and families are the Birdsong Trail and Swamp Trail, located near Wild Wings Bird Sanctuary near Route 65 and Pond Rd. Come with plenty of black oil sunflower seeds, especially during winter and early spring when food is scarce—the chickadees and nuthatches will land right in your hands!
Sharon’s Sensory Garden, Wild Wings & the Birdsong Trail
Sledding & Cross-Country Skiing in the Winter
Wandering through the park’s many wooded areas
Mendon Ponds has this name for a reason!
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
