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Erie Canal 200 - Meridian Centre Park

Meridian Centre Park

The 2025 Erie Canal Bicentennial presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the canal that transformed America and to commemorate its influence on New York and the nation. This will be a year full of incredible celebrations, thought-provoking presentations, musical performances, and momentous journeys.

Learn more: Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor

Gravel and wood chip trails, along with a beautiful boardwalk featuring picturesque wooden arches, assist visitors in exploring an arboretum and a wetland, making Meridian Centre Park a popular destination for birdwatching. Follow paths that connect to the Erie Canalway Trail to create a loop back to the parking lot.

Meridian Centre Park
Meridian Centre Park
Meridian Centre Park
Meridian Centre Park

An easy walk along the perimeter trail

The trails are primarily flat, with some covered in gravel, others in wood chips, and a beautiful boardwalk in one section. In the western part of the park, you’ll find nature paths and an arboretum with various plantings and wooden arches, making it a popular spot for birding.

Meridian Centre Park
Meridian Centre Park
Meridian Centre Park

And an easy walk along the canal

Connect to the Erie Canalway Trail and complete a loop to where you parked. Several paths lead up to and down from the canal trail.

Satellite view of Meridian Centre trails

More information about Meridian Centre Park

Cost: Free

Located in Brighton, roughly 10 minutes / 6 miles from Rochester (get directions)

Map: Trail Map

More information: townofbrighton.org

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What is your favorite spot in Meridian Centre Park?


I’d love to hear from you—please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Debi Bower, Day Trips Around Rochester NY

Debi Bower is the founder and creative director of daytrippingroc.com and author of the award-winning book Day Trips Around Rochester, New York.

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People often ask if I get free access to the places I visit. The answer is no—unless I’m invited to a special preview or offered behind-the-scenes access through my media role. Most of the time, I don’t even mention Day Trips Around Rochester, New York when I visit a place. I want to have the same experience you would.

I create and share this content because it brings me joy—and I hope it adds value to your adventures, too.

If my work has helped you explore and appreciate the Rochester area, please consider becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the chance to connect with a growing community of local explorers.

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Thank you!
Debi

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Enjoy the Journey Together!

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