Unlike most New York State Parks, Monroe County parks are free. Take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical and geological experiences. We have an amazing backyard!
Monroe County Parks
Listed largest to smallest:
- Mendon Ponds
- Black Creek
- Durand Eastman
- Northampton
- Genesee Valley
- Churchville
- Greece Canal
- Webster
- Oatka
- Ellison
- Powder Mills
- Lucien Morin
- Seneca
- Highland
- Lehigh Valley
- Abraham Lincoln
- Irondequoit Bay West
- Tryon
- Ontario Beach
- Devil’s Cove
- Seneca Park Zoo
1. Mendon Ponds
Highlights: 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands and glacially created landforms, on the National Registry of Natural Landmarks due to its geologic history and presence of significant kames, eskers, and kettles, Wild Wings, birdsong trail among other excellent hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, sledding, camping for scout and youth groups only.
Mendon is now home to the Fairy Trail, along the Birdsong Trail. The fairy houses were moved from Tinker Park in 2018.
2. Black Creek
Highlights: 1,505-acres, 5 hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, sledding, kayak launch.
3. Durand Eastman
Highlights: 977 acres, arboretum, swimming beach on Lake Ontario, steep wooded slopes and valleys, small lakes, sledding, golf, 5 hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
4. Northampton
Highlights: 973 acres, Springdale Farm, downhill ski slope (ski lessons from Swain), a model airplane field, 5 hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
5. Genesee Valley
Highlights: 800 acres, Olmsted-designed park, intersection of the Erie Canal and Genesee River, connection point for the Canalway Trail, Genesee Riverway Trail, and Genesee Valley Greenway, 2 golf courses, organized recreation, paved pathways popular with bicyclists and joggers, kayak & canoe rentals.
6. Churchville
Highlights: 742 acres, golf and disc golf courses, one of three Monroe County Parks with an outdoor ice skating rink.
7. Greece Canal
Highlights: 577 acres, located along the Erie Canal, one of two Monroe County parks with a dog park, 4 hiking trails all mainly easy/level.
8. Webster
Highlights: 550 acres, the only County park with camping available to families and not just scout troops, sledding, access to Lake Ontario (no swimming), hiking trails.
9. Oatka Creek
Highlights: 461-acres, exceptional trout fishing from both banks along Oatka Creek, mostly undeveloped, hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
10. Ellison
Highlights: 447 acres, our first county park, natural woodlands combined with steep slopes, in the Irondequoit Creek flood plain. One of two Monroe County parks with a dog park, one of three with an outdoor ice skating rink, 5 trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
11. Powder Mills
Highlights: 380 acres, fish hatchery, steep hillsides, creekside meadows and wetlands, downhill skiing, trout fishing in Irondequoit Creek, 5 hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty including the Daffodil Trail, winter ski lessons from Swain.
12. Lucien Morin
Highlights: 348 acres, located on the north side of Ellison Park, marsh area for canoe and kayak access to the bay, hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
13. Seneca
Highlights: 297 acres, linear park along the Genesee River, Olmsted-designed park, Seneca Park Zoo, pedestrian bridge over river connecting to Maplewood Park and the Genesee Riverway Trail, 6 hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty.
14. Highland
Highlights: 150 acres, Olmsted-designed park, arboretum, Lilac Fest, Lamberton Conservatory, Warner Castle Sunken Garden, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, reservoir, Highland Bowl, one of three Monroe County Parks with an outdoor ice skating rink, paved pathways with sizable changes in elevation, one of the 5 pre-historic Pinnacle Hills: Cobb’s, Pinnacle, Highland and Mount Hope, plus Oak Hill which is now the University of Rochester’s campus.
15. Lehigh Valley Rail Trail
Highlights: 15 mile linear park, hard packed gravel, crosses the Genesee River to connect with the Genesee Valley Greenway, the only one of our Monroe County Parks utilizing an old railroad line.
There are dozens of access points, like Rochester Junction pictured above.
16. Abraham Lincoln
Highlights: 182 acres, on Irondequoit Bay, hiking trails are each less than a mile with varying degrees of difficulty.
17. Irondequoit Bay West
Highlights: 147 acres, completely undeveloped, 2,000 feet of Irondequoit Bay shoreline that is incredibly popular but difficult to park.
18. Tryon
Highlights: 82 undeveloped acres, west-side of Irondequoit Creek, Lucien Morin runs on the east-side, popular for mountain biking and dog walking.
19. Ontario Beach
Highlights: 39 acres, historic 1905 Dentzel Carousel, walkable pier, Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, restaurants, original Abbots Custard, swimming beach on Lake Ontario, concerts, organized recreation, events, a short walk from the Rochester’s hidden sidewalk.
20. Devil’s Cove
Highlights: 18 acres, park will remain natural and undeveloped, is accessible only from the water.
21. Seneca Park Zoo
Although the 20-acre Zoo is part of the greater Seneca Park, it’s worth noting that Monroe County Parks lists it separately as the 21st park. It’s also important to note that this is the only Monroe County Park that charges an admission fee.
22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
Our favorite fall hikes offer a variety of elements and views. The presence of water, trees, and solitude help rank these high on our list!
30 Winter Walks Around Rochester
These ideas for winter walks should motivate you to step outside for some fresh air and, with any luck, sunshine. Bundle up!
13 Places in the City to Enjoy the Genesee River
At Genesee Valley Park, the Genesee River begins her journey through the city, racing over a dam and three waterfalls before emptying into Lake Ontario.
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-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 each unique!
132 Things to Do Around Rochester
We’ve pulled together a list of fun and unique things to do around Rochester, NY within two hours of home—perfect for quick getaways.
17 Hidden Places Around Rochester
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.
71 Hiking Trails Around Rochester
A few rustic trails around Rochester that will inspire you to take a hike. A diverse collection of rail, waterside, and inland trails.
Water Trails: 58 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.
Rather than an escape, I prefer to think of these as transcending places that encourage us to transcend space, time, and state of mind.
Which are your favorite Monroe County Parks?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!