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Oatka Creek Park goldenrod birch

Oatka Creek Park

In this undeveloped county park, some pathways may be muddy and shared with horses, but there is little elevation change. The pathways lead through woodlands and wildflower meadows, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience. Highlights include a bridge over Oatka Creek along the purple trail and a beautiful quaking aspen grove along the black trail.

Oatka Creek Park
Oatka Creek Park May grass pathway
Oatka Creek Park May aspen trees
Oatka Creek Park
Purple Trail

Oatka Creek Park in Late-May

If you’ve been longing for the color green after winter’s harsh whites, the trails are awash in it!

Oatka Creek Park goldenrod birch trees
Oatka Creek Park birch trail
Oatka Creek Park goldenrod grass
Oatka Creek Park monarch butterfly
Blue Trail

Oatka Creek Park in Early-September

The grass-mown meadow trails are perfect for observing wildflowers and the birds & insects that flourish among them.

Oatka Creek Park Scottsville NY
The driveway
Oatka Creek Park Scottsville NY
Oatka Creek Park Scottsville NY
autumn
Green Trail

Oatka Creek Park in Early November

This trail offers an excellent hike to observe fall foliage changes and the dying of meadow flowers.

birch trees
birch trees
autumn
autumn
autumn

Quiet spaces

I find the meadows unique about Oatka—great spaces to observe wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife among the Aspens and witness seasonal changes. It is one of the least used and least developed parks, making for a quiet retreat into nature.

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Quiet Places: 10 Spots to Seek Solitude Around Rochester

Here are some locations where I have experienced abundant space for solitude and inner peace amidst the beauty of nature.

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Oatka Creek Park
Oatka Creek / Purple Trail
Oatka Creek Park Scottsville NY
Oatka Creek Park Scottsville NY
Oatka Crek Park black trail
Black Trail

Trails

Any combination of green, white, blue, and black trails is an easy walk. The green trail is where you’ll find the Aspen grove. Take the Warbler/Purple Trail to find the stone bridge that crosses Oatka Creek, best known for quality fly fishing.

Autumn
Oatka in October

More information about Oatka Creek Park

Cost: Free

Located in Scottsville, roughly 25 minutes / 20 miles from Rochester (get directions)

More information: monroecounty.gov/parks-oatka

Trail Map | Park Map

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22 Monroe County Parks

Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.

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Freshwater Creeks Around Rochester

These beautiful creeks around Rochester impact us in such subtle ways they sometimes disappear into the background of our lives.

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Oatka Creek in LeRoy

Oatka Creek is a clear centerpiece for the Village of LeRoy, with a waterfall, 2 dams, and an 8 foot Statue of Liberty replica on her shoreline.

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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.

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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.

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Where are your favorite spots in Oatka Creek 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.

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Thank you!
Debi

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5 thoughts on “Oatka Creek Park”

  1. Looking for history of the mining of gypsum in OutKast’s creek park. It is also called plaster woods and had a small gauge railroad.

  2. A magical place. I couldn’t believe there was such a park right around the corner from where I lived. I hope it retains its lesser-known and lesser-used status, but is still preserved as a NY park for generations to come. Nice photos!

  3. Just an FYI: the “get directions” link under “More info information about Oatka Creek Park” takes you to a google map of Black Creek Park, not Oatka Creek. (webmaster feel free to delete my comment if fixed! 🙂 )

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