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 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 in Early-September
The grass-mown meadow trails are perfect for observing wildflowers and the birds & insects that flourish among them.
Oatka Creek Park in Early November
This trail offers an excellent hike to observe fall foliage changes and the dying of meadow flowers.
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.
Explore More
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.
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.
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
Explore More
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
Freshwater Creeks Around Rochester
These beautiful creeks around Rochester impact us in such subtle ways they sometimes disappear into the background of our lives.
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.
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.
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.
Where are your favorite spots in Oatka Creek Park?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
Help Support My Work
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy.
If you have found valuable information that has helped you explore the Rochester area, become a paid subscriber on Substack. You’ll receive an email whenever I publish new content and have the opportunity to interact with a growing community.
Or buy me a coffee or two to help fuel future field trips.
I appreciate your support in my continuing to produce valuable and meaningful content.
Thank you!
Debi
Enjoy the Journey Together!
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.
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!
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! 🙂 )
Thank you, Angela! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All fixed!
Do not forget Linwood Gardens close to LeRoy ..not free, but
Small donation, hundreds of Roses