OptOutside: Ideas for Spending Time Outdoors on the Day After Thanksgiving

Spend part of the Friday after Thanksgiving outside, whether you have an hour for a woodland walk or a full day to explore the Finger Lakes. REI introduced #OptOutside in 2015, closed its stores on Black Friday, and encouraged people to spend time outdoors. Around Rochester, you can make the idea your own: follow a trail, walk beside the water, or explore a village on foot.

Hit the Trail

With most of the leaves down, late November brings longer views through the woods and a clearer sense of the land beneath the trees. Explore the hills, ponds, and glacial landforms at Mendon Ponds Park, or choose a shorter outing at Corbett’s Glen. For more possibilities, browse these hiking trails around Rochester.

Monroe County parks and town parks offer plenty of options close to home. Pick a route that suits the weather and available daylight, wear footwear with good traction, and expect fallen leaves to conceal mud or ice. Check seasonal access and any posted trail closures before setting out.

Wander Near Water

Follow the Genesee Riverway Trail through Turning Point Park, watch the waves at Ontario Beach Park, or explore one of the region’s boardwalk trails. An open shoreline offers broad views of the late-autumn sky, while a wooded creekside path lets you notice smaller details along the way.

Waterfalls are another reason to head out when the leaves have fallen. Explore Irondequoit Creek at Channing H. Philbrick Park or visit Tunnel Falls in Corbett’s Glen. These easy-to-see waterfalls near Rochester offer more ideas for outings that don’t require a long hike. Use extra care on wet leaves, boardwalks, and stone steps, and respect barriers and seasonal closures.

Meander Down Main Street

A village walk can be a satisfying way to spend the afternoon outside. Notice the storefronts and architecture, wander down a side street, and stop for something warm along the way. Explore East Aurora, or combine a downtown walk with time beside the lake in Skaneateles, Canandaigua, or Hammondsport.

Choose one destination and leave room to explore it at an easy pace. A café, bookstore, or locally owned shop can become part of the outing, especially when you need a break from the cold. For more ideas, browse my favorite places to walk through cities, villages, forests, and glens.

OptOut Inside

When cold rain or icy paths change your plans, Lamberton Conservatory offers time among plants under glass. Explore its tropical and desert collections, then pause beneath the palms. If the weather allows, add a short walk through the surrounding Highland Park.

A nature center, library, or one of the region’s museums can also give the day a different focus. Check holiday hours before leaving home, and pair your visit with a nearby outdoor stop if conditions improve.

Create Your Own Tradition

Return to a favorite trail, invite someone to choose a destination, or explore a place you have been meaning to visit. You might spend the afternoon beside Lake Ontario or take a neighborhood walk before settling in with Thanksgiving leftovers.

Keep the plan simple enough to enjoy. An hour outside leaves time to notice bare branches, moving water, and the changing November sky. And if Friday does not work for you, carry the idea into another day.

Where do you like to spend time outside after Thanksgiving?

I’d love to hear from you—please reach out and share your thoughts and experiences.