Our Favorite Places to Take a Walk

Durand Eastman Park’s 977 acres include an arboretum, hiking trails around Durand and Eastman Lakes, and a swimming beach on Lake Ontario.

Host to the Lilac Festival in May, Highland has the most extensive collection of lilacs in the country, with 500 varieties across 1,200 shrubs.

Mount Hope Cemetery’s north section’s winding cobblestone roads are best explored on foot for a glimpse into the areas’s rich history, ecology, and geology.

To find Rochester’s hidden sidewalk, start at Ontario Beach Park & head west on Beach Ave. Across from Clematis St. & Cloverdale St. are the two entrances.

The Seneca Park Zoo is only a small part of the 297-acre Seneca Park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893.

Turning Point Park’s most striking feature is a 3,572-foot-long boardwalk over the Genesee River Turning Basin.

If you’re cruising on Edgemere along the ponds, or on the parkway near Manitou, you’re enjoying the Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area.

Irondequoit Creek drops 90 feet over one mile through Channing H Philbrick Park, creating the cascades that make it unique.

The one-mile paved loop trail in North Ponds Park circumnavigates two ponds and is perfect for strolling, jogging, biking, and dog-walking.

Corbett’s Glen is a glorious green space in a suburban jungle. As overused as this statement may be, Corbett’s Glen is truly a hidden gem.

The 19th-century Genesee Country Village features homes, taverns, shops, and churches that were moved to the grounds starting in 1966.

Hamlin Beach State Park has 7 miles of beautiful biking and walking trails, including a mile-long self-guided tour of a CCC/POW camp.

Tinker Nature Park comprises 68 acres along the Pittsford-Henrietta town border, with trails and boardwalks for all abilities.

Covering 32 acres, the arboretum boasts a pond, winding paths, various trees and shrubs, and formal gardens with over 200 daylily cultivars.

Ganondagan is the original site of a 17th-century Seneca town, which at its peak had 150 longhouses where one replica stands today.

There are over 250 whimsical, fantastical, and delightful sculptures at Griffis Sculpture Park, integrated into the bucolic landscape.

Holley Canal Falls is located in the heart of the Village of Holley. The water that flows into the glen is overflow from the Erie Canal.

At 10,828 acres, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is the state’s largest refuge. Alabama Swaps amasses 19,000-acres designated for wildlife.

Niagara Falls is majestic year-round, and I recommend going at different times throughout the year to witness the uniqueness of each season.

Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.

These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.

Our favorite fall hikes offer a variety of elements and views. The presence of water, trees, and solitude helps rank these high on our list.

These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.

I find the color green soothing, especially when surrounded by it. Enjoy some of my favorite places to go green!

Explore these cool, quiet, mossy rock cities near Rochester, with boulders the size of houses! You’ll love Panama Rocks, Rock City Park, Little Rock City, and Thunder Rocks in Allegany State Park.

These boardwalks are incorporated into larger trail systems to help people meander through wetlands or help preserve wildlife.

Rochester became a global center for flower and tree nurseries in the mid-1800s, fostering our identity as The Flower City.

Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature.

Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, check these spectacular trails off your list.

The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.

Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities with a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.

Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.

Both downhill and cross-country skiing around Rochester is as much recreation as it is a social experience, competition, and a tradition.

If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, give snowshoeing a try. There are places around Rochester to rent and learn how to use them.

These winter walks in Rochester and Monroe County will inspire you to time outside, breathing in cold, fresh air and soaking up a little sun.

Each destination offers a unique perspective of the Rochester area’s natural beauty, from snow-covered parks to picturesque waterfronts.

Each Monroe County town & village has something unique to offer. Here is just a taste of what makes each one special.

Nearly 80% of the upstate population lives within 25 miles of the Erie Canal. Explore the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and Niagara River.

The Greater Rochester Area is made up of nine counties that fall under the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Take a drive through the Livingston County countryside to explore charming village Main Streets, historic districts, nature trails and lakes.

From Vidler’s to the Aurora Theatre to the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street in East Aurora.

Ranked as one of the “Top Ten Small Towns,” spend a day in Lewiston, with its excellent shops, restaurants, and Niagara River views.

The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.

These day trips are filled with carefully chosen options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as memorable experiences and events.

Ice cream, gelato, Italian ice, frozen yogurt, and custard—we love these shops’ outstanding atmosphere, taste, and innovation.

Some food destinations are well-established, while others quickly become favorites as Rochester’s culinary scene explodes.

It can be overwhelming to consider all the breweries that call the Greater Rochester area home. Let’s focus on the ones here in Monroe County.

Use our curated Google Maps to help you locate the best waterfalls, ice cream shops, farm markets, sledding hills, Christmas lights and more.

Pick up your “Hit the Trail Passport” booklet at Wegmans, or print your own! You’ll have everything you need to start your hiking adventure.