Delightful destinations around Rochester to meander, mosey, saunter, and stroll.
I firmly believe that walking is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind. It provides movement, a change of scenery and perspective, and a chance to be alone or share your thoughts with a friend. If you’re accustomed to walking around your neighborhood and crave something new, this list of guided walks with smaller groups or off-the-beaten-path options may be interesting. As for me, I consider myself a walker at heart.
I enjoy exploring new and familiar places on foot, observing and appreciating everything around me. Whether it’s a city, village, forest, lakeside, or glen, I enjoy the small details and fleeting moments that can only be experienced by slowing down. You don’t need a specific plan or agenda to start your slow-paced adventure. I have some suggestions for you that might help you get started.
Some places offer paved pathways, while others call you to explore the grid of a rock city or climb dozens of steps through a creek gorge. We visit these locations repeatedly, either with different people or alone, each season. Over time, we’ve known them intimately and enjoy discovering new perspectives in familiar territory.
City of Rochester
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Durand Eastman Park’s 977 acres include an arboretum, hiking trails around Durand and Eastman Lakes, and a swimming beach on Lake Ontario.
Highland Park has even been described as a museum of exotic trees, many of which are the tallest of their species in the state, though few are native.
Mount Hope Cemetery’s winding roads are best explored on foot for a glimpse into the area’s rich history, ecology, and geology.
To find Rochester’s hidden sidewalk, start at Ontario Beach Park and head west on Beach Ave. The two entrances are across from Clematis and Cloverdale Streets.
The 20-acre Seneca Park Zoo is a small portion of the 300-acre county park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893.
Monroe County
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Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area
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.
Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park
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.
Genesee Country Village & Museum
The Genesee Country Village is a living history museum with 68 structures on 700 acres, making it the largest museum of its kind in New York.
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.
Webster Arboretum at Kent Park
Covering 32 acres, the arboretum boasts a pond, winding paths, various trees and shrubs, and formal gardens with over 200 daylily cultivars.
Greater Rochester & Surrounding Counties
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Ganondagan State Historic Site
Ganondagan is the original site of a 17th-century Seneca town, which at its peak had 150 longhouses where one replica stands today.
Griffis Sculpture Park features more than 250 sculptures that are whimsical, fantastical, and delightful, all integrated into the 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.
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
At 10,828 acres, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is the state’s largest refuge. Alabama Swaps amasses 19,000-acres designated for wildlife.
Guides: Nature Walks
We’ve themed places together to help you find one that strikes the right mood. Gorge trail or arboretum? Rock city or boardwalk? Choose your own adventure. When in doubt, our city parks, town parks, and county parks are good places to start. A guided walk is the perfect way to learn in a social environment where you need not walk alone.
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Guided Walks and Tours Around Rochester, NY
Local experts who highlight the rich history, geology, ecology, and community of the greater Rochester region lead these guided walks.
Paved, Boardwalk, and Gravel Pathways for Easy Strolls
These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.
Land That I Love: Your Guide to Roaming the Earth Around Rochester
Enjoy the beauty and wonders of the world by making the most of the varied memorable experiences offered by our parks, gardens, and farms.
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.
These carefully designed gardens, often cultivated for decades or even centuries, display exceptional collections of flowers and trees.
Rochester in Bloom: Where and When to Experience The Flower City’s Seasonal Beauty
Rochester in Bloom is a comprehensive guide to Rochester’s bold botanicals, offering information on what blooms, when, and where to find them.
36 Places to Immerse Yourself in Green
I find green to be a soothing color, especially when surrounded by it. Here are some of my favorite places to go green!
Explore these moss-covered rock formations near Rochester, such as Little Rock City in Ellicottville and Thunder Rocks in Allegany State Park.
These boardwalks are integrated into larger trail systems to assist individuals in navigating wetlands and conserving wildlife.
The Flower City: Exploring Rochester’s Extraordinary Flowers and Trees
Rochester became a global center for flower and tree nurseries in the mid-1800s, fostering our identity as The Flower City.
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.
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
Nature Centers and Preserves Around Rochester
The various nature centers, preserves, and management areas all work to protect and maintain natural spaces for the benefit of all.
Rochester’s Olmsted-Designed Parks
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.
The 16 Best Places for Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing Around Rochester
Skiing is a popular winter activity that provides both physical and social benefits and helps maintain vitamin D levels with sun exposure.
11 Best Places to Rent Snowshoes Around Rochester
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.
18 Wonderful Winter Walks in Monroe County
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.
26 Easy Winter Walks Around Rochester
Each destination offers a unique perspective of the Rochester area’s natural beauty, from snow-covered parks to picturesque waterfronts.
Guides: Cities, Towns & Villages
I have discovered so much by parking my car and walking along the Main Streets scattered around the region. With diverse origin stories, architectural details, natural elements, events, shops, and services, each one is a day trip in its own right.
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20 Monroe County Towns and Villages
Each Monroe County town & village has something unique to offer. Here is just a taste of what makes each one special.
Explore the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Enjoy each Erie Canal city, town, and village along the 115-mile stretch between the Cayuga-Seneca Canal and the Niagara River.
The Greater Rochester Nine-County Area
The Greater Rochester Area comprises nine counties that fall under the jurisdiction of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
Guides: Walkable Villages
These villages offer a wide range of shopping, entertainment, historical, and architectural interests without needing a vehicle. Although the guides are structured to inspire a three-day agenda, take a few ideas and make a day of it. Each is perfect for a single-day trip.
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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.
Nestled in the hills at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake, Naples is known for its beautiful surroundings and annual Grape Festival.
The Village of Skaneateles is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the pace of lake life, surrounded by unique boutiques and restaurants.
Plan Your Walk Around Food & Drink Destinations
Often, I plan a day trip around an ice cream shop, winery, or restaurant. You have to start somewhere, and enjoying and supporting local businesses is a perfect motivation.
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🍦The Best Ice Cream Shops Around Rochester
These top ice cream and frozen dessert shops in charming villages and city neighborhoods turn a simple scoop into an artisanal delight.
600+ Highly Recommended Restaurants Around Rochester
Some food destinations are well-established, while others are quickly becoming favorites as Rochester’s culinary scene explodes.
31 Craft Breweries and Cideries in Rochester and Monroe County
Considering all the breweries that call the Greater Rochester area home can be overwhelming. Let’s focus on the ones here in Monroe County.
Brewing Excellence: A Guide to Rochester’s Finest Coffee Roasters and Cafes
Rochester is well known for its robust coffee culture, with unique roasts and inviting cafes known for their sense of community.
Maps
Here are a few helpful tools for finding your way using Google Maps or Wegmans’ “Hit the Trail Passport.” The AllTrails App is also helpful for navigating a trail in real-time.
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Use our curated Google Maps to help you locate the best waterfalls, ice cream shops, farm markets, sledding hills, Christmas lights and more.
“Hit the Trail Passport” for the Rochester Area
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.
Where are your favorite places to take a walk?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Enjoy the Journey Together!
