Paved, Boardwalk, and Gravel Pathways for Easy Strolls

These paved pathways, boardwalks, and gravel trails around Rochester are ideal for people using strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs or managing other mobility challenges. They are free from steps, stairs, and significant elevation changes, providing a smooth surface and unique views for all.

City of Rochester

Cobb’s Hill Reservoir

Rochester

The view from Cobbs Hill is stunning, with its peaceful atmosphere, refreshing breeze, and friendly people enjoying their walks. Surrounding the reservoir is a 0.7-mile paved walking path, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Genesee Riverway Trail

Rochester

The Genesee Riverway Trail stretches from south through the city of Rochester to Genesee Valley Park. Along its 13-mile course, it passes through Ontario Beach, Turning Point, Seneca, and Maplewood Parks, the High Falls Historic District, and other scenic areas.

Genesee Valley Park

Rochester

Genesee Valley Park is an 800-acre park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, located at the intersection of the Erie Canal and Genesee River. The park’s series of winding paths connect the various green spaces and waterways. Here, the Genesee Riverway Trail connects with the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail and Erie Canalway Trail, making it a perfect place to kick off a walk, run, or ride.

Highland Park

Rochester

Frederick Law Olmsted designed this park in 1888, along with Genesee Valley, Seneca, and Maplewood, to be enjoyed year-round. Every pathway, every tree, every vista, and every relationship between the land and water is intentional.

The pathways are paved, but they are not flat. They meander over rolling hills. I often see parents with strollers taking advantage of the more physically challenging climbs while enjoying the smooth path. The walkways through the magnolias and south of Highland Drive through Beikirch Park tend to be more level.

The Hidden Sidewalk

Rochester

From Ontario Beach Park, head west on Beach Avenue. The two main entrances are across from Clematis and Cloverdale Streets, with several smaller sidewalks between roughly every fourth house.

Please keep in mind that the attractive lawns, gardens, and docks along the sidewalk are privately owned, and only the path is accessible to the public. Furthermore, the 0.4-mile-long sidewalk is designated for pedestrian traffic only, and no bicycles, scooters, or any other wheeled vehicles are permitted. However, walking your dog on the sidewalk is perfectly fine.

Memorial Art Gallery

Rochester

On the museum’s campus, you’ll find the Sculpture Park, including The Creation Story and The Unicorn Family. Around the perimeter is the Poets Walk and Story Walk. This “urban gathering space” in the Neighborhood of the Arts welcomes you to explore the grounds for free and use your imagination to interact with the elements. It’s a great starting point for exploring more art and architecture in the surrounding neighborhoods and side streets connecting University, East, and Park Avenues.

Mount Hope Cemetery

Rochester

It may seem odd to think of a cemetery as a family-friendly destination, but Mount Hope is as much park-like as its nearby neighbor, Highland Park—each part of the Pinnacle Range. The newer south section is paved, while the older north section is a more rustic combination of paved roads, brick, and cobblestone.

Ontario Beach Park

Rochester

Ontario Beach Park is located on Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Genesee River. Paved and boardwalk pathways allow for an easy walk along the lake shore and pier. Grab some ice cream at the original Abbott’s Frozen Custard!

Monroe County

Charles E. Sexton Park

Webster

The one-mile loop trail circumnavigates both ponds. It is perfect for a stroll, jog, or ride, with little change in elevation along its route. Eight fitness stops optimized for varied abilities and heights make incorporating them into a daily workout routine easy.

Durand-Eastman Park

Irondequoit

Though the trails around the lakes are not ideal for wheels, the paved roads through Durand Eastman are. A section between Log Cabin and Zoo roads is closed to vehicular traffic and perfect for a walk in the arboretum.

You can also enjoy the Irondequoit Lakeside Multi-Use Trail, a paved sidewalk along 5,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline, which continues on a boardwalk leading up to Seabreeze. The entire trail, from Irondequoit Bay to the Genesee, is roughly seven miles.

Erie Canal

Folks tend to think of the Erie Canal as a single destination. But the canal spans 100 miles between Lockport and Lyons, with Rochester in the middle, making exploring easy. Pick a canaltown like Brockport, Spencerport, or Fairport to walk through historical areas.

You can also choose an entry point like Greece Canal Park or Meridian Center to walk or bike in the trail’s more natural surroundings. Stop at one of the canal locks—like Lock 32 Canal Park in Pittsford—and watch the boats go through. Depending on where you start, you can easily have a different experience every time.

Hamlin Beach State Park

Hamlin

Hamlin Beach has seven miles of beautiful walking paths along the Lake Ontario shoreline. Each park area has different amenities, and there are plenty of places to take a break in the shade.

Sandbar Park

West Webster

Nestled on a strip of land bordered by Irondequoit Bay to the south and Lake Ontario to the north, Sandbar Park offers paved pathways, ample street and lot parking, and shaded seating areas. The park features a playground, seasonal restrooms, and waterfront picnic spaces, making it a perfect spot for family outings and leisurely strolls. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views, fishing, and kayaking with easy access to the water.

Monroe County, with Admission Fees

Paying the admission fee to explore these areas, which feature spacious, well-maintained pathways and are free from vehicular traffic, has several advantages. Additionally, visitors have the chance to learn and be entertained.

Genesee Country Village

Although the streets are not paved, they are about as hard-packed as stone dust can be. If you go during the week, you’ll be able to enjoy a pleasant, quiet stroll free from significant events and crowds.

Seneca Park Zoo

The Seneca Park Zoo is only a tiny part of the greater 297-acre Seneca Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893. The Zoo’s walkways are paved and meander through the animal exhibits. There are more hilly sections as you head toward the lions and elephants.

Both the North and South trails begin at Trout Pond. The south trail ends at the Pure Waters Pedestrian Bridge over the Genesee River and connects Seneca to Maplewood, her sister Olmsted-designed park.

Greater Rochester

Canandaigua Lake

Take a walk down Canandaigua City Pier and check out the boat houses. Continue along the lake shore toward Kershaw Beach Park and the Canandaigua Lady, a double-decker steamboat. Lagoon Park offers a hard-packed gravel pathway to explore the Canandaigua Outlet wetlands

Conesus Lake

Enjoy a stroll through Vitale Park on the north shore of Conesus Lake. The paved walkways meander through the park, with fabulous views, beautiful landscaping, and cool summer breezes.

East Aurora

East Aurora feels locked in time. From Vidler’s 5-and-10 to the Aurora Theatre and the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement, the early 1900s are alive and well on Main Street US-20A and ready to enjoy. A walk down Main Street will show you everything the village of East Aurora has to offer. You’ll find unique boutiques, restaurants, and historic sites worth stopping for.

For example, the Millard Fillmore House is the only home a president still built with his own hands.

The Roycroft Campus and the Elbert Hubbard Museum around the corner will give you insight into one of America’s most successful Arts and Crafts communities. The Campus contains nine original fourteen structures, including the Inn, the Chapel, the Print Shop, the Furniture Shop, and the Copper Shop.

If you want to extend your walk, head up Riley Street to the Fisher-Price Toy Store. Kids or no kids, it’s a playful place for everyone! Fisher-Price was founded in East Aurora in 1930 and is still headquartered here today.

You can also enjoy Knox Farm State Park just outside the village. Stroll along the paved pathways between the barns and past the six-acre dog park to the estate mansion.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls State Park walkways connect the Visitor Center via a pedestrian bridge to Goat Island, Luna Island, and Three Sisters Island. You can stroll along the paved pathways from Horseshoe Falls to American Falls. Visit during the week or off-season to avoid the crowds.

Seneca Lake

Enjoy a wonderful walk along Geneva’s Seneca Lake shoreline, starting near the Finger Lakes Welcome Center. From here, you can walk right into Seneca Lake State Park. Grab an ice cream on Long Pier when you get back. Or take a self-guided walking tour along the sidewalks of historic South Main Street.

Skaneateles Lake

The Village of Skaneateles is located at the northern tip of the lake. You’ll find dozens of boutiques along Genesee Street (US-20) and Jordan Street specializing in art, home decor, toys, clothing, and food.

The traffic through Skaneateles seems used to having pedestrians crisscrossing US-20 regularly, so take advantage of the many crosswalks.

Enjoy the lake-town vibe and the view of Skaneateles Lake as you stroll along paved sidewalks and pathways through the parks and down the pier.

More Ideas

I wanted to add these destinations as extra options, even though they don’t have paved paths. Although the gravel, stone dust, and some smaller roots can be difficult for wheels, especially if you have sleeping toddlers, these places are relatively flat and don’t have steps or stairs. They could be great for people who enjoy walking but have limited mobility.

Where are your favorite paved pathways for easy strolls?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.