I have lived in Rochester my whole life, with my childhood years spent in West Irondequoit, and I never knew this public sidewalk was right across the river in Charlotte. Rochester’s hidden sidewalk may be its best-kept secret!
Finding the Hidden Sidewalk
From Ontario Beach Park in Charlotte, head west on Beach Ave. Across from Clematis Street and Cloverdale Street are the two main, flanking entrances, with several smaller sidewalks in between roughly every fourth house. I like to park at Abbots Custard near Ontario Beach Park, grab a cone, and walk toward Clematis Street from there. (get directions)
Enjoy the View!
Please stay on the pavement
Please keep in mind that the attractive lawns, gardens, and docks situated 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.
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Besides a sandy Lake Ontario beach with ample parking, visitors can enjoy the carousel, pier, lighthouse, and Abbott’s Frozen Custard.
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Have you been to the hidden sidewalk?
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.
Hello!
This path looks so beautiful! Is the entire path… a cement sidewalk? I’m wondering if the entire distance is wheelchair accessible? If we were to park at Abbott’s as you did… is the cement continuous from parking to where the path starts? ♀️. Might I make a suggestion? Highlight/include if wheelchair accessibility exists in the attractions you feature? (Or, if certain areas would be). This would be SUCH a welcome feature & very much appreciated! Thanks!!
Hello fellow Deb! The quality of the sidewalk from Abbott’s and the hidden sidewalk itself is excellent as far as sidewalks go. I like previewing an area using Google Maps’ satellite and street views. This link will take you to Google Maps’ street view where the Hidden Sidewalk begins: https://goo.gl/maps/HcNZwiWVU6bB1H4B6
When I was young, my mom worked at a nursing home on Beach Avenue, and we would accompany residents using wheelchairs to enjoy the Ontario Beach Park carousel. I would love to hear about your experience if you decide to go!
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A great view of Lake Ontario! I feltz lucky to have discovered this web page by accident – never knew about this Rochester gem!
Mike, I’m so happy you did!! I hope you are able to explore even more around Rochester.
Took in the beautiful view of the lake and homes along this walk. Taking more ladies there soon. A wonderful Sunday treasure.
This is not actually a secret sidewalk but it is a sidewalk that’s hard to find or notice if you’re really not looking for it. The only drawback is that it it’s just a sidewalk with no place to sit down or do anything other than stand or walk. And it runs down the middle of the properties of the houses along the shore on Lake Ontario. It is a nice walk, short, and the view was great and the properties are beautiful but that’s all. It’s like walking down the street only you’re walking between Lake Ontario and somebody’s backyard which they all are beautiful.
Agree it would be nice if we placed a couple of benches along the sidewalk
There is a bench now near the entrance or exit, depending where you entered. A sign on it says you may sit and rest.
The his is he most enchanting place to walk with a loved one. The bench is placed in front to a home the shows how community minded they are.
To the owner of this bench and home I and my love thank you.
To the entire collection of these beautiful homes and gardens you are so blessed. Thank you also.
Lived in the western NY area for forty years and never knew this all existed..
Even lived in the Rochester area for a year and had no idea.
Pay no attention to the naysayers and negative jerks saying it’s not a real place, because it is. I’ve been there several times and love seeing the beautiful houses and scenery on the walk. I like to visit when I’m back home and can say I get homesick too, just wish I could visit more. If you have time time, check it out on a beautiful day, you won’t regret it.
You have to be aware of it to find it but it does exist
Pay no attention to this article. This thing is not real.
There is no secret sidewalk, and if you were to find it, it’s not that much fun to walk up and down it, as my wife and I do a couple of times a month all year long.
But the less people that do that the better, so take my word for it: there is no secret sidewalk in Rochester!
🙂
Freddy, thank you for confirming my suspicion that this is just a rumor–local lore and nothing more {wink wink}
I was born & raised in Rochester, New York . Moved to CA in 1978 at the age of 25. I have only been “home” for Weddings & Funerals . I miss Rochester & it’s charm very much ! Articles like this make me homesick & wanting to visit. I think a vacation is in order !
Linda, a lot of people reach out to me with the same perspective…homesick for Rochester. Even though I can’t inspire your next day trips, I am so happy to be able to remind you and others of great day trips you have taken already! They are great memories for sure.