I grew up sledding at Durand Eastman, but experience, research, and testimony have convinced me that Mendon Ponds has the best sledding hills around Rochester. Black Creek in Chili takes a solid second, and Cobb’s Hill (Monroe Ave side) third.
Speaking of Black Creek Park, our photo was featured in USA Today Travel’s December 2020 edition of GO ESCAPE NEW YORK in their article entitled “Hills and Thrills: Five Places to Sled in Rochester” by Sean Lahman.
Table of Contents:
Sledding Hills in County Parks
The best thing about Monroe County Park hills is that they are designated, manicured, and safe. Introduce humans to the scene, and, well, anything goes, but the natural scene is top notch.
Descriptions for each location is from the Monroe County Parks website.
1. Black Creek Park
Chili
Black Creek Park has one designated sledding hill that is located behind the Woodside Lodge. This hill is open to the public throughout the winter months if snowy conditions exist. Sledding is done at your own risk.
2. Ellison Park
Penfield
Ellison Park offers two designated sledding hills, and an ice skating rink. The sledding hills are located off Landing Road by the Disc Golf Course.
3. Mendon Ponds Park
Mendon
There are two designated sledding hills located across from the Cavalry House Lodge on Douglas Road, and located next to the East and West Lodges on Canfield Road.
4. Northampton Park
Spencerport
The designated sledding hill is located across the street from the Ski Lodge on Hubble Road. The park also features a ski hill with a rope tow, which is located on Hubble Road.
5. Webster Park
Webster
Webster Park has one designated sledding hill which is open to the public. The sledding hill is located next to the Parkview Lodge, right off Holt Road.
Note: Powder Mills Park and Durand Eastman Park do have a few great hills, though none are officially designated as sledding hills.
Sledding Hills in City Parks
6. Cobb’s Hill Park
Rochester
One at the reservoir toward Monroe Ave, and another in Washington Grove Park toward Tay Lodge. From the reservoir, you can pick up a lot of speed so be careful not to end up on Monroe Ave.!
7. Highland Park
Rochester
One behind conservatory, and another at Highland Bowl. Highland is also a County Park but located in the city.
8. Maplewood Park
Rochester
Sledding Hills in Town Parks & Schools
9. Chestnut Ridge Elementary School Chili
10. Frisbee Hill Park Greece
11. Harris Whalen Park Penfield
12. Hilton Quest School
13. Laurelton-Pardee Intermediate School Irondequoit
14. Martha Brown Middle School Fairport
15. Perinton Community Center
16. Sutherland High School Pittsford
Find directions to all of these sledding hill locations on our Google Map.
The great thing about sledding as a snow sport is that there are no barriers to entry. Grab lid from a storage bin, pick the closest hill, and off you go!
It’s free, it’s a quick thrill or an all day excursion, it’s fast or slow, it’s safe or adventurous. Sledding is anything you want it to be.
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 Monroe County will inspire you to spend more time outside, breathing in cold, fresh air, and soaking up a little sun.
26 Winter Walks and Activities Around Rochester
These ideas for winter walks should motivate you to step outside for some fresh air and, with any luck, sunshine. Bundle up!
Snow Sports: 6 Ways to Stay Active in Winter
Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and tubing are great snow sports to shake the winter doldrums with exposure to fresh air and sun.
Escape Winter: 5 Warm & Cozy Places
With tropical temperatures or cozy environments, these Rochester-area destinations offer pleasant snowy-day getaways—at least for a few hours.
12 Ideas for Staying Warm & Active throughout the Winter in Rochester
Don’t let winter in Rochester force you into hibernation. If snow doesn’t appeal to you, think of everything there is to do indoors.
It’s cold, it’s snowy, it’s dark. It’s wintertime in Rochester! Here are a few suggestions to help embrace our winter season.
Where are your favorite sledding hills around Rochester?
Please share your thoughts and stories with us in the comments. Your insight and experience are invaluable!
I just drove up to Durand Eastman Park with my 93 yr old Dad. We were trying to find the sledding hill he remembered as a child in the 1930’s. Any ideas? Thanks for your help. It would mean a lot to me to hear the memories jogged by his seeing that hill.
Best,
Carolyn Reiners
I’m sorry it took so long to get back to you, Carolyn! I know when I was a child we would sled from the top of the golf course on Kings Highway, sledding down to the west side. Maybe this will help? It’s more difficult to picture it with no snow on the ground! https://goo.gl/maps/sYLwGxxTs1jQXNBa9