Rochester is the perfect place to enjoy the snowy season, and what better way to do so than by sledding down some of the best hills in the area? Sledding is a great way to play in the snow.
One of the most popular sledding destinations in Rochester is Mendon Ponds Park. This park has several hills, from gentle slopes for beginners to steep drops for thrill-seekers. You can also explore the trails, ponds, and wildlife of this scenic park while you’re there.
Another excellent option for sledding is Black Creek Park in Chili. This park has a large hill that offers a long and smooth ride down.
If you’re looking for a convenient location near downtown Rochester, you can head to Ellison Park or Cobbs Hill Park. Both parks have designated sledding hills that are easy to access and fun to slide down.
But sledding isn’t the only way to enjoy the snowy season around Rochester. The area is also home to various snow sports, including snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snow-tubing, or walking. There are many opportunities to rent equipment or take lessons in these sports.
Are you ready for some winter fun? Grab your sleds and head to one of these great sledding hills around Monroe County.
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 setting is top-notch.
Black Creek Park
Chili
Black Creek Park is another fantastic location for sledding. There is one designated sledding area behind Woodside Lodge, with hills of varying sizes. The more significant hills are thrilling, while the smaller ones are perfect for younger children. There’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the snow.
Ellison Park
Penfield
Ellison Park’s sledding hill is a hub of activity when there’s been significant snowfall, with families and groups of friends flocking to the slopes to enjoy some snowy fun. The hill is steep and thrilling, making it a popular spot for more experienced sledders. But there are also plenty of flatter areas for younger children or those who prefer a gentler ride. Ellison Park offers two designated sledding hills and an ice skating rink.
Mendon Ponds Park
Mendon
Mendon Ponds Park Mendon Ponds Park is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts all year round, and the winter months are no exception. The park’s sledding hill is a popular spot for families and groups of friends looking to have some fun in the snow. Find one of the designated sledding hills across from the Cavalry House Lodge on Douglas Road and the other next to the East and West Lodges on Canfield Road. With gentle slopes perfect for kids and beginners and steeper sections for thrill seekers, Mendon Ponds Park is an excellent choice for sledding in Rochester.
Northampton Park
Spencerport
Find Northampton’s designated sledding hill on Hubble Road, across the street from the ski lodge.
Webster Park
Webster
Webster Park has one designated sledding hill next to the Parkview Lodge.
Note: Powder Mills Park and Durand Eastman Park have several significant hills, but none are officially designated sledding hills.
Sledding Hills in City Parks
Cobb’s Hill Park
Rochester
Cobbs Hill is another great option for sledding in Rochester. The park’s sledding hill is a popular spot for families, and it’s easy to see why. With a steep slope with plenty of thrills and a flatter section at the bottom for a gentler ride, Cobbs Hill has something for everyone. The most significant sledding hill descends from Cobb’s Hill Reservoir, facing Monroe Avenue, with a smaller hill near Tay Lodge.
Highland Park
Rochester
Find one sledding area behind the conservatory, with a steep slope at the far end and a smaller slope across the street at Highland Bowl.
Sledding Hills in Town Parks & Schools
Chestnut Ridge Elementary School Chili
Frisbee Hill Park Greece
Harris Whalen Park Penfield
Hilton Quest School
Laurelton-Pardee Intermediate School Irondequoit
Martha Brown Middle School Fairport
Perinton Community Center
Sutherland High School Pittsford
Find directions to all of these sledding hill locations on our Google Map.
My photo was featured in USA Today Travel’s December 2020 edition of GO ESCAPE NEW YORK in their article “Hills and Thrills: Five Places to Sled in Rochester” by Sean Lahman.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful winter hike through the woods, an adrenaline-pumping ski run down the slopes, or a leisurely afternoon on the ice rink, Rochester has something for you.
Grab your sled or skis, bundle up in your warmest winter gear, and head to one of Rochester’s many snow-covered destinations. With many great parks and outdoor spaces to explore, you’ll always have places to play in the snow.
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Each destination offers a unique perspective of the Rochester area’s natural beauty, from snow-covered parks to picturesque waterfronts.
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.
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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?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
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