These Monroe County town parks offer more than just a typical baseball diamond and playground. Each has a unique offering of woods, wildlife, and water features to explore. Some parks have even, paved surfaces with very little change in elevation. Others feature a combination of hard-pack dirt, wood chips, gravel, and boardwalk.
1. Tinker Park
Henrietta
The one-mile perimeter trail circumnavigates woodland, meadow, and wetland environments. The trail system includes smaller paths that intersect with the perimeter trail, including the Labyrinth walking path. The trails themselves consist of hard-packed gravel and boardwalks, making them easy for most people to walk.
2. Corbett’s Glen Nature Park
Brighton
When you visit Corbett’s Glen, you might notice that it feels like you’re walking through people’s backyards – and that’s because you are! This green space is hidden in a suburban area, nestled between an expressway and two busy roads near the Penfield/Brighton Town border.
3. Braddock Bay Park
Greece
The town-operated park spans 375 acres and is situated within the Braddock Bay Fish and Wildlife Management Area. The park has a hard-pack gravel pathway that leads to a viewing platform and a wetland boardwalk. Additionally, a kayak launch is located near the marina.
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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.
4. Charles E. Sexton Park
Webster
Previously known as North Ponds Park, the one-mile loop trail is ideal for a relaxing walk, jog, or bike ride since there are only minor elevation changes throughout the route. This trail is also a fantastic spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during winter. Additionally, you’ll find eight fitness stops optimized for different abilities and heights.
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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.
5. Channing H. Philbrick Park
Penfield
The Irondequoit Creek Trail is a narrow path that winds along the edge of the creek. Although it’s easy to walk, the path is covered in thick tree roots and crosses over several boardwalks and wooden bridges, which may make it moderately challenging for some people.
Ready to explore a few more town parks?
There are hundreds of town and village parks spread throughout the county. rochesterparks.org has done a commendable job gathering the parks together. Here are a few more of our favorites.
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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.
Brighton Town Park is surprisingly tranquil, despite bordering offices and being located across the pond from a major expressway interchange.
Breese Park is located along the Genesee River in West Henrietta. Set your sights on late-April to early-May to see the native bluebelle and trillium.
Old Erie Canal Lock 62 is tucked just far enough off the beaten path that many do not realize it’s just over the hill behind Pittsford Plaza.
Brickyard Trail at Sandra L. Frankel Nature Park
The 0.8-mile Brickyard Trail spans the park, connecting Brighton Town Hall and Library on Elmwood Avenue with Buckland Park on Westfall Road.
There are nature paths in Meridian Centre Park & an arboretum in the western part of the park with plantings and wooden arches.
Other parks around Rochester
Try some of our city, county, and state parks as well!
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Our Favorite 5 County Parks to Explore
The Monroe County Parks systems includes 20 parks that are all worth exploring, but these are the five you absolutely must see.
Our Favorite 5 State Parks to Explore
Within a 2-hour drive of Rochester, there are 49 NY State Parks all worthy of exploration, but try our favorite five if you haven’t already!
Many of our City of Rochester parks have beginnings embedded in Rochester’s youth. Some were even designed by notable landscape architects.
Beyond the gorge trails, nature centers, and gardens, these exceptional parks offer unique experiences and amenities worthy of exploration.
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.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
Where are your favorite town parks?
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!
