Less traveled than in our parks, these hiking trails around Rochester offer a secluded and rustic area to immerse yourself in nature. One of the best ways to discover new trails in your area is to follow and join a local friend’s group, like:
- Crescent Trails Association
- Finger Lakes Trail Conference
- Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway
- Friends of Webster Trails
- Ontario Pathways
- Parks & Trails New York
- Penfield Trails Committee
- Trail Works Inc.
- TrailsROC
- Victor Hiking Trails
Are you looking for a group to hike with? Check out the Genesee Valley Hiking Club! You can also use the AllTrails App to find even more trails near you.
Waterside Trails
Waterside Trails
- Bergen Swamp
- Bird Sanctuary Trail
- Braddock Bay Marina
- Butterfly Nature Trail
- Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park
- Finn Park Nature Trail
- Four Mile Creek Preserve
- Genesee Riverway Trail
- Historic Erie Canal Trails
- Huckleberry Swamp
- Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
- Manchester Gateway
- Outer Harbor and Greenway
- Palmyra Wetland Nature Trail
- Seneca Meadows
- Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk
- Tifft Nature Preserve
- State Road Nature Preserve
- Sterling Nature Center
- Whistlewood
- Wolcott Falls Hiking Trail
Rail Trails
Rail Trails
- Auburn Rail Trail
- Auburn-Fleming Rail Trail
- Cato-Fair Haven Rail Trail
- Erie-Attica Rail Trail
- Genesee Valley Greenway Rail Trail
- Great Gorge Rail Trail
- Keuka Outlet Trail and Preservation Area
- Lehigh Valley Rail Trail
- Ontario Pathways Rail Trail
- Perinton Trolley
- Pittsford Rail Trail Loop
- Rochester, Syracuse, and Eastern Rail Trail
Genesee Land Trust
Genesee Land Trust
- Brookdale Preserve
- Christine Sevilla Wetlands Preserve
- Cornwall Preserve
- Eva and Harlan Braman Preserve
- Ganargua Creek Meadow Preserve
- Gosnell Big Woods Preserve
- Hipp Brook Preserve
- Irene Gossin Nature Preserve
- Kraai Preserve
- Manitou Beach Preserve
- Macyville Woods Nature Preserve
DEC State Land
DEC State Land
- Bare Hill Unique Area
- Catharine Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area
- Hemlock-Canadice State Forest; Rob’s Trail
- High Tor Wildlife Management Area
- Ossian State Forest
- Rattlesnake Hill State Wildlife Management Area
- Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
- Rock City and McCarty Hill State Forest
- Rush Oak Openings Unique Area
- Sonyea State Forest
- Sugar Hill State Forest
- Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
Additional Trails
Even More Trails!
- Alasa Farms
- Baltimore Woods
- Beatty Point
- Brickyard Trail
- Chiyoda Trail
- Domine Trail
- Finger Lakes Trail
- Great Bear Recreation Area
- Groveland Secondary
- Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area
- Herman Road Forever Wild Forest
- Hickory Bark Trail
- Hickory Ridge Preserve
- Indian Fort Nature Preserve
- Indian Hill
- John Ungar & Michael A. Johnson Trails
- Midnight Trail
- Monkey Run
- Royal Coach Trails
- Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm
- Sherwood Field
- Thousand Acre Swamp Preserve
- Town of Lockport Nature Trails
- Trail of Hope
- Turtle Pond
- Vosburg Hollow Nature Trail
- Whiting Road Nature Preserve
Hike smart!
Check weather and trail conditions, regulations, and advisories before you travel. Have an alternative plan to ensure you can make the most of your time in the Adirondacks.
Know before you go: Before heading out on a hike, ask yourself this important question: Am I prepared for any situation?
Run through a checklist of all gear, food, and clothing needed before leaving to ensure you have everything.
Does the weather look clear for my hike, or is there a chance of rain, thunderstorms, snow, wind, hail, etc.?
When does the sunset? Always bring a headlamp and extra batteries in case your hike takes longer than expected.
Cell phone batteries are unreliable and will likely die on your hike down when using them as a flashlight. They also tend to drain quickly in colder temperatures.
Carrying a paper map of your route, notes of where junctions are, trail marker colors, and trail conditions will ensure you always stay on the correct trail. Cell phones are not reliable in remote areas due to poor service.
Leave your trip plans, including start time and expected return time, with someone in the event you do not return on time.
This person should also know the emergency dispatch number and immediately call if you do not return within your expected time frame.
Google Map of Locations
Explore More
Monroe County parks are free and offer 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical, and geological experiences.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
Gorge trails call out from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, start checking these spectacular trails off your list.
22 Fabulous Fall Hikes in Monroe County
My favorite fall hikes offer a variety of landscapes and scenic views, including rivers, forests, and peaceful surroundings.
18 Wonderful Winter Walks in Monroe County
These winter walks in Rochester and Monroe County will inspire you to time outside, breathing in cold, fresh air and soaking up a little sun.
This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Easy Day Hikes Rochester
by Randi Minetor
Best Easy Day Hikes Buffalo
by Randi Minetor
Best Easy Day Hikes Syracuse
by Randi Minetor
Take a Hike: Family Walks in the Rochester Area
by Rich and Sue Freeman
Where are your favorite hiking trails around Rochester?
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!
