Park trails like Mendon, Letchworth and Webster are excellent, but sometimes you need something less populated, more rustic, or in an unusual surrounding.
Here are a few trails around Rochester that will inspire you to not take a walk in the park!
Rail-Trails Around Rochester
- Erie-Attica Rail Trail
- Genesee Valley Greenway Rail Trail
- Lehigh Valley Rail Trail
- Keuka Outlet Trail and Preservation Area
- Ontario Pathways Rail Trail
- Auburn Rail Trail
- Auburn-Fleming Rail Trail
- Perinton Trolley
- Pittsford Rail Trail Loop
- Cato-Fair Haven Rail Trail
- Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Rail Trail
- Great Gorge Rail Trail
- Hojack Trail
- El Camino Trail
Rochester Railfans: Trains, Depots, Rail-Trails, Models, & Clubs
Rochester railfans are incredibly lucky that passionate preservationists before us saw the value in retaining structures we can still appreciate today.
5 Places in the City to Enjoy the Genesee River
At Genesee Valley Park, the Genesee River begins her journey through the city, racing over a dam and three waterfalls before emptying into Lake Ontario.
Waterside & Wetland Trails
- Genesee Riverway Trail
- Beatty Point
- Rob’s Trail Hemlock Lake
- Manchester Gateway
- Seneca Meadows
- Thomas Creek Wetlands Walk
- Braddock Bay Marina
- Tifft Nature Preserve
- Outer Harbor and Greenway
- Sterling Nature Center
- Bergen Swamp
- Huckleberry Swamp
- Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
- Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
- Whistlewood
- Wolcott Falls Hiking Trail
- Palmyra Wetland Nature Trail
- Hidden Sidewalk
- Butterfly Nature Trail
Water Trails: 58 Places to Explore Rochester’s Waterways
Water trails are either formally marked routes along a navigable waterway, or simply any waterway suitable for kayaks and small motorized watercraft.
39 Other Great Lakes Near Rochester
Rochester is well-known for our 11 Finger Lakes and 2 beautiful Great Lakes, Ontario and Erie. But there are even more fantastic, fresh-water lakes out there to discover!
On a hot day, you can sit under a waterfall, swim in a lake, or jump in a creek at one of these refreshing natural swimming areas.
26 Incredible Creeks Around Rochester
These beautiful creeks around Rochester impact us in such subtle ways they sometimes disappear into the background of our lives.
51 Nature Centers, Preserves, Refuges, and Observatories Around Rochester
Our nature centers, wildlife preserves, management areas, etc., all serve to protect and sustain life, while making nature accessible to people to enjoy.
Genesee Land Trust Public Trails
- Gosnell Big Woods Preserve
- Manitou Beach Preserve
- Hipp Brook Preserve
- Eva and Harlan Braman Preserve
- Brookdale Preserve
- Island Cottage Woods Preserve
- Christine Sevilla Wetlands Preserve
- Kraai Preserve
- Corwall Preserve
- Ganargua Creek Meadow Preserve
49 New York State Parks Within a 2-hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a 2-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them each unique!
11 National Natural Landmarks near Rochester
These National Natural Landmarks, recognized for their outstanding biological and geological resources, are all within a two-hour drive of Rochester, NY.
Monroe County parks are free, so take advantage of 12,000 acres of natural, zoological, horticultural, historical and geological experiences!
Finger Lakes Land Trust Public Trails
- Wesley Hill Nature Preserve
- Bahar Preserve & Carpenter Falls
- High Vista Nature Preserve
- Grimes Glen
- Great Hill Nature Preserve
- Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve
Gorge trails call out to us from their deep, dark, and cool caverns. If you haven’t already, check these five spectacular trails off your list!
26 Places to Visit After Heavy Rains
Watch raging torrents flow over their banks and brinks after heavy rains for a spectacular, multi-sensory experience. Behold the power of water!
34 Roadside Waterfalls Near Rochester
Impressive waterfalls are not all buried in dark ravines accessible only by difficult trails. And for some, you do not need to get out of your car.
Western New York Land Conservancy Public Trails
Inland Trails Around Rochester
- Finger Lakes Trail
- Brickyard Trail
- Indian Hill
- Historic Erie Canal Trails
- Whiting Road Nature Preserve
- Mackay Wildlife Preserve
- Indian Fort Nature Preserve
- Great Bear Recreation Area
- Monkey Run
- Domine Trail
- Turtle Pond
- Royal Coach Trails
- Groveland Secondary
- Baltimore Woods
- Trail of Hope
- Town of Lockport Nature Trails
- Alasa Farms
- Sanctuary at Crowfield Farm
Department of Environmental Conservation Lands
- Sugar Hill State Forest
- Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
- Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
- Rock City and McCarty Hill State Forest
- Bare Hill Unique Area
- Rush Oak Openings Unique Area
- Hemlock-Canadice State Forest
- Sonyea State Forest
- High Tor Wildlife Management Area
- Catharine Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Explore these cool, quiet, mossy rock cities near Rochester, with boulders the size of houses! You’ll love Panama Rocks, Rock City Park, Little Rock City, and Thunder Rocks in Allegany State Park.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history, filled with drumlins, fossils, house-sized boulders and a meromictic lake, will leave you awe-struck!
Watch your footing, know your limits, and use common sense when it comes to climbing on the boulders at Panama Rocks Scenic Park.
Hike smart!
Check weather and trail conditions, regulations, and advisories before you travel. Have an alternative plan ready 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 first: Am I prepared for any situation?
Run through a checklist of all gear, food, and clothing needed before leaving to be sure 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 sun set? Always bring a headlamp and extra batteries with you in case your hike takes longer than expected.
Cell phone batteries are unreliable and will more than likely die on your hike down when using it as a flashlight. They also tend to die more quickly in colder temperatures.
Carrying a paper map of your route along with notes of where junctions are, trail marker colors, and trail conditions will ensure you are always staying on the correct trail. Cell phones are not reliable in the Adirondacks due to poor service.
Leave your trip plans including start time and expected time of return with someone in case your cell phone dies and you do not return on time.
This person should also know the emergency dispatch number and should know to call immediately if you do not return within your expected time frame.
Where are your favorite hiking trails around Rochester?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!