26 Easy Winter Walks Around Rochester

Finding enjoyable things to do outside during the winter months can be challenging. With cold wind, snow, ice, and gray skies, it’s easy to stay indoors where it’s warm and cozy. But don’t worry! I have some helpful suggestions for winter walks around Rochester that may inspire you to get fresh air and soak up a little sunshine.

Embrace the winter wonderland with these scenic walks that will leave you invigorated and refreshed. Each destination offers a unique perspective of the Rochester area’s natural beauty, from snow-covered parks to picturesque waterfronts.

Creek & River Walks

1. Turning Point

Turning Point Park’s most striking feature is a 3,572 ft-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin, part of the 24-mile Genesee Riverway Trail. It’s the perfect spot to observe the river’s winter wildlife and landscape.

2. Channing H. Philbrick (Linear) Park

As Irondequoit Creek passes through Channing H Philbrick Park, it drops 90 feet over one mile, producing the cascades that make this park unique. The Irondequoit Creek Trail runs through the length of the park.

3. Ellison Park

Take the Indian Landing Trail—a 1.5-mile easy walk over level terrain full of history—from the location of an old trading post (Fort Schuyler) to the presumed famous Butlers’s Rangers hideout.

4. Black Creek

Black Creek Park, one of Monroe County’s largest parks, offers several trailheads, parking areas, and excellent sledding hills.

5. Corbett’s Glen

The park is divided into Corbett’s Glen North and Corbett’s Glen South. Starting at the south end in winter can be easier if you want to see the waterfalls; you can park along the designated shoulder on Glen Road. After driving through the tunnel, there are also two designated accessible parking spaces, though visitors who do not need to use these spaces should walk through.

The trail leads past Allen Creek’s three waterfalls and winds through 18 acres of marsh meadow, successional shrubland, and wetland, offering a unique environment distinct from the woodlands in Corbett’s Glen North.

Inland Walks

6. Cumming Nature Center

Winter is a beautiful time of year at Cumming Nature Center. Enjoy 15 miles of groomed ski trails and a 3-mile loop for snowshoeing.

7. Mendon Ponds

Mendon Ponds Park is the largest park in Monroe County, with 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and glacially created landforms. When food is scarce in winter and early spring, head clockwise on the Birdsong Fairy Trail with a handful of black oil sunflower seeds so chickadees, nuthatches, and tufted titmice can eat them directly from your hand.

7. Rochester Public Market

Visit the Rochester Public Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the year. The market is located near various coffee shops, restaurants, and vendors, making it a unique destination even during winter.

9. Tinker Nature Park

Tinker Nature Park comprises 68 acres in Henrietta with a 1.2-mile flat perimeter trail for jogging, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, or walking. Skis and snowshoes are available to rent in the Nature Center from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for $3 a pair when significant snow is on the ground.

10. Seneca Park Zoo

The Seneca Park Zoo is open all year! While many animals prefer to stay cozy inside or in a den, some species, such as polar bears and Amur tigers, enjoy the long, cold Rochester winters. The Zoo is a great place to go if you feel intimidated walking alone.

The paths, as best as possible, are maintained for walkability, lessening the risk of falling. The staff is helpful, and there are enough people around to feel safe, but not so many as in summertime when it can feel overwhelming.

11. MacKay Wildlife Preserve

The preserve is the perfect place to take a quiet walk in the winter woods, hearing only the sound of crunching snow under your boot. The pathways feel natural, like trails the deer had created in their search for food and water—paths of least resistance.

12. Ganondagan State Historic Site

The longhouse may only be open May 1–Oct 31, and the Seneca Art and Culture Center at Ganondagan is closed until mid-February, but the trails are always available from dawn to dusk! Bring your boots or snowshoes and stick to the flat trails on Boughton Hill for an easy winter workout with a spectacular view. Ganondagan is the original site of the most significant 17th-century Seneca town, which at its peak had 150 longhouses.

Walks Along the Pinnacle Range

13. Sunken Garden

When you stroll around the back of Warner Castle and down the lawn, you’ll discover the Sunken Garden. It’s a peaceful retreat any time of the year. Behind the garden, you’ll find Highland Park Bowl—an outdoor amphitheater used for summertime concerts, Shakespeare in the Bowl, and Movies in the Park. But in the wintertime, it’s a great spot for sledding.

14. Highland Park

Highland Park was designed intentionally for year-round enjoyment, from its pathways and trees to its vistas and waterways. Enjoy winter’s quiet serenity among the evergreens.

15. Cobb’s Hill & Washington Grove

Cobbs Hill is part of the Pinnacle Range, created 10,000 years ago by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier. I love looking out over the treetops at the Rochester skyline, no matter the weather, season, cloud cover, or time of day. A 0.7-mile paved walking path encircles a reservoir and offers a panoramic view.

Because of the Pinnacle Range, all major infrastructure, such as the Erie Canal, subway, and expressway, was routed around the area, leaving this beautiful area untouched by development. Early advocates for green space rallied to preserve the woodland. A trail through Washington Grove leads visitors through a tranquil urban forest of old oak trees to a series of ever-changing graffiti-tagged water towers.

16. Mount Hope Cemetery

Mount Hope is the perfect place for a winter walk. As best as possible, the roads are plowed, which is ideal for getting outside. And the long shadows cast by trees and manufactured structures are lovely.

Waterfall Walks

17. Letchworth

When visiting Letchworth in winter, start at the Glen Iris Inn (closed for the season) to easily view Middle Falls. The Castile entrance to Letchworth State Park is usually open all year but may be closed in extreme weather—check the park’s website before you go. Though the Glen Iris Inn is closed, you can still check out the ice volcano that forms in the fountain after several days of freezing temperatures. If the lower road is open, you can drive to the parking lot below Upper Falls for a view from the car or walk along the Genesee River to appreciate the icy-mist-covered trees as they sparkle in the sun. The Humphrey Nature Center is open year-round and has a restroom, Wi-Fi, and warmth. North of Castile, the park is ideal for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Also, check out Letchworth’s Trailside Lodge at the bottom of the snow-tubing hill near the Humphrey Nature Center. No rentals are available, and sleds are prohibited, so bring your own inflatable.

18. High Falls

Very few cities in America have an incredible waterfall as a central focal point! High Falls is the name of the waterfall, the neighboring historic district, and the future Rochester High Falls State Park. Popular spots to view the falls include High Falls Terrace, the Pont de Rennes Bridge, and Genesee Brew House’s rooftop patio while enjoying a casual meal and a tasty beverage. On the west side of the river, visitors can walk along cobblestone streets to learn about the area’s hydropower history and see the top of the falls near the Gorsline Building.

19. Taughannock Falls

A flat trail leads along the creek to the base of the waterfall. The canyon presents a unique winter scene depending on the amount of snow melt or temps below freezing. Watch your step as you approach the fall’s base, as it will be icy from the mist.

20. Glen Park Falls

Glen Park has a handicap-only parking lot with a direct view of the falls, and the pathways are paved to walk to the falls. A larger parking lot is down the street. Glen Park is also one of my favorite places to enjoy an autumn walk.

21. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is stunning in every season, and I highly recommend visiting during different times of the year to experience the unique beauty each season offers. During winter, when temperatures drop significantly and remain low for several weeks, the falls can appear completely frozen. Despite the chilly weather, it’s a fantastic time to visit and enjoy the park’s beauty with fewer tourists. You may feel like you have the whole park to yourself and have a greater chance of spotting black squirrels, commonly found in the area. For the best experience, we recommend spending your time on Goat Island.

Unique Winter Landscapes

22. Webster Pier

Frigid temperatures and ferocious winds create wicked art along Lake Ontario. Webster Park Pier is just one example, but you can also head to your favorite spot along the shoreline to observe nature’s creativity firsthand.

If you’re looking for a place to observe the lake from the comfort of your car, places like Webster Park, Sodus Point, Oak Orchard Light, and B. Forman Park are ideal. While most lakefront property is private or requires a walk to view the lake, these spots allow you to enjoy the view without stepping out of your toasty-warm car.

23. Letchworth Ice Volcano

If the temperature has been below freezing for an extended period, head to Letchworth! The Glen Iris Inn keeps its fountain running all year, creating a fascinating ice volcano. The Castile entrance to Letchworth State Park is usually open all year, but it may be closed in extreme weather. You should check the park’s website before you go.

Winter Events & Activities

24. First Day Hikes

January 1

Celebrate the start of the New Year with a First-Day Hike on January 1. Whether you prefer a guided or self-guided hike, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature.

25. Polar Plunge: Freezin’ for a Reason!

February

Even if you don’t take the plunge, you must witness it! The party-like atmosphere on the frozen shore of Lake Ontario is a great way to shake winter’s funk.

26. Maple Sugar Season

March

Wandering the maple groves, through the sugar shacks, and into the shops to taste the delicious New York State harvest is a sweet way to get outside at the end of winter.

Where are your favorite winter walks?

Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.