The city of Rochester and the surrounding Monroe County offer a breathtaking winter landscape that is sure to leave you in awe. Take a leisurely stroll and breathe in the crisp, refreshing air that invigorates your senses. The winter sun casts a beautiful glow over the snow-covered ground, making it the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
City of Rochester
1. Cobb’s Hill
Cobbs Hill is part of the Pinnacle Range, created by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier 10,000 years ago. I love looking out over the treetops at the Rochester skyline, no matter the weather, season, cloud cover, or time of day. There is a .7-mile flat, paved path encircling the reservoir, perfect for winter walks.
The path through Washington Grove takes you by the colorful graffiti-tagged water towers and winds through a quiet grove of ancient oaks. Due to the Pinnacle Range, all major infrastructure, such as the Erie Canal, subway, and expressway, was routed around the area, leaving this beautiful place untouched by development.
2. Genesee Valley Park
Genesee Valley Park, a park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, is located at the intersection of Erie Canal, Red Creek, and Genesee River. It’s a perfect winter spot to observe these waterways, especially when they freeze over.
3. High Falls
High Falls is the waterfall’s name and the district where it’s located. Not many cities in America have an urban waterfall that is visible as part of their skyline. In winter, the waterfall takes on a unique personality. It’s worth noting that the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge will be closed for maintenance until 2024.
4. Highland Park
Highland Park was designed intentionally for year-round enjoyment, from its pathways and trees to its vistas and waterways. It invites visitors to revel in the serenity of its evergreens, even in winter.
5. Mount Hope Cemetery
It may sound unusual to consider a cemetery as a place suitable for families, but Mount Hope Cemetery is just as much like a park as its neighboring Highland Park. The snow covering the cemetery exaggerates the shapes and shadows, creating an even more stunning view.
6. 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.
7. Seneca Park Zoo
The Seneca Park Zoo is open throughout the year. While some animals prefer to stay inside their dens, some species, such as polar bears and Amur tigers, seem to enjoy the long and cold winters of Rochester. The zoo is an excellent place to visit if you feel anxious to walk alone. The walkways are well-maintained, which reduces the risk of falling. The staff is accommodating, and there are enough people around to make you feel safe, but not so many as in the summer when it can be overwhelming.
Check the zoo’s website for off-season admission prices.
8. Sunken Garden
If you take a walk behind Warner Castle and go down the lawn, you will come across the Sunken Garden. It is a tranquil retreat that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Beyond the garden lies Highland Park Bowl, an outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts, Shakespeare in the Bowl, and Movies in the Park during the summer. However, in the winter, it transforms into a perfect spot for sledding.
9. Turning Point
Turning Point Park features a 3,572 ft-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin, which is part of the 24-mile Genesee Riverway Trail. It is a great location to observe the winter wildlife and landscape of the river.
Monroe County
10. Black Creek
North Chili
Black Creek Park, one of Monroe County’s largest parks, offers several trailheads and parking areas, as well as great sledding hills.
11. Brickyard Trail
Brighton
As you start your walk, ski, or snowshoe journey, you get transported into a peaceful woodland and wetland, completely unaware of traffic. Even in winter, the area is highly populated with birds.
12. Channing H. Philbrick (Linear) Park
Penfield
Channing H Philbrick Park features cascades created by Irondequoit Creek dropping 90 feet over a mile. The park’s Irondequoit Creek Trail spans its entire length.
13. Corbett’s Glen
Brighton
Nestled in between an expressway and two highly trafficked roads near the Penfield and Brighton town border, Corbett’s Glen Nature Park is a glorious green space in a suburban jungle. Park near the Glen Road entrance to enjoy the waterfalls.
14. Ellison Park
Penfield
Take the Indian Landing Trail for an easy 1.5-mile walk on level terrain full of history, from the Fort Schuyler trading post location to the supposed hideout of the famous Butlers’ Rangers.
15. Genesee Country Village
Mumford
During January and February, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at the Genesee Country Village on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Several buildings around the Village Square are open and staffed for visitors to explore. You can pick up a pair of snowshoes from the Nature Center to explore the snowy trails or bring your own cross-country skis to explore the winter village. GCV&M staff also offer hands-on programming for visitors. If you need to take a break, head to the Meeting Center lounge for a bite to eat or a craft beverage. There are plenty of activities to enjoy!
16. Mendon Ponds
Honeoye Falls
Mendon Ponds Park is the largest park in Monroe County, with 2,500 acres of woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and glacially created landforms. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to bring plenty of black oil sunflower seeds with you. The chickadees and nuthatches along the Birdsong Trail are known to land right in your hand if you offer them some seeds.
17. Tinker Nature Park
Henrietta
Tinker Nature Park is a 68-acre park located in Henrietta. The park offers a 1.2-mile flat perimeter trail that can be used for jogging, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, or simply walking. If there is significant snow on the ground, you can rent skis and snowshoes from the Nature Center between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays for $5 cash per pair.
18. Webster Pier
Webster
The frigid temperatures and fierce winds of Lake Ontario often create stunning natural art. One such example is the Webster Park Pier. However, you can observe nature’s creativity firsthand by heading towards your favorite spot along the shoreline. The best part about places like Webster Park, Sodus Point, Oak Orchard Light, and B. Forman Park is that you can enjoy the beautiful lake view right from your car’s warm and toasty interior. Most lakefront properties are either private or require a substantial walk to view the lake.
Explore More
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Escape Winter: 5 Warm & Cozy Places
With tropical temperatures or cozy environments, these Rochester-area destinations offer pleasant snowy-day getaways—at least for a few hours.
Snow Sports: 6 Ways to Stay Active in Winter
Skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, skating, and tubing are fun winter activities that offer exposure to fresh air and sunlight.
Where are your favorite winter walks in Monroe County?
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.
