Top Picnic Places in the Area
Here are the prettiest, most appealing places to spread your spread
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
What’s finer than a picnic on a beautiful summer day? Pack up a cooler and plan to enjoy a lovely meal and on-site amenities at any one of the area’s parks.
• Hamlin Beach State Park in Hamlin offers a sandy beach on Lake Ontario, picnic grills, playground, six miles of biking and hiking trails and rents pavilions starting at $50.
www.parks.ny.gov/parks/hamlinbeach/details.aspx
• Chimney Bluffs State Park (pictured above) in Wolcott provides grills and picnic tables overlooking Lake Ontario and two hiking trails, one along the lakefront under the shadow of the sizable bluffs and the other through the forest overlooking the lake.
• Holley Canal Park in Holley borders the Erie Canal, offering a view of passing boats and a lift bridge. At the other end of the park, you can view a waterfall.
https://nyfalls.com/waterfalls/holley-falls
• Highland Park in Rochester is comprised of 150 acres and in addition to picnic areas includes numerous places to picnic, along with ample places to walk and explore.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-highland
• Ontario Beach Park in Rochester offers both picnic tables in the sun and under pavilions. Enjoy views of the Genesee River and Lake Ontario. There’s also a pier, sandy beach for swimming, pickle ball court, carousel and a spray park for the grandkids.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-ontariobeach
• Granite Mills Commons at High Falls in Rochester is in the middle of the city but a picturesque spot overlooking the Genesee River. Pick up lunch from a nearby restaurant to enjoy on the benches of the Pont de Rennes bridge and take in views of the waterfall and bustle of the city.
https://nyfalls.com/waterfalls/high-falls-rochester
• Genesee Valley Park in Rochester, offers a few picnic spots and pavilions. A Fredrick Law Olmsted-designed park, Genesee Valley Park includes three intersecting waterways: Red Creek, the Genesee River and the Erie Canal. With 800 acres, you have plenty of opportunities to hike, including access to the Route 390 bike trail and Genesee Valley Greenway. The park operates multi-use sports fields and two 18-hole golf courses.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-geneseevalley
• Brighton Town Park in Rochester spans 28 acres and provides picnic tables along the water’s edge, along with a lodge and two pavilions, playground, softball field and nature path along a 12-acre pond.
https://townofbrighton.org/260/Brighton-Town-Park
• Charles E. Sexton Memorial Park (formerly North Ponds) in Webster has picnic tables near each of its ponds. Stroll the one-mile paved hiking path that circles the park, try disc golf or fishing in the ponds.
https://websterny.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Charles-E-Sexton-Memorial-Park-formerly–26
• Black Creek Park in Chili is a bit less developed than many area parks, making it perfect for getting in touch with nature. Enjoy 1,505 acres of trails, birding, fishing and access to both a creek and pond.
https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-blackcreek
• King’s Bend Park in Pittsford is only 19 acres but provides lodges, outdoor picnic tables and grills, playground for the grandkids and picturesque views.
https://www.townofpittsford.org/parks-and-trails
• B. Forman Park in Williamson, offers plenty of shade and lovely views of Lake Ontario. Bring along the grandchildren to gambol on the expansive lawns and swing and climb on the playground.
www.waynecountyny.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/B-Forman-Park-18
Reminder
Keep in mind that many parks are “carry in, carry out” parks. So plan to bring along a trash bag for anything you want to dispose of. Check out the park’s website before you head out to check on any closures and to ensure the park has the amenities you want.