8 Spring Strolls You Should Pursue in Rochester Area
As spring weather beckons you to take a walk in nature, consider these local trails in and around Rochester
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
1. Genesee Valley Greenway State Park offers 90 miles of open space that spans the route of the Genesee Valley Canal (circa 1840) and the Pennsylvania Railroad Rochester Branch (1882), beginning on the Erie Canalway Trail in Rochester’s Genesee Valley Park to the village of Cuba in Allegany County. Most of the trail is level ground and it includes woodlands, wetlands, river and stream valleys and other topography.
More information: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/genesee-valley-greenway-state-park
2. Hamlin Beach State Park hikers can enjoy six miles of hiking trails, including lakeside hiking on a sandy beach. Plan to bring a picnic to make a day of it.
More information: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/hamlin-beach-state-park
3. Mendon Ponds Park provides diverse trails for hiking such as the mile-long, easy Pine Woods trail. There’s also the challenging East Esker trail that is nearly five miles. Walk among woodlands, alongside ponds and wetlands and glacial landforms.
More information: www.monroecounty.gov/parks-mendonponds
4. Seneca Park is an easy walk with a flat, paved, four-mile trail that includes a waterfall, open fields and views of the Genesee River.
More information: www.monroecounty.gov/parks-seneca
5. Erie Canalway Trail is part of the Empire State Trail and goes alongside the Erie Canal. Begin in Genesee Valley Park and follow the trail through Pittsford to Fairport on mostly paved asphalt with some stone portions. The trail passes by woodlands, streams and water views.
More information: https://empiretrail.ny.gov/rochester-syracuse/rochester-fairport
6. Corbett’s Glen Nature Park in Penfield has a short loop trail with easy walking. Park at Glen Road near Route 441 and walk through the tunnel to access the trailhead.
More information: www.brightonny.gov/262/Corbetts-Glen-Nature-Park
7. Philbrick Park Trail in Penfield has two hiking trails of fewer than two miles, Honey creek Trail and Philbrick Park trail. Bring along young grandkids to enjoy the playground.
More information: www.penfieldny.gov/detail_T12_R46.php
8. Chimney Bluffs State Park west of Wolcott offers two hiking options, one along Lake Ontario, with otherworldly rocky spires and woodland trails, about four miles altogether. Park at the eastern trailhead for free. Access at this end is for both the lakeshore and the woodland trail. Paid parking, restrooms and picnic tables are at the western trailhead, but hikers can access only the woodland trail.
More information: https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks/chimney-bluffs-state-park
Keep in mind that some parks charge by the vehicle for parking, but most accept the Empire Pass, which permits unlimited parking in nearly all state parks by the season. Typically, parks and trails are open from dawn to dusk. Take out anything you bring in and do not remove anything. Not all trails are accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.