Take a Hike!
Rochester abounds with pleasant places for enjoying a fine spring day
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Whether you’re an avid hiker or occasional stroller, getting out to experience nature provides many benefits. The Rochester region offers plenty of venues to walk.
Here are some of them:
Webster Park in Webster offers 550 acres and views of Lake Ontario and a true forest hike, along with creeks, bridges over swamps and a fishing pier.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-webster
Mendon Ponds Park in Rochester boasts 30 miles of trails, Sharon’s Sensory Garden and Nature Center.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-mendonponds
Turning Point Park in Charlotte spans 275 wooded acres near the Genesee River. Explore the 2,968-foot former railroad bed trail, a 3,572-foot bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin and a 3,406-foot trail through the park adjacent to the Genesee Marina. The park is ideal for river views and birding.
www.cityofrochester.gov/locations/turning-point-park
Corbett’s Glen in Brighton provides flat, two-mile hike that’s easy on the knees. The loop trail includes views of Allens Creek, a meadow, cattail marsh, forest and a private residence, the circa-1896 house built by Patrick Corbett.
Eastman Durand Park in Rochester includes part of the Irondequoit Lakeside Trail, as the park perches on Lake Ontario. Expect hilly terrain and excellent views.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-durandeastman
Kent Park Arboretum in Webster boasts lovely blooms tended by area volunteers. The circa-1909 park also includes wooded trails with moderate hills.
Channing H. Philbrick Park in Penfield includes two trails, Honey Creek Trail leading into the Four Corners and Philbrick Park Trail, skirting Irondequoit Creek and Panorama Valley.
www.penfield.org/detail_T12_R46.php
Abraham Lincoln Park is 182 acres of recreation space and 3.5 miles of trails. It’s a good park for bringing along young grandchildren, as the trails are short and there’s a playground as well.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-bayeast
Genessee Valley Park in Rochester trails include a 6.9-mile loop that boasts an elevation increase of 114 feet. The park’s sprawling 800 acres taps into numerous other trails and flanks the Genesee River.
www.cityofrochester.gov/locations/genesee-valley-park
Ellison Park in Rochester is a historic-fort-turned 447-acre park. Bring along your pooch for a romp in the off-leash dog park. And while back on the leash, you can both get your hearts pumping as you navigate the five trails with moderate elevation gains. View wetlands, a stone quarry and forest.
www.monroecounty.gov/parks-ellison
Plan your hike by knowing each trail’s rules. Some allow dogs, for example, and some don’t. Prepare by wearing weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. If you want to bring your grandchildren, think about their age and fitness level compared with the length of the trails. Consider wearing a hat, sunglasses and SPF 30 sunscreen to protect you from UV rays. Apply bug repellent after applying dried sunscreen.
Check your clothing for ticks and shower after hiking. Remaining on the trail can help you avoid ticks, as typically they wait on vegetation for potential hosts. Pay attention to any “trail closed” signs, as these are erected for your safety. Bring along water and a charged cell phone. If you hike alone, let someone know where you will be hiking and how long you expect to be gone. This is especially important if the venue has poor cell phone reception.