This summer, spend some time on our local trails and paths to enjoy our beautiful communities! Visiting your nearby park is the perfect way to reconnect with nature, recharge your mind and body, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to soak up some Vitamin D, your local park has something for everyone. From playgrounds for the kids to serene lakes for fishing enthusiasts, there are endless opportunities to explore, unwind, and create lasting memories. So, grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic basket, and head to your local park. It’s time to embrace the beauty of nature right in your own backyard!
1. Highland Park
Located right in Rochester, Highland Park features 150 acres of beautiful gardens, including its famous lilac collection, walking paths, and the Lamberton Conservatory. Enjoy the beautiful landscape in all seasons, and learn more about Highland Park’s horticultural heritage and legacy of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., famous park system designer.
2. Genesee Valley Park
Along the Genesee River, Genesee Valley Park has a range of activities, including hiking and biking trails, sports fields, a golf course, picnic areas, and a scenic riverwalk.
3. Seneca Park
In northeast Rochester, Seneca Park offers stunning views of the Genesee River. Walk the trails or enjoy a picnic. Stop by the Seneca Park Zoo playground for some extra fun.
4. Mendon Ponds Park
Mendon Ponds Park is the largest park in Monroe County, spanning over 2,500 acres. It encompasses diverse natural landscapes, including woodlands, wetlands, ponds, and meadows. Stop by to go hiking on the trails or fishing in the pond. Relax and enjoy a picnic or find some great opportunities for bird-watching.
5. Lakeside State Park
North of Albion, check out the sandy beach along the lake perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles. Lakeside State Park has plenty of picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, ideal for family outings and gatherings while soaking up the scenic views of Lake Ontario.
6. Durand Eastman Park
On the shore of Lake Ontario, Durand Eastman Park boasts beautiful wooded areas, picturesque beaches, hiking trails, a golf course, picnic areas, and a playground, a tranquil setting for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Ontario Beach Park
Ontario Beach Park at the northern side of Rochester is a popular spot for families and beachgoers. Enjoy the lake’s sandy beach, the park’s historic carousel, boardwalk, picnic areas, and recreational facilities.
8. Webster Park
Just east of Rochester, explore Webster Park’s its wooded trails, sit on the beach along Lake Ontario, or spend the day at the picnic areas, sports fields, or playground.
9. North Ponds Park
In northern Webster, North Ponds Park is a 130-acre park centered around two large ponds. It features walking trails, a dog park, fishing areas, picnic spots, and a nature center. Popular for bird-watching, this park offers great opportunities to spot wildlife.
10. Turning Point Park
- Hidden Gem -
Where Genesee River and the Erie Canal meet, Turning Point Park offers stunning views and a peaceful setting. A stunning focal point is the Turning Point Bridge, a unique pedestrian bridge that spans the Genesee River. The bridge offers panoramic views of the river, the surrounding park, and the downtown Rochester skyline. Walk the boardwalk and trail starts along the old railroad bed to the bridge to the land-based trail that connects to the Genesee Riverway Trail.
