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NY Playbook guide
Top 23 Hiking locations in United States
byRochester's Playbook and
Kiley Hanje and
Michal Ben-Ari and
Carina Sawyer and
WNY Playbook and
Inbal Pessah
Live update: Updated August 9, 2022Copy link
Copy link1. Mendon Ponds Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
Rochester's PlaybookFrom fishing, to hiking, to the playground, nature center, fairy trail and bird sanctuary, Mendon Ponds Park can supply a full day of fun! There is plenty to do and unlimited opportunities to connect with nature in all seasons. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. Dogs are not allowed on the fairy trail and in the Wild Wings areas. The typical playground, hiking trails and Wild Wings Facilities are driving distance from one another.
To learn more about Mendon Ponds Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/mendon-ponds-park/Rochester's PlaybookThe playground is off of Douglas Rd. by the Hundred Acre Pond. It has a spring car, typical swings, baby swings and fun train structure. There are two separate structures for the young and old. There is a seasonal restrooms here as well as a big pond to explore just over the hill.
2. Highland Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookHighland is a vast park with sledding, festivals, hiking and a year-round conservatory. Near Highland Ave and Meadowbrook Rd, you can find a new, all natural playground. On the other side of the park is a second playground near the Lamberton Conservatory. This park is also home to the widely popular Lilac Festival.
To learn more about Highland Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/highland-park/
3. Perinton Community Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookThis is a beautiful community center with much to offer. The playground at the Perinton Recreation Center is open to the public, fenced and gated with a padded play surface. The equipment and environment is nicely designed for preschool children and younger. Venture inside the recreation center, and you will find a beautiful aquatics center and preschool open gym!
More information here: https://rochesterplaybook.com/perinton-community-center/
4. Durand Eastman Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookDurand Eastman Park has a beautiful arboretum, a hidden playground, an expansive beach and seemingly limitless hiking opportunities. Come again and again all year round to enjoy all that Durand has to offer. Be sure to check out Camp Eastman as well!
To learn more about Durand Eastman Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/durand-eastman-park/
5. Northampton Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookNorthampton Park is a Monroe County Park that encompasses Springdale Farm and the new Alpine Adventure Zone!. If heading to the farm, the playground near Springdale Farm is the first thing you see upon entering the parking lot but there is so much more! Check back here for details regarding the farm as they develop with the ongoing changes of the pandemic. Note, dogs are allowed at Northampton Park but not within Springdale Farm.
To learn more about Northampton Park and Springdale Farm, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/springdale-farm-at-northampton-park/
6. Egypt Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookEgypt Park has a farm-themed playground with a trail that connects the playground parking lot to the Lollypop Farm Trail. Other activities include hiking trails through the woods and going within the building at Lollypop Farm.
To learn more about Egypt Farm, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/egypt-park/
7. Seneca Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookThere’s way more to Seneca Park than Seneca Park Zoo. Without paying Zoo Admission, you can access two playground, hiking trails, waterfalls, pond views and much more.
Find more details in the article on our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/seneca-park/
8. Semmel Road Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookThe Semmel Road Park playground is partially shaded and near the towns highway department so you are likely to spot some heavy equipment! This is also one of the few playgrounds with one of those cars kiddos can sit in! Continue the fun by exploring the fenced in tennis and basketball courts as well as walking paths through the woods. Head to Semmel Road Park for free ice skating in the winter!
To read more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/semmel-road-park/Rochester's PlaybookThere is ice skating here in the winter
9. Black Creek Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookBlack Creek Park is a great place to visit any time of year. Within the park you will find a playground, fishing, and hiking. Along one of the hiking paths, you can find, “fairy houses!” There is also a large sledding hill and opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing!
To learn more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/black-creek-park/
10. Ganondagan State Historic Site
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookGanondagan State Historic Site is a Native American site currently featuring beautiful hiking trails, a Seneca Bark Longhouse to tour and an indoor museum.
To learn more about Ganondagan State Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/ganondagan-state-historic-site/
11. Shortsville Budd Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookShortsville Budd Park is a fantastic small town park that gives a big town feel to anyone who visits. There is ample space to move around, playground, basketball and tennis courts as well as seasonal events that welcomes everyone. Across the street there is a dog park, great fishing spots as well as access to the creek and a community garden.
To read more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/shortsville-budd-park/
12. Cobb's Hill Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookCobbs Hill Park offers a unique stop right in the City of Rochester full of activities for all ages. The parkour course is sure to entertain toddlers to teens and the reservoir and hiking provides beautiful views. Extend the visit by fishing or checking out the fitness course.
To read more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/cobbs-hill-park/
13. Center Park West
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookCenter Park West is the perfect park for variety of ages as well as a fun family outing. After playing on the large, multi-age-level playground and children can enjoy a walk along the path. If you’ve completed the playground and story path, you can keep going to enjoy some light hiking through the wooded trails. The fun continues as this park also hosts concerts on Sundays and has great sledding in the winter. The parking lot is off of Ayrault Road. Bathrooms are seasonal.
To read more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/center-park/Rochester's PlaybookThis sledding hill isn’t too populated and great for a wide range of ages. Walk towards the playground from the Park's parking lot and head behind the lodge to reach the bottom of the hill.
14. Harris Whalen Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookHarris Whalen Park is the perfect stop between shopping trips to Aldi and Wegmans. Conveniently located directly across the street from the Penfield Wegmans, Harris Whalen Park offers hiking, sledding and a nicely shaded playground. There are two playgrounds at this park, as well as the school playground nearby available after school hours. The park has a shelter and bathroom house very close to the main playground as well as a wooded hiking trail.
To read more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/harris-whalen-park/
15. Ricky Greene Memorial Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookWhat a gem! There is more than meets the eye at Ricky Greene Memorial Park! This little park hidden in Conesus boasts unique wooden play equipment, beautiful hiking, historical aspects and a modern playground! If you like to explore off the beaten path, add this one to the bucket list!
More details can be found on our website: www.rochesterplaybook.com/ricky-greene-memorial-park
16. Sunken Garden
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookThis is a hidden gem of Rochester located within Highland Park. You can enter off Mount Hope or Reservoir Road. There is a small parking lot in front of the castle. This is a great spot for photos and weddings, so it is often closed on weekends. Visit during the week if you are able! To find the garden simply walk behind the castle! You can access the highland bowl by walking farther on and continue to the ice rink in the winter time!
More details in Highland Park here: https://rochesterplaybook.com/highland-park/
17. Sprague's Maple Farms
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:
WNY Playbook1048 Portville-Obi Road Portville, NY 14770
Eat, play, and explore at Sprague's Maple Farms! This hidden gem offers so much more than great food. Enjoy educational hiking trails, a playground, and seasonal events for the whole family.
Check out our full article at http://wnyplaybook.com/spragues-maple-farms/
18. Little Rock City
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookAccessible by vehicle in the Spring, Summer and Fall, Little Rock City offers a hike that is unique and fun for the whole family. The giant rocks, caves and crevasses will leave you awestruck and provide hours of exploration! This park is free to enter and explore!
More details here: http://wnyplaybook.com/little-rock-city/
19. Hamlin Beach State Park
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookHamlin Beach State Park is divided into 4 areas: Area 1 has many play structures and walking paths along the lake, Area two has beautiful lodges to rent and beach access (no swimming), Areas 3 and 4 has a swimming beach and another unguarded beach can be found at Area 5. The Park is open year round with a car entrance fee during swimming season.
To learn more about Hamlin Beach State Park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/hamlin-beach-state-park/
20. Audubon Community Nature Center
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookAudubon Community Nature Center is stunning and definitely worth the drive to Jamestown. The Nature Center is packed with interactive and educational exhibits including live animals and an indoor natural play area. Outside you will find over 5 miles of trails, a native tree arboretum, educational gardens, AND a natural playground. Read more on our website at https://wnyplaybook.com/audubon-community-nature-center/
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