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NY Playbook guide
Top 19 Hiking locations in United States
byRochester's Playbook and
Kiley Hanje and
Michal Ben-Ari and
Carina Sawyer and
WNY Playbook
Live update: Updated January 18, 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. 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/
4. 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/
5. 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/
6. 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/
7. 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/
8. 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/
9. 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/
10. Allegany State Park Stone Tower
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookThis is always our first stop when we visit ASP! Cars are allowed to drive up to the tower, however you may leave your car on the main road and hike up to the tower, which is less than a half mile. This is a perfect spot for the kids to run off some energy. After you take in the picturesque views and learn about the history of the tower pack up and head to your next spot.
For more info, check out our website at https://wnyplaybook.com/allegany-state-park-red-house-area/
11. Allegany State Red House Area
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:WNY PlaybookAllegany State Park is the largest state park in New York State and is divided into the Red House Area and Quaker Area. Nestled within the 65,000 acre park are overlooks, playgrounds, hiking, swimming, fishing, nature trails, caves, and even a waterfall. Red House Area can be accessed from I-86 exits 19 and 21. There is so much to see here you definitely won't get it all in with one visit. Consider camping over or visit again and again! The following information outlines a visit to the Red House Area. Please note, there is a seasonal car entrance fee of $7 to enter the park.
For things to do, check out our full coverage at https://wnyplaybook.com/allegany-state-park-red-house-area/
12. 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/
13. 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/
14. 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/
15. 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.There's a sledding hill for the thrill seekers here too!
To read more about the park, head to our website: https://rochesterplaybook.com/cobbs-hill-park/
16. 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/
17. 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/
18. Winnie the Pooh Trail
PEOPLE ARE SAYING:Rochester's PlaybookOntario Pathways is a 23.3 mile trail on an abandoned rail bed. At the trail head off of County Road 10 in Canandaigua you will find the start of the Winnie the Pooh Trail! This part of the trail is entertaining, easy and stroller friendly!
More details can be found in our article at: https://rochesterplaybook.com/ontario-pathways-winnie-the-pooh-trail/
19. 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
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