With so many trails in the Rochester area, there are plenty of options for hikers of all ages and abilities! Hiking has been a favorite activity of mine as long as I can remember. Walking through the woods, surrounding myself with the sights and sounds of nature, will always be a grounding experience I seek out. Becoming a mother and taking my kids with me on these adventures has definitely changed what I look for in a trail or park. My hikes have become shorter and I stay closer to the parking lot these days, but I continue to venture out with the kids, teaching them to appreciate the trails as much as I do. Here are our favorite hiking trails around Rochester.
Tips for Hiking with Kids
When you’re starting out, be prepared to stop frequently and possibly have to carry your little one. Some kids need an activity to do along the way, like a scavenger hunt or collecting leaves. Download our free printable Summer Hike Scavenger Hunt or our free printable Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt!
Always bring drinks, snacks, bug repellent, and sun protection. Check out our Amazon Storefront for some of our favorite hiking gear for kids!
For hiking with babies or toddlers, we have our list of Stroller-Friendly Hiking Trails in Rochester.
Beginner Trails
With public restrooms available, playgrounds nearby, and plenty to see, these are wonderful places to take kids who are still learning about hiking. These trails are mostly flat, paved or dirt paths that any stroller can manage.
Durand Eastman Park | Irondequoit
Durand Eastman Park offers multiple public restrooms for convenience. The playground is located on Log Cabin Road, while Zoo Road leads to the arboretum, where you’ll find unique flowering trees labeled with identifying signs. It’s a beautiful area to stroll through, especially the daffodil meadows in bloom. Just across Lakeshore Boulevard, you’ll find Durand Beach and the Lakeshore Bike Trail, which features a scenic boardwalk.
From Lakeshore Boulevard, White Lady’s Castle and the steps leading up can be seen. The paths behind the castle lead to Durand Lake Trail and Trott Lake Trail, which go down and around the little ponds. I would only recommend these for older kids since they can get steep, muddy, and are so close to the open water.
Egypt Park | Perinton
Egypt Park features public restrooms and water fountains conveniently located near the playground. A path from the parking lot connects directly to the Rochester Syracuse & Eastern Trolley Trail, which stretches 8 miles from the canal to Pannell Road. You can enjoy a walk along the trail for any distance and turn back whenever you’re ready.
If you continue past the trail, the path also leads to the north end of Lollypop Farm, where the outdoor walking paths are usually open to visitors. The trail behind the pet cemetery at Lollypop is mostly flat and winds through the woods, with birdhouses, small bridges, and shaded spots along the way. You can stroll around the farm to see any animals that are outside—just be mindful of the electric fences.
Mendon Ponds Park | Pittsford
Mendon Ponds is the largest park in Monroe County, featuring woodlands, wetlands, and ponds. The park is home to the Mendon Ponds Nature Center, Wild Wings Center, Fairy Trail, and Sharon’s Sensory Garden. Follow the signs for “Beach Area Parking” to find the playground. There are so many adventures to be had here – something for every age! The trails range from stroller-friendly flat paths to steep, long, hilly hikes.
Seneca Park | Irondequoit
Seneca Park, near the Seneca Park Zoo, features a paved loop around the pond where ducks can be seen. There is a public restroom and two playgrounds here. Further into the park, there are dirt trails that run parallel to the Genesee River. These trails are not as stroller-friendly, though they can be a fun adventure with kids, as they go by multiple small waterfalls and you can even sneak a peek at some of the zoo animals.
Trails for Bigger Kids
These trails include my favorites from before I was a mom. Some have longer trails, steeper hills, can get muddy, or do not have public restrooms available. They would be fun to explore with kids who have experience hiking or are slightly older!
Corbetts Glen | Brighton
The short trails are dirt or woodchips through woods, meadow, and marsh. The entrance to the main trail goes under a beautiful stone tunnel. There are creeks, small waterfalls, and train tracks along the trails. There are no public restrooms here. You will need to park along the street as there is no parking lot.
Gosnell Big Woods Preserve | Webster
This 165 acre preserve features old-growth woodlands and wetlands. There are no public restrooms here. Paths here are mainly dirt. There is a large wildflower meadow on one of the trails where butterflies and dragonflies can be seen.
Four Mile Creek Preserve | Webster
There are no public restrooms here. The trail is dirt, featuring some hills, an overlook area, and a creek. One of the highlights here are the cars! We spotted the bodies of at least six cars along the trails here. The property was owned by farmers in the 1950’s-1960’s who would get these cars when they were old and beat up and let their sons use them as target practice in the woods.
Thousand Acre Swamp | Penfield
Despite the name, this park is actually closer to 500 acres of land, making it one of Monroe County’s largest wetland systems. There’s so much unique wildlife to see. The path here is dirt and boardwalks. It gets very muddy during spring and fall. There is a public restroom available near the parking lot.
