by Taylor Divico

Created on: July 25, 2009   Last Updated: April 04, 2011

"Take a hike!" The best hikes near Rochester, NY offer nature, unique topography, and state history to uncover and explore within a day's journey. Nestled in the heart of picturesque upstate NY, Rochester offers a plethora of scenic trails for hiking enthusiasts, of varying ability levels and ages, to enjoy.

Best Views: Gorge Trail

Trail Rating: advanced and challenging, not recommended for children

Location: Letchworth State Park, about 30 miles south of Rochester in Castile, NY

Distance: The Gorge Trail is seven miles one way and does not loop back to the point of origin. There are several parking areas along the trail, with access to the trail for those looking to catch some views without a strenuous hike. For advanced hikers, with six to eight hours to spare, a fourteen mile round-trip is awaiting full of nature's beauty.

Description: The Gorge Trail takes hikers along the western rim of the sprawling 600-foot gorge known as the "Grand Canyon of the East." The gorge developed from glacial erosion, which lends layers of NY state geographical history. Filled with spectacular scenic overlooks, views of waterfalls, and forested walkways, this trail highlights the Genesee River and three major falls simply named; the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.

Best City Trail: Genesee Riverway Trail

Trail Rating: easy and cultural

Location: Downtown Rochester

Distance: 16 miles in total, with trail loop options of varying distances extending from several park and street locations along the way

Description: The Genesee Riverway Trail extends from downtown Rochester to Lake Ontario with numerous entrance locations and eleven accessible parks from the trail. This trail is full of historic sightseeing with views of the Erie Canal Aqueduct, Lake Ontario Lighthouse, University of Rochester, and the Genesee River and gorge. The trail passes through historic Rochester neighborhoods and parks, with the Maplewood Park Rose Garden providing a summer highlight of blooms.

Best Historic Trail: Erie Canal Heritage Trail

Trail Rating: easy and educational, recommended for families with children

Location: The trail extends nearly 100 miles and is accessible near Rochester anywhere from Lockport to Palmyra.

Distance: The hiking distance is optional depending on point of origin.
Description: The Erie Canal Heritage Trail follows along the banks of the Erie Canal with historic museums, secret underground caves waterways, locks, and folklore to be found. Guided hikes and boat tours through canal caves are available.

Best Gentle-Terrain Trail: Seneca Trail

Trail Rating: moderate and scenic

Location: Victor, NY, about 20 miles southeast of downtown Rochester

Distance: 7.5 miles

Description: The Seneca Trail is primarily a footpath, varying in elevations from flat meadows to grassy hills. This hike is full of scenery, especially during autumn as the leaves are changing, framing views of the Irondequoit Valley. The Seneca Trail extends through wooded areas, across Great Brook, through apple orchards, and even underneath the New York State Thruway. The Seneca Trail allows a hiker to experience the grandeur of upstate New York's vastness.

Best Nature Trail: Bird Song/Swamp Trail

Trail Rating: easy and informational

Location: Mendon Pond Park, Mendon NY, approximately 15 miles south of downtown Rochester

Distance: 2 miles

Description: The Bird Song/Swamp Trail is a nature-lover's pick with chickadee feeding opportunities, a nature center, and wide varieties of flora to enjoy within the glacially-developed Mendon Pond Park. Highlights of the trail include seasonal access to; Sharon's Sensory Garden, the butterfly garden, and the hummingbird garden.

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