The Best Parks to Run in Rochester

Culture
A group of runners run across a bridge over a lake during the day

ROCHESTER IS A CITY FOR RUNNERS

The skyline of Rochester, New York, at sunset

Cobb’s Hill Park and Washington Grove

Where: Culver Road and Norris Dr.

Contact: 585-428-6755

The park has 109 acres of dirt trails, roads, and a sidewalk that circumnavigates a water basin at the top. Work hard trail running up on a short, steep incline to the top and reward yourself with the best view of the city.

Bonus: It’s within running distance from Fleet Feet Sports at the Armory.

A runner on a trail near a cemetery

Mount Hope Cemetery

Where: 1133 Mt Hope Ave, Rochester, NY 14620

Contact: 585-428-7999

Get lost in one of the nation’s oldest rural cemeteries. If you’re looking to punch out hill repeats or a fartlek on varied terrain, this is your spot. Smooth roads, dirt walking paths, and cobblestone streets (ankle stability work!), weave together amidst steep inclines formed from melted ice sheets over 12,000 years ago. Need extra miles? Highland Park (below) is just down the road.

A flower with a runner in the background

Highland Park

Where: 450 Highland Ave, Rochester, NY 1460

Contact: 585-256-4950

Glacial-carved and dramatic, the topography here is on the steeper side of rolling. It’s easy to get in several miles when you combine the snaking bike paths and hiking trails.

Visit in springtime to see over 500 varieties of blooming flowers and partake in the yearly Lilac Festival.

A woman running on a trail with a waterfall in the background

Genesee Valley Park

Where: 1000 E River Rd, Rochester, NY 14623

Contact: 585-753-7275

The 800-acre park serves as central access to several of the area’s waterway in addition to trails along the Erie Canal, 390 bike trail (five miles; paved), and the Genesee River Greenway—which extends 24 miles through Rochester and passes several waterfalls.

A foggy park

Mendon Ponds Park

Where: 95 Douglas Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY 14472

Contact: 585-753-7275

Mendon Ponds Park boasts 2500 acres of woodlands, wetlands, ponds, and more of the glacial-carved topography that depicts western New York. It’ll take you about 20 to 25 minutes to get here from Rochester (it’s 10 miles away between Pittsford and Mendon, NY), but the drive is well worth it.

It’s easy to run 20 plus miles here in the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter months, trails are groomed for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Rest day in the plan? No problem. Take a horseback ride, relax with a fishing pole, or try your eyes at birding.

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