The Best Hiking Trails in Rochester

We hiked Coyotes Den Trail this past weekend at Ellison Park. The entrance to the trail is off Penfield Road, and there are a variety of trails that are marked for hikers, joggers, bird watchers and dog walkers. Some of the trails are very narrow, not wide enough for a stroller. There is s very pretty stream running between 2 sides of the trail, and tons of wildlife. There are a few quite steep areas, but overall it was an easy hike, even in muddy January. The entire loop took us approximately an hour, and was a little less then 2 miles. We ran into about 10 other people in 40 degree weather, p I imagine it's quite busy in the summer months.

I absolutely LOVE Durand Eastman Park. In my opinion, it's a hidden gem with many little perks - including a hut with snacks/coffee, an Abbott's ice cream, many great picnic spots on green grass under large trees, and the BEST old fashioned carousel. My 3 year-old LOVES that there are more animals than just horses, but also pigs, birds, cows... you name it! I haven't gone swimming there - we usually just take a day trip during the spring/summer/fall and enjoy a walk along the water - but I highly recommend exploring the Park on a nice day.

It's always super quiet when we are there. Its a beautiful place to take a walk and get lost in nature and the playground is good all be it needs an upgrade but its just and all around nice place for family fun!