5 popular hiking spots around Rochester NY. Plus, don't forget these items when planning your hike

Victoria E. Freile, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
·2 min read

Embrace it. It might be chilly outdoors during western New York winters, but there's still plenty to do.

A favorite way to stay active is to take a winter hike. And with as much snow as Rochesterians have seen in the past week, hiking in snowshoes is the way to go.

When six or more inches of fresh snow covers the ground, snowshoes keep a hiker from (completely) sinking into the snow.

There are many options for hikers in the Rochester region - with or without snowshoes - including your local park. Nearly everyone lives 10 to 15 minutes from a park or nature preserve.

Here are some popular, beautiful spots to take a wintry hike:

1. Mendon Ponds Park

Honeoye Falls-Lima Middle School students on the modified Nordic team practice at Mendon Ponds Park on Jan. 20, 2022.
Honeoye Falls-Lima Middle School students on the modified Nordic team practice at Mendon Ponds Park on Jan. 20, 2022.

Monroe County's largest park boasts more than 2,500 acres and 10 hiking trails of varying difficulty. Be sure to steer clear of groomed paths and Nordic skiers.

2. Webster Park and Whiting Road Nature Preserve

With more than 500 acres and five designated trails, Webster Park is often one of the less busy county parks in winter months. The western end of the park connects with Whiting Road Nature Preserve, a 240-acre area with well-marked trails.

3. Durand Eastman Park

Snowshoes or other traction devices are a must for winter hiking on Monroe County trails, including the trails at Durand-Eastman Park in Irondequoit.
Snowshoes or other traction devices are a must for winter hiking on Monroe County trails, including the trails at Durand-Eastman Park in Irondequoit.

The park may include Lake Ontario waterfront, but trails leading hikers around Durand and Eastman lakes and several smaller ponds make it feel more like a trek on hills in the Adirondacks.

4. Genesee Country Village & Museum and Cumming Nature Center

Both centers have admission fees, but also have snowshoe rentals available. Nordic ski lessons and rentals also available at Cumming Nature Center, which has 12 miles of groomed ski trails.

5. Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreational Area

South of Honeoye Lake, this site has 16 miles of trails in what many deem a winter wonderland. This rustic, off-the-beaten-path park is a favorite of many hikers.

Hiking safety tips in the winter

While hiking, it is wise to avoid some types of hiking spots in the winter months.

For example, steer clear of gorges and gullies. Don't walk alone in a creek or any location where you're at risk of falling. And steer clear of groomed trails meant for Nordic skiers.

Snow also hides obstacles on a given trail, such as rocks and roots. Consider taking hiking poles, which provide extra stability.

Hiking essentials during the winter

When considering what to wear on your hike — besides footgear — wear layers without overdressing. Once that base layer gets wet, the hiker will get cold.

Carry a small daypack with basic supplies such as water and a snack.

Bring your mobile phone and a small flashlight in case of emergency.

Hiking essentials: Don't forget these items when planning your hike

Contact Victoria Freile at vfreile@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @vfreile and Instagram @vfreile. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: 5 popular hiking spots around Rochester NY