There is some very lovely running in downtown Rochester, particularly in the ‘East End’ area, referred to as ‘Neighborhood of the Arts’ around University Ave. Run by the Strong Museum, George Eastman Museum, the Science Center, and other spots. This is a pretty area with a nice canopy, featuring a mix of Rochester cultural sites, shops, old mansions, and high-end residential side streets, some with gas lamps. Pretty at night and during the holidays, and a good winter option!
Rather than map out a specific route, our recommendation is to create your own run in the area between University Ave. to the north and I-490, between Alexander and Culver. Run along the main avenues such as Park Ave. (nice lights & stores), East Ave., and University Ave., each 1.0-1.5 miles in this area. Then, enjoy the lovely residential side streets south of East Ave. and west of Culver: Granger Place, East Boulevard, Douglas Road, Westminster Road, Berkeley Street, and Oxford St. We also enjoy the Victorian homes in the Corn Hill neighborhood, on the west side of the Genesee River, between Ford St. & Exchange Blvd.
The streets in this area are well-lit and have good sidewalks. They’re also a good alternative in winter, when some of the paths & trails might not have been cleared.
Mark Lowenstein
There is some very lovely running in downtown Rochester, particularly in the ‘East End’ area, referred to as ‘Neighborhood of the Arts’ around University Ave. Run by the Strong Museum, George Eastman Museum, the Science Center, and other spots. This is a pretty area with a nice canopy, featuring a mix of Rochester cultural sites, shops, old mansions, and high-end residential side streets, some with gas lamps. Pretty at night and during the holidays, and a good winter option!
Rather than map out a specific route, our recommendation is to create your own run in the area between University Ave. to the north and I-490, between Alexander and Culver. Run along the main avenues such as Park Ave. (nice lights & stores), East Ave., and University Ave., each 1.0-1.5 miles in this area. Then, enjoy the lovely residential side streets south of East Ave. and west of Culver: Granger Place, East Boulevard, Douglas Road, Westminster Road, Berkeley Street, and Oxford St. We also enjoy the Victorian homes in the Corn Hill neighborhood, on the west side of the Genesee River, between Ford St. & Exchange Blvd.
The streets in this area are well-lit and have good sidewalks. They’re also a good alternative in winter, when some of the paths & trails might not have been cleared.
Wonderful, mainly flat running along this historic 360-mile trail. The path runs through many parts of greater Rochester, including the "Canal Towns". Mix of paved and unpaved. We've mapped 33 miles between Brockport in the west to Fairport in the east.
Wonderful trail, running 15 miles from the Erie Canal to Lake Ontario. The most centrally located section runs from downtown south to Genesee Valley Park, near URI. Historic bridges, Olmsted-designed parks, waterfalls, and a gorge.
A southern continuation of the Genesee River Trail, the Greenway runs for nearly 90 miles through five counties. Closest section to Rochester starts at Genesee Valley Park. The cinder trail features small towns, valleys, and gorges.
Combine a route incorporating the miles of hilly paths at Mt. Hope Cemetery, and two Olmsted-designed gems: Highland Park -- once the world's largest nursery -- and bucolic campus of the University of Rochester.
Good hill running opportunities and a 3/4 mile reservoir loop that's lit at night, just south of the city. Adjacent Washington Grove has paths around lovely large oaks.
Get a taste of Lake Ontario in this 1,000 acre park just 7 miles north of Rochester. Highlight is the waterfront running along the 2.2 mile Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail. Several other hilly, interior trails as well.
2,500 acre park in Monroe County. Great spot for trail running and hill running. Several marked loops, ranging from 0.5 to nearly 5 miles. Popular for nordic skiing in winter.
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