Parks are a fantastic way to get outdoors and to really enjoy nature. Finding the right park for your needs and for what you want to do can make such a big difference in your overall experience. In a place like Rochester, NY, there are plenty of amazing parks that are accessible to all, great for families, or great for that lazy day out and about. We have compiled a list of five of the best parks in Rochester NY, that you just have to visit.

Highland Park

If you are a nature lover, this park is certainly for you. This park has flowers, nature trails, it is wheelchair accessible, and it is a gorgeous park all year long. This is a park that was designed by famed park designer, Frederick Law Olmstead, the same designer responsible for Central Park. It has tons of walking trails and great play areas for kids. Parks are a fantastic resource that should not be abused. In Texas for instance, it is a misdemeanor to destroy public property and it can result in a $2,000 fine or up to 180 days in jail.

Erie Canal Trail

This is a fantastic area if you want an easy walk that has some beautiful scenery. This is a gorgeous park if you want to see the canal, take a boat ride perhaps, or just see what the city has to offer. The canal was built as a means of connecting the great lakes basin with the Atlantic Ocean. Its historical significance is just as important as its beauty. For those that suffer from diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers, which is around 15% of people with diabetes, this would be a great wheelchair-accessible path to go on.

Highland Botanical Park and Lamberton Conservatory

This is an absolutely beautiful park and conservatory to visit that you simply must-see. The conservatory has quails, ducks, and turtles, so you can also see these gorgeous animals at the same time as you look at some truly stunning plants. The conservatory mimics a natural forest, in a real forest that is healthy, erosion happens at a rate of about 300 pounds per acre per year. You can see the natural structure and composition of a forest in this magical place.

Genesee River’s High Falls

If you want to find something to do in the middle of the city, the Genesee River’s High Falls is just that. This is a gorgeous bridge that shows you where the Genesee River comes into the city. It is a gorgeous waterfall that is going to be a super fun outing for the family. This is something where you can see the wonder of nature and the wonder of man and engineering come together.

Cobbs Hill Park

This is a great place to see the Rochester, NY skyline and to see some of the historical sights that the city has to offer. They have a great area where you can walk around the reservoir and where you can see some historical buildings and learn a thing or two about the area. This is one park that is not super handicap accessible, but it is still a gorgeous place to visit that you will enjoy. If you like history, you like being outside, and you like being able to get out and walk around, this is a fantastic option that is really going to work for you.

These are just a few of the great public parks that are in the Rochester NY area. There are so many gorgeous parks and public spaces that you can visit while in the city that will truly make a big difference in your trip and help you have a wonderful time. Spending time outdoors is wonderful, especially when you can do it in a beautiful park.