Katie Thompson

Ellison Park
East of Route 590 on Blossom Rd.

Located in Penfield, this 447-acre park is a hiking paradise. Loaded with woodland trails and hills, it’s perfect for both casual strolls and intense climbs. A particular highlight, Butler’s Gap Trail leads up a steep hill at the center of the park, culminating in an overlook of the nearby wetlands. The park also features a playground, five baseball diamonds, a tennis court, a disc-golf course, a rentable cabin, and a replica of Fort Schuyler — a small fort that visitors can explore. Fishing and canoeing are also permitted on Irondequoit Creek.

Katie Thompson

Highland Park
Corner of Highland Ave. and Goodman Ave

Known mostly for its abundant flora, the 150-acre Highland Park is a picturesque nook in the town of Brighton. Visitors can take short, paved trails around the park, which is full of lilacs, magnolias, azaleas and tulips, to name a few. After a small climb to the top, visitors are treated to a view of the Brighton and Henrietta skylines. The park is also home to the Lilac Festival, an annual celebration in May that features carnival games, food vendors and live entertainment. Other notable highlights are the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, the AIDS Remembrance Garden, and the Lamberton Conservatory — home to a gorgeous collection of plants from around the world.

Katie Thompson

Mendon Ponds Park
Corner of Clover St. and Canal Field Rd. Pittsford, N.Y., 14534

At a sprawling 2,500 acres, Mendon Ponds is Monroe County’s largest park. Full of woodlands, wetlands and ponds, Mendon Ponds is also known for having several glacially created landforms, including a kettle hole called the Devil’s Bathtub. Ideal for day trips, Mendon Ponds encompasses 30 miles of self-guided trails with a vast array of surrounding wildlife. Visitors can usually stumble on a little-seen view of one of the many nearby ponds, which are great for random adventuring. Fishing is permitted, and the park includes several rentable lodges and shelters.

For more information on these and other Rochester-area parks, visit http://monroecounty.gov/parks-index.php.