Pickering Ponds Trail — Attraction in Rochester

I do still go here although there’s an unusual amount of people heading down the small trail to the left before the entrance. Usually men, coming from as far as Massachusetts. Found it odd that they would get out of their trucks and walk down that way as soon as I arrive, almost like they were waiting for me. Anyways, I would recommend staying away from that path, unless you are looking to be alone with a bunch of strange men. See some of the other reviews if you need a broader mental image.

The “normal” path itself is nice, there’s an area that goes further around back, where you can see the golf course from across the river. Gets loud from the tractors at Casella sometimes, other times it’s a very peaceful walk. The water isn’t swimmable for obvious reasons, but I’ve only smelled anything if I go too far near the water treatment plant. I’ve never smelled it from the actual pond areas that are accessible.

Good place to walk the dog, or maybe yourself or with a friend who wants to soak in some nature. A child would probably get bored quick, and might get scarred for life if you take that first path on a busy day and run into a group of guys….....

Pickering Ponds are man made lagoons that have crystal clear waters and plenty of growth around the edge.

You can walk, jog, bike ride, walk your dog on several different easy paths or venture into the thicker woods trails. Walking one pond is an easy 15 minutes. Two ponds maybe 30 minutes. Side trails 45 minutes.

It is nature. Their is real beauty here. Some summer days, mosquitos are a pain. There is wildlife. I have seen a fox, deer, very large snapping turtle, grass snakes, and once a saw a bigger snake. (once in two years).

Best is early morning. You might enter some bird watchers. During the day, you will run into some families, dog walkers and joggers. I Don't go at night. You see signs of party people that come around at night.

I'm there 4 - 5 times a week, walking my dog.

Please pickup after your dog. Children use that trail. There are barrels at the opening. Bring a couple of supermarket bags with you to pickup and carry the poop until you get back to...

Who would have thought there would be a nice walking trail sandwiched between a waste water treatment facility and a landfill? All kidding aside, this trail is a very nice flat loop that follows the perimeter of two small ponds. There is free parallel parking. The trail is flat and wide and would work well for a stroller or a wagon. You can take the loop around both ponds, or cut through the middle of the two to make it shorter. To extend your walk you can take a little drop off to the trail that follows the river and abuts the golf course. There were people walking, running and others walking leashed dogs here today. It was clean, and there wasn't any kind of weird smells. Please note that there are not any bathroom facilities; but really not necessary as the trails are not very long. I think this would be a fun loop for kids, either walking or bike riding. I bet it would also be a great place to cross country ski or snow shoe around...