Welcoming, well maintained and full of variety, Cobbs Hill Park is one of Rochester’s most beloved green spaces. Featuring lawns, tennis courts, a forest and two ponds, Cobbs Hill has everything needed for a day of stress relief in the very heart of Rochester. Enjoy excellent views of Rochester’s skyline from the hill on which sits the Cobbs Hill Reservoir, have some exercise or simply lounge on the soft grass.
Enter the park through the stunning 1930s granite gatehouse. Meander along the well-paved paths to the Cobbs Hill Reservoir alongside the many joggers and exercisers who use the artificial lake’s 0.7-mile-long (1-kilometer) perimeter for their workouts. The reservoir was built in 1908 and holds drinking water for Rochester residents.
Look to the northwest toward the city, especially stunning in the early morning, when the paths are also least crowded. Lace up your running shoes for a jog, bring your bike for a cycle or head into the rest of the park.
Get deeper into nature in Washington Grove, a hilly and wooded area at the eastern end of the park that abounds with native birds and well-marked hiking trails. Relax on the lawns or put together a game of Frisbee with locals. Summertime brings in local softball leagues, so stop by on a warm afternoon ready to cheer. Let your kids loose on the playground equipment while you relax with a picnic, just watching the world go by.
Cobbs Hill Park stretches out over 100 acres (40 hectares) in southeastern Rochester. Reach the park in a 10-minute drive from Rochester’s main train station or in 40 minutes by public transportation. Bus stops along the southern side of the park offer connections to other parts of the city, including the downtown area. Abundant street parking is available nearby in the adjacent residential neighborhood. The park has no restricted hours.
