My wife, two teenage sons, miniature poodle, and I visited this state park on a hot day in July 2025. We parked on the East Bay Drive entrance (which has a very steep but short climb to view the bluffs). Please note the east entrance to the Bluff Trail has a limited number of parking spots with two porta-potty units instead of a full restroom. This is NOT the main entrance to the state park (which offers a larger parking lot and picnic benches). Although we did not have enough time to explore the other sections of the park or walk the full 1.3 miles of the Bluff Trail, I think the dramatic view of the drumlins with Lake Ontario in the background was more than worth the 1 hour drive from Penn Yan (on Keuka Lake) where we stayed for vacation. Another benefit of parking on the east end of the Bluff trail is that you have convenient walking access to Dragon View Beach (a popular spot to go swimming in the summer). read more

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Clean restrooms even in the off season. Nice group of trails and some great geological history for the earth science crowd. read more

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Had the opportunity to check out this beautiful park, just outside of Rochester, NY with some friends. The park was clean, well marked trails with picnic benches, clean bathrooms, and spectuler view of the bluffs. Parking fee is a nominal $5 well worth it and a 2 hr drive from Buffalo. read more

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Stunning. This is a Beautifully manicured park. The walkways are easy and clean, there are benches along the way, parking is easy, there are large accessible restrooms. This is also a dog friendly park. read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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Traveled to Chimney Bluffs for the first time since high school and it is still just as beautiful as I remember. It's funny how memories may change as I didn't remember the trailhead. After 12 years, trails do look different and I remember there was a drop off to walk to the bluffs. I couldn't seem to find it. But the overlook points were still a breathtaking view. Such a unique experience! read more

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Beautiful state park with lots of different trails to walk and fishing access not far from the state park as well

A beautiful landmark with nicely marked trails, picnic facilities , and of course the scenic view of Lake Ontario complete with steep cliffs. Just 30 min or so north of Rochester , the park is easy to locate with just a $5 fee for parking . Dog friendly trails and not too strenuous for all age groups . Probably my favorite hike of the year so far ! read more

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We've lived in Rochester for four years now and have heard of Chimney Bluffs but this is our first visit. I think we skipped 2017 and 2019 due to Lake Ontario flooding, and 2020, well... As beautiful as the bluffs are, we need to realize what it is... erosion. That's not a good thing. So, when you visit, please do your best not to contribute to more erosion. We saw some boys digging into some piles of dirt 20-25 ft from the bluff. One could argue what they were doing was harmless, "It already fell." True. However, those piles of dirt prevent waves from storms from eating away at the actual cliff face. So, In their little way, they were making the bluffs more prone to future damage. The damage of recent years of flooding and storms is evident everywhere. Most notably, a large section of the Bluff Trail has been closed and rerouted further inland. Black plastic fencing has been erected to keep people back from the most precipitous edges. The beach is littered with WHOLE TREES, roots and all; not just some driftwood. Hiking the beach requires a lot of climbing up over, under fallen trees or wading into the lake. The lakeshore is 95% rocks, not really conducive for "laying out" sunbathing and making sandcastles in the waves. Cairns maybe. Definitely worth seeing at least once before nature claims it for itself. AllTrails GPS Track, Photos and Review: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/chimney-bluffs-bluff-trail-and-beach-return-f6d9e45?p=-1 read more

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Know that this place can get incredibly crowded... okay? That's first and foremost. In turn, please plan the timing of your visit accordingly. I include that mention at the top of my review because I got back from my most recent trip there just today... I took off a Friday, because going during the week absolutely minimizes how much you'll have to deal with crowds. There's a good amount of parking at the main park entrance (it was probably half full today, or a bit less), as well as restrooms. As you walk the paved trail to get closer to the wooded area where the current Bluffs Trail starts, there are plenty of picnic tables and some benches. It's a nice area to just sit and relax, enjoying the view of Lake Ontario. I say "current" Bluffs Trail because there's continuous erosion along the hiking cliffs, of course, which has caused for the trail along the cliffs to be closed from time to time. The current trail is clearly marked and nicely worn. Even with leaves covering the path at this time of year, there's no question about where you're going. The bluffs themselves are something to behold, of course. You can see them from various vantage points along the trail (just be aware of how close you are to the edge of the cliff), and wandering above them, looking out into their peaks and valleys, with Lake Ontario beyond, definitely provides a sense of calm and appreciation for the beauty of nature. The trail itself probably takes 20-30 minutes in each direction when you're walking at a normal rate. (I was not going at a normal rate this trip though, as my pup, Redford, wanted to smell ALL THE SMELLS and get pets from ALL THE PEOPLE... the latter of which his little puppy brain has down to a science.) Don't feel rushed though, seriously... just soak it all in. Enjoy! read more

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We have been seeing photos of this place online and I have always said , I need to check it out. Well today we were able to do just that. Easy to find parking area, you can walk down but the water or hike the red trail in the woods for some amazing views. The hike was worth it, once you get to the top. So peaceful. Highly recommend read more

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Hike was short and nice. The view was rewarding. Good for family outing. Have areas for bbq also. read more

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Gorgeous trail!!! Plenty of parking out front, costs $5. There are bathrooms. There is a trail leading to the lake that is paved with grills and picnic tables on the grassy areas. If you go to the lake and then right, you will start the trail for chimney bluffs. It is very well maintained and the path is clear. There are a bunch of lookout points of the bluffs on the way up and we luckily went on a clear, crisp day so it was beautiful!!! read more

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What an amazingly cool park. Whether you are an avid hiker, or just someone looking for someone different to do, make this place your next day trip! Not only does it have sort of "typical" hiking trails through the woods, but it also has some really unique rock formations created by erosion along the water. The hike is not long or strenuous, maybe a mile or so one way, but the views are incredible. You can view the bluffs from above the cliffs, and also go down to the beach and view them from below as well. As there is so much erosion, the original trail to the bluffs is closed, but the new path is clearly marked and makes for a nice walk to the bluffs. The park features a paved walkway from the parking lot to a view of the water. There you can find some grills and picnic tables. The rest of the trails are just dirt and grass. There is a nicely maintained bathroom near the parking lot. Parking costs $5 per carload and is paid to a machine. A really beautiful and unique park, you will not regret the unique experience you get when you make the trip out here! read more

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Trails form a loop, check. Amazing views, check. Unpaved but well-trodded trails, check. Some steep stairs, check. It can get crowded during warmer days but the park has its appeal even in a cloudy winter day. It looked totally different when the leaves fell off. It's not a big park so perfect for a moderate hike. read more

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Wow! Everyone talks about this place!!!! And I'm so upset this is my first time getting here before the cold weather comes in. The scenery and your Instagram photos will be epic. Some of the trial was closed bc of trees down. It was a beautiful fall day and the last weekend we probably will have a warm weather. I know the dogs both have it 4 paws up! Word to dog owners. Some trails are narrow, so if you have dogs that are dog unfriendly, you have to walk back off the main trail to let people/dogs pass. read more

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Took a trip on a Sunny Spring afternoon to this scenic park curious about the strange forms called bluffs. The Bluffs Trail is closed. Plenty of people ignored the sign and climbed the fence and off they went. I could see them later bellow the bluffs walking by the beach underneath them. I, contemplated the view from the picnic area. Magnificent peaks of clay can be seen in the near distance. Lake Ontario peaceful at my feet, literally, from the cliff edge. Next time, I'll bring a picnic. Stop by the bridge restaurants at Sodus Bay. There are bathroom facilities, but nothing else. Carry in-carry out park. read more

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My fiancé and I both came here for the first time in May of last year. It was our first little day trip or excursion out to do something since Covid hit in March. We really loved it there and how beautiful it was. The landscape is so unique and is reminiscent of the Bandlands in the Dakotas, except that similar terrain in a smaller scale and right on Lake Ontario. We've talked about going there again this year! read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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This has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. There is a parking lot for about 15-20 cars, you can also park on the grass. Remember to pay the $5, cash or card, and put the ticket on your dash. There is a bathroom right near the map. As we started off on the trail, there were a lot of people on blankets having a picnic under the trees, how cute! As we got closer to the beautiful blue water, there were boats. There were many signs that said, "No Swimming". We walked along the edge, one wrong step and you will plummet. There was a path so you really didn't have to guess where to go. The path had a lot of branches on the ground and loose rocks, so pay attention and be careful. Although it was a hot day, 85 degrees, being by the water made it feel really cool. Most of the trail is covered by trees. It took us about an hour to walk the entire trail, 2.3 miles, and back to the car. The trail is very scenic and wonderful for pictures. I will definitely be coming back and bringing my dog. DO NOT bring a stroller on this trail. Bring water and wear sneakers. There are no garbage cans, so take your trash with you. read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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Lovely park. There aren't many trails, but the main scenes are the bluffs and the beachfront downhill. All trails are pedestrian only, unlike many of the other NYS parks. Chimney bluffs is charming. There is a picnic area with a breathtaking view of the lake. As always, we packed lunch and enjoyed the view. Be prepared to carry your cooler and supplies a short distance. The trip is about 1 hr 20 minutes from Rochester's city-center, but much closer if living in the Webster area. The basic direction is toward Webster and then route 104 passing through several towns including Sodus. There are two main entrances for the park.My vehicle GPS navigation brought us to the main park entrance. You must pay for parking at the first entrance, but the second lot is free. The parking payment seems strictly enforced as we saw tickets on people's cars. The second entrance is just down the road. Helpful hint: look for the signage along the way pointing you in the right direction. We took one trail from the second park entrance in order to get a better view of the Bluffs. There is signage warning people of danger and uneven terrain. After the stairs, it is a very, very steep climb uphill, but totally worth it. I probably wouldn't tackle this particular section of the trail again, but it was cool the to do it once. Chimney Bluffs is a nice little getaway for a day-trip on weekend. I wouldn't hesitate to visit again. read more

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I will start by saying that the cliffs of Chimney Bluff SP are spectacular! I've been to the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland and these are just as breathtaking. It's cool that you can walk along the edge of the cliffs OR along the edge of the water. There are amazing views from either stance, so I recommend you check out both the high and low grounds. I will say for the next part of the review.... I visited CBSP on July 4th. It was hot, humid, and a holiday. SOOOO, of course there were a million people there. We first stopped by the West side "main" entrance, but parking was a mess and there were too many people for my taste (especially with Covid-19 happening), so we ventured to the East entrance. The East entrance was way less crowded and it was right where the cliffs were: win, win! After hiking up a steep incline in the woods, we got to the top of the cliffs to see Lake Ontario and the wonderful sky all around. It was beautiful. BUT, we were surrounded by tons of people. I only saw 1 other person wearing a mask. My husband and I were masked the entire time. There are not many trails and the trail is not very wide, so managing the people was tough. We felt compromised all around and we were the ones wearing masks. Again, it was July 4th and I think everyone wanted to be out and about, but WEAR A MASK, PEOPLE! PLEASE! I thoroughly enjoyed the view from the top and we went down to the shoreline also. There were a few signs that said "no swimming," but we found plenty of people swimming (ugh). There was a large family with a dog swimming right at the trail by the water. They were impossible to dodge and of course, they weren't wearing masks. I don't blame them... it was hot and holiday, but I couldn't believe how many people and families were just ignoring the "no swimming" policy, let alone the mask mandate. The shore line is a narrow-ish trail. No more than 8 ft separate the water from the cliffs, so you're around a lot of people if you're down there and there's not much room to dodge or move around people. I would advise not visiting if you don't want to be around people. Maybe try going early in the morning, if you really have to see the cliffs? It's a cool natural formation, but I'd caution against the busi-ness of it all! read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - See how narrow the water line trail is?! - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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Amazingness!!!! This is yet another beautiful park in the East I have had the great experience of hiking while on vacation on the East Coast. The snow is/has recently melted so it was pretty muddy in a lot of the areas, and the mosquitoes are out for blood in the parking lot! I had a great hike today and got plenty of beautiful pictures of the park and water as you can see. I could never not suggest someone visit a beautiful park like this...I mean, I got my tree hugger badge on Yelp days after joining Yelp :) I loooooove nature, and exploring parks like this. read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Me finding peace. - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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Went to do a hike, ended up being more of a nature walk. Clear foot trail to take, but not any labeling or maps once you start. We think we followed a detour route, but not even quite sure... However, beautiful views from the top at multiple lookout points! Then drove to another spot to walk along the beach. Was super cool to get another viewpoint, and be down on the rocks by the water. read more

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This is a beautiful park on the shore of Lake Ontario. Some of the trails have been recently updated with new bridges/boardwalks which is nice. The trails are nice and although it's uphill to get to the views, it's not a difficult trail. Because it is a state park, there is parking and a nice bathroom facility at the entrance to the park. read more

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A must see ! Fabulous hike revealing amazing unique views! The rock formations are so amazing ! read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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The best view in the world and the sunset is equally beautiful here at Chimmey Bluffs on Lake Ontario

This is one of my favorite spots for the summer. It is a great excuse to pack a cooler, and take a scenic drive down 104, stop at a cider place, winery, or some farms for fresh produce. There is a bathroom that's not well kept up, and a bunch of picnic tables and benches that seem newer. Even though the lake water is high this year, it is still fun to go down by the rocks and take a dip. There are lots of hiking paths, and various points for viewing the bluffs. The water is so clean and clear compared to going to Hamlin or Charlotte. I will actually swim in this park. If you have sensitive feeties, wear water shoes because it's a pebble beach. It's carry in carry out, and closes at 9. read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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This is a beautiful place and a super unique park located along the Lake Ontario shorelines. I really enjoyed my visit here every time I've come and the scenery and bluffs are worth the drive from Buffalo. The trails are currently closed along the shoreline near the main parking lot which is a bit disappointing, however you can still access the Bluffs trail from the eastern lot and go right down to the lake shore as well. The Bluffs themselves are majestic awesome pieces of nature's artwork but for the love of god stay off of them and don't throw stones. These are creations of wind and rain, erosion, and natural forces. We don't need human footsteps to add to it. Not to mention it can be dangerous so keep an eye out for where you step and when the sign says stay off the ledges, STAY OFF THE LEDGES. Truly a park worth taking a trip to and plenty to see and enjoy. Could not recommend more! read more

The view from this place is amazing and just being there was so relaxing. I came with my parents early on a Fall morning so parking was not an issue for me. My parents were not wearing the best shoes so I'd suggest where shoes with a good grip because initially it's a steep dirt incline to get to the bluffs and levels off pretty fast (I parked in the lot closest to the bluffs). Overall the path is clearly marked and flat after the initial incline. There are so many beautiful viewpoints from the trail and the bluffs are so unique. I'd also recommend walking down by the lake, it's a lot of pebbles/rocks so you don't have to worry about sinking in the sand. The view from down below is also really nice and walking along the lake is so peaceful There weren't too many people when I came either which added to the experience for me. Definitely check this place out if you're not too far from here! read more

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Amazing hike and view. There is a good 20-30 min hike through the woods to get to the Bluffs. Well worth it. Beautiful spot. read more

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One of the most spectacular views on Lake Ontario. This smallish park has a trail up in the woods that allows beautiful views of the lake through the bluffs that are always changing. Hikers need to be careful since the erosion process in this park is very fast, so a trail that may have been there in the Fall may be gone by next spring. Still the trail is not particularly strenuous and either a walk by water or through the woods would be spectacular. read more

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Chimney Bluffs State Park is beautiful. If you park in the main area there is a $5 fee. Also, there are are restrooms and water fountains available. Take the path near the parking area for a great view of the water and eventually of the bluffs. Paths are well marked and maintained. There are quite a few mosquitos but that is it to be expected. If you park near the water on East Bay Road you can access the water and will minimal effort reach the water where there are opportunities to kayak and fish at an area that has mostly clear water and a tranquil view of the bluffs. read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Chimney Bluffs - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

This is a beautiful park and I highly recommend visiting but the hiking trails are not great. They had more Mosquitos than I've ever seen on a trail, lots of tree branches and other issues. Wasn't the most enjoyable trail I've ever done (I did the bluff trail and part of the east trail.) I do recommend taking the beach the entire distance instead, much nicer! read more

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I love the bluffs! I hadn't been here in years and had a great time. There wasn't anyone really there - so it's pretty quiet. I took the bluff trail along the water. The views were great and I stayed dry the whole time despise the rising tide. read more

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Beautiful park with optional walking trails for all different type of visitors . Pretty spectacular

This park is beautiful. The main path along the bluffs has been closed for a while, so we had to take a detour which was the other two paths so the path was a bit longer but once you got to the bluffs it didn't disappoint. They were beautiful at multiple parts along the trail. The trail was pretty flat, had some smaller stones and woodchips along a lot of it with a few down logs. It is a very dog friendly trail, we brought our dog and there were a ton of dogs along the way as well. Path was well cleared, worth the drive, just wish the main path was open. read more

Chimney Bluffs State Park - Parks Near Me - Wolcott, New York

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This park is so beautiful! Come here to hike on the trails through the woods that lead to the spectacular views of Lake Ontario, the boats sailing by, and the magnificent bluffs. read more

Though the trail that goes to the top of the eponymous bluffs offers some spectacular views of the eroded rock (really earth) formations, this state park is in serious disrepair. The trails within the forest are poorly marked and prone to flooding in wet weather, while the beach, in addition to frequent crowding due to it being one of few public access points to Lake Ontario in the area, is rocky and littered with debris. In warm weather, the experience is further worsened by arrogant boaters from Sodus Bay journeying out onto the waters, blasting either their engines or party music. In short, if you are looking for a relaxing romp in nature or a pleasant beach experience, look elsewhere. read more

What an awesome spot! Great to visit in the warmer months so you can hike and walk the beach.

I'm sad to say that the bluffs have seriously deteriorated since I last visited 8 years ago in 2005. What happened?! Are people climbing on them? I have a hard time believing it could be due to natural causes. What was once an awe inspiring landscape that felt other-worldly is now just dirt hills with a couple of sharp peaks. I was not impressed this time around and really wonder if the park has been abused over the years. It's still worth the trip if you live in the surrounding area as the lake is gorgeous and the main trail head has very well kept bathroom facilities. It's nice for getting out of the house, but don't expect to be "wowed". Edit: I guess I was wrong and the bluffs change vastly year to year according to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qbvfnOtVWo I'm still surprised that the bluffs changed so vastly and on this particular trip it seemed like there were way less peaks. I also found several videos and pictures of people climbing up the hills, so I'm sure that's not helping matters. read more

One of the best places to spend the afternoon at - worth the trip whether you are coming from Rochester, Syracuse, Geneva or Sodus Point. Beautiful hike - my favorite route is to start at the Eastern entrance and go west along the shore, admiring the bluffs and enjoying the lake, and once I reach the western part, go East on top of the bluffs, through the wood and along the drop line. just gorgeous. Winter offers it's challenges and a different kind of beauty... I take my friends there often and so happy and grateful that we have it! - and realize that the bluffs ARE eroding... so go there before they are gone! read more

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