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    Chimney Bluffs State Park

    4.5 (53 reviews)

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    Maria B.

    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.

    Kim O.

    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!

    Colleen O.

    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 !

    Dave B.

    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

    Erica R.

    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!

    C T.

    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

    Great place for a short hike
    Lou T.

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

    Olivia B.

    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!!!

    Looks like a really cool sandcastle!
    Sara P.

    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!

    Weijia L.

    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.

    Suzanne M.

    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.

    Sara D.

    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.

    Robert G.

    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!

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

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

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    4 years ago

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

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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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

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

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    Ask the Community - Chimney Bluffs State Park

    Review Highlights - Chimney Bluffs State Park

    Had the opportunity to check out this beautiful park, just outside of Rochester, NY with some friends.

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    Gosnell Big Woods Preserve - Photo by Nigel P. Kent

    Gosnell Big Woods Preserve

    4.7(7 reviews)
    28.8 mi

    I had no idea this place was here! What a great place for a variety of activities!…read moreFirst of all, I LOVE that there is a large, flat, trail around the big field. This is perfect for trail running. The trail is wide and you're not going to have to worry about mountain bikers sneaking up on you over that next ridge. It's perfect for laps. Heading into the woods, there are decent trails for hiking. There were not many people here when I went on a Saturday morning. A boy scout troop was rebuilding a sign near the parking lot, but other than that, we only encountered a few people walking their dogs in the woods. There is also easy access to other trail systems from the trails in the Gosnell Big Woods. You can plan a lengthy day hike right here in Webster with trails covering miles of terrain. Some areas seemed particularly boggy and buggy, and the breezes are limited because of the dense tree cover. Prepare yourself with bug spray, and of course check yourself for ticks after you've been on a hike. Gosnell is a great place for trail running, getting out into nature without having to go very far. I would dare say it's a hidden gem of a place right in our own back door!

    This is a special place and I'm selfishly glad it's not more well known. This is a beautiful forest…read morecontaining some seriously old and beautiful trees that have been protected by the family that owned this property from all the logging projects carried out over the years. The trails are well marked and easy to explore and the forest provides a beautiful hike and enjoyment of nature. There is also a large wildflower field to enjoy and many insects, birds, and other critters to see. The small woods trail weaves past a beautiful meadow and young transitional forest while the big woods forest weaves through "the big woods" with all the ancient and beautiful trees. This is a good place to bring your dog for a walk and burn off some energy! A beautiful place to visit and enjoy some beautiful natural landscape.

    Photos
    Gosnell Big Woods Preserve - Photo by Nigel P. Kent

    Photo by Nigel P. Kent

    Gosnell Big Woods Preserve - Photo by Nigel P. Kent

    Photo by Nigel P. Kent

    Gosnell Big Woods Preserve - Photo by Nigel P. Kent

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    Photo by Nigel P. Kent

    Chimney Bluffs State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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