Washington Grove - Rochester, NY
Washington Grove – A Four-Season Dog-Friendly Park in Rochester, NY
Washington Grove is a unique dog-friendly hiking destination nestled in Rochester, New York. Often described as “a forest in the city,” this natural oasis offers a serene escape with old-growth oak trees, meandering earth trails, and beautiful seasonal views. The park sits adjacent to Cobb’s Hill, allowing visitors and their pups to enjoy a network of well-maintained, clearly marked hiking trails perfect for walking, light adventure, and exploring nature together.
What sets Washington Grove apart for dog owners is its welcoming atmosphere for leashed pets and families. Dogs are allowed on the trails, and it’s especially popular for those looking for pet-friendly hikes near Rochester. As you wander with your dog, you’ll discover unique local art displays on the old water towers and reservoirs, ever-changing graffiti murals, and lots of interesting sights for both people and pups. The park’s open woods, moderate hills, and shaded pathways make it a great option year-round for both exercise and relaxation with your canine companion.
FAQs about Washington Grove Dog Park
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails at Washington Grove.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the park entrance is not wheelchair accessible.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Washington Grove features a network of hiking trails, including connections to Cobb’s Hill and the old reservoirs.
- Are there activities or facilities for kids? Yes, the park is good for kids and offers kid-friendly hikes and places to explore, like the art-covered water towers.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the forested setting provides natural shade throughout the year.
- Are there any tips for visiting? The park can have bugs in warmer months, so plan accordingly and pack bug spray if needed.
Reviews
Always a pleasant walk, but there are a lot of bugs so if they bother you plan ahead. The paths are easy to follow, lots of locals always walking, but never crowded. You can take one of the paths to the top of Cobb’s Hill, and there is some very cool graffiti on the old water tanks.
Beautiful earth trails in a portion of old growth forest in the heart of Rochester. Beautiful in any season and especially beautiful in the autumn.
Hidden away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the greater city is this little slice of old growth forest.
Walking along the well maintained and clearly marked paths gives you the sensation of walking at the feet of giants.
Then there’s the old water towers, which hold their own brilliant display of human creativity in a ever revolving and evolving canvas of local art.
Great place to take kids on a short hike. You will come across many interesting and unique things to see. One of the highlights is the old reservoirs that are now utilized by local artists to create magnificent art. The artwork is always changing which makes it fun to come back every couple months or so. There’s a lot of exploring to do, especially for the little ones. Definitely worthwhile to check it out and have a picnic lunch. Enjoy!
Really enjoyed hiking around this scenic little park. I think the sign at the entrance I took says it best: ” A forest in the city”. I loved hiking the network of trails, surrounded by beautiful, tall, Oaks. There are some hills, so one can get a nice workout. I followed the trails up to the old water towers and enjoyed the very cool murals and grafitti, very interesting to check out. The trails then led me up to the reservoir, which has a very nice path with tremendous views of the city as well as the hills of the Finger Lakes to the south. Highly recommend this area.