Durand Eastman Park is located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Durand Eastman Park is a park that is made up of small lakes. It is a picturesque park that is a great place to hike and a good place to fish. Durand Eastman Park is the perfect place to take small children for their 1st real fishing trip. The trails tend to vary in terrain. They can be very muddy in places, so these are not good stroller trails.
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Wildlife of Durand Eastman Park
The wildlife is fairly normal – Deer, Raccoons, Squirrels, turkeys, and chipmunks. One animal you will most likely witness is a snapping turtle. They get quite big here. This type of turtle will not hesitate to bite, so don’t forget to remind your kids to admire it from a distance. We found a giant snapping turtle on the day of our hike. He allowed us to get close enough for a picture, but had we tried to pick him up; I can guarantee you that one of us would have been at Rochester General, having our fingers sewn back on.
The White Lady of Durand Eastman Park
Durand Eastman Park has a very famous legend associated with it and is a very popular place to visit around Halloween when people are in search of haunted places. That Legend is The White Lady of Durand. The story has many variations, but the consensus is that a mother (the white lady) was very protective of her daughter. Her daughter was raped and murdered, and the mother, in her grief, drowned herself in Lake Ontario. She now, the legend says, haunts Durand Eastman Park in search of the men who were responsible for her daughter’s death.
Other stories say that the White Lady protects women in the park from men who mean to do them harm. There is a ruin of a stone structure in the park. Storytellers like to say it was the White Lady’s “Castle.” Unfortunately, the legend proves false on this account. This building was never a home; it was a lookout point at one time.
Hiking at Durand Eastman Park
There are numerous trails at Durand Eastman Park, including ones that take visitors around the three lakes in the park. Durand is one of my favorite destinations because it’s such a beautiful park, and the lakes only enhance that beauty. The trails at Durand Eastman Park are not flat; they meander up and down the hills surrounding the lakes. However, I wouldn’t call this an endurance hike; the hills aren’t very steep. I like hiking here in the Spring, Fall, and Winter because we don’t usually run into many people on the trails.
- The Durand Lake Trail- 1.2-mile walk
- The Trott Lake Trail – .5-mile
- The Eastman Lake Trail -1.5-mile
Changing Seasons at Durand Eastman Park
Durand is one of the best places to visit if you really want to appreciate the changing seasons in New York State. It can be a bit muddy in early spring, but the little bit of mud is worth the magical view. The fall leaves are particularly brilliant here, especially reflecting off the still lake water. It is especially peaceful at Durand, and it is very romantic walking around the lake on a cool autumn day.
Durand Eastman Beach
If you cross the highway to Lake Ontario, you will find a beautiful and peaceful beach. This area can be rather crowded in the summer, but in the off-season, you can have the beach almost completely to yourself. It is really a great place to sit and relax. Again, another romantic spot to walk and reflect on life with a special someone.
Winter at Durand Eastman Park
Just because the snow begins to fly doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day at Durand Eastman Park. This park is perfect for enjoying so many popular winter activities. This park is a great place to cross-country ski and snowshoe. We have also seen people sledding here and even ice fishing on the lakes.
This is a beautiful park, and the trails are perfect for year-round hiking. Just make sure you are prepared before you hit the trails.
Helpful Links: https://www2.monroecounty.gov/parks-durandeastman.php
Out and About With Nova
Nova loves hiking here. The varying topography throughout the park makes her hike both entertaining and stimulating. There are numerous places where Nova could get to the water, which she loves!
This is a great place to enjoy a hike with your dog and we did encounter several other dogs while we were here. There is generally always enough room for dog owners to stop off the trail, so they keep their distance from other dogs and hikers.
Dogs must always be leashed at Durand. We did see a few unleashed dogs when we were here. Please remember that leashing your dog is for the safety of both your dog and other dogs they might happen upon.
Getting to Durand Eastman Park
Address: 1200 Kings Hwy N., Rochester
Other Places to Visit
Genesee Riverway
The Genesee Riverway, also known to locals as Turning Point Park, is located in the town of Charlotte in Rochester, NY. It is a beautiful place to take a family walk. This is the perfect excursion for people who prefer to limit their hiking to paved walkways rather than trudge through muddied trails. This hike is perfect for families with young children because of the even boardwalk, wide and stroller-friendly.
Webster Park & Pier
Webster Park is a large county park located on Lake Rd in Webster, New York (just outside Rochester). This park, along with being gorgeous, has everything you can imagine a perfect park to have. There are endless trails, places for picnicking, pavilions for parties, tennis courts, a campground, and a fishing pier.
North Ponds Park
North Ponds Park is a lovely scenic park in the Town of Webster, just south of Lake Ontario. This park is a great place for families to get back to nature and enjoy some quality time in this gorgeous park.
What is your favorite Rochester park? Have you visited Durand Eastman Park? What do you think of it? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.