I really love it when we stumble upon unusual places, and this old golf course that has been turned into a park definitely qualifies. When I was a kid, this was a very popular golf course, but it closed in 2016 and was later purchased by the Town of Penfield. Due to the overwhelming response from town residents, this 212-acre parcel of land has been designated a natural open space.
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Golf Course Gone Wild
When the golf course was closed in 2016, the once-manicured greens were allowed to become overgrown and wild. The golf course is intersected by Clark Road, making two distinctly different outdoor experiences. The Southside (113 acres) of the golf course (crossing Clark Road to reach) has much steeper hills, ravines, and a creek, and is far wilder than the north side (99 acres) of the golf course, which appears to still get mowed. It is amazing to see what happens to the land when mother nature is given a free hand to take over.
Paved Pathways
As this was previously a golf course, many of the paved cart paths still remain. Although, many of them are crumbling or just suddenly end. However, If you are looking for nice, quiet places to stroll on (mostly) flat paths, the north side of the golf course fits the bill quite nicely. The paths weave through old trees and fields of wildflowers for a peaceful and idyllic setting for a walk.
Butterfly and Wildlife Haven
Due to its wildness and unkept splendor, there is an abundance of wildlife here. When we visited in mid-summer, the fields were filled with blooming milkweed and monarch butterflies. I can only imagine the number of monarchs that will be here in the fall. We also saw deer as well as evidence of numerous places where the deer had bedded down for the night.
Pioneer Burial Ground
There is a small pioneer cemetery on the property, honoring some of the earliest settlers of Penfield.
Out and About with Nova
This was an extremely dog friendly destination, and leashed dogs are welcomed here. There is lots of room to spread out and enjoy a hike with a dog in almost complete solitude (especially if you choose to hike the southern portion of the property.)
Just keep a few things in mind. The paved paths can be hot on your dog’s feet. Make sure to check the outside temperature and the heat of the pavement before walking your dog here.
Please clean up after your dog. Remember, you represent all dog owners when you are hiking with your four-legged friends in New York. One bad egg ruins it for everyone. So help us continue to make this a dog-friendly destination.
Getting to Shadow Pines
Address: 600 Whalen Rd, Penfield NY
To reach the southern (more wild) section of the property, walk past the Clark House and cross Clark Road.