
Best Backpacking Destinations in Rochester, New York, United States
1. Letchworth State Park
Experience the 'Grand Canyon of the East' with its stunning waterfalls, deep gorges, and unique geological formations.
- Gorge Hikes: Offers a variety of hiking trails through the dramatic gorges.
- Waterfalls: Home to several breathtaking waterfalls such as Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.
- Camping Sites: Provides camping sites for backpackers looking for overnight stays.
2. Finger Lakes National Forest
Explore the scenic beauty of rolling hills, forests, and lakes at this lesser-known national forest.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Offers multiple viewpoints for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Hiking Trails: Provides several hiking trails for backpackers with varying levels of difficulty.
- Primitive Camping: Offers primitive camping sites, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature.
3. Genesee River Gorge
Adventure through the picturesque Genesee River Gorge, featuring steep cliffs, rapids, and cascading waterfalls.
- River Rapids: Features exciting river rapids suitable for kayaking or rafting.
- Gorge Trails: Provides trails along the gorge for hiking and exploring.
- Historic Sites: Includes historic sites such as Letchworth Village, a former institution for people with intellectual disabilities.
4. Keuka Lake
Enjoy the serene beauty of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes, and its surrounding vineyards.
- Boating: Offers opportunities for boating and fishing.
- Vineyard Tours: Surrounded by wineries that offer vineyard tours and tastings.
- Camping: Provides campgrounds for backpackers who want to explore the area.
5. Taughannock Falls State Park
Discover Taughannock Falls, one of the highest waterfalls east of the Rockies, and its beautiful gorges.
- Waterfall Viewing: Offers a close-up view of Taughannock Falls.
- Hiking Trails: Provides several hiking trails, including the challenging Rim Trail.
- Camping Sites: Features campgrounds for overnight stays during your visit.
6. Watkins Glen State Park
Marvel at the breathtaking cascade of 19 waterfalls along the park's scenic gorge trail.
- Waterfall Cascade: Features a stunning cascade of 19 waterfalls.
- Gorge Trail: Offers a challenging hike along the scenic gorge trail.
- Camping Sites: Provides campgrounds for backpackers to rest after their adventures.
7. Samson State Park
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Samson State Park, including wooded hills, open fields, and a scenic lake.
- Scenic Lake: Features a serene lake suitable for swimming, fishing, and canoeing.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the park.
- Camping Sites: Offers campgrounds for backpackers to spend the night in nature.
8. Hammond Park
Experience the unique beauty of Hammond Park, featuring a picturesque gorge and waterfall.
- Gorge Trail: Offers a challenging hike along the scenic gorge trail.
- Waterfall Viewing: Features a beautiful waterfall cascading into the gorge.
- Primitive Camping: Provides primitive camping sites for backpackers seeking solitude.
9. Buttermilk Falls State Park
Discover the beauty of Buttermilk Falls State Park, with its waterfalls, gorges, and hiking trails.
- Waterfall Cascades: Features multiple cascading waterfalls.
- Gorge Trails: Offers trails that provide breathtaking views of the gorges.
- Camping Sites: Provides campgrounds for backpackers to rest after a day of hiking.
10. Robert H Treman State Park
Explore the stunning beauty of Robert H. Treman State Park, featuring a picturesque gorge and waterfalls.
- Waterfall Viewing: Features a beautiful waterfall that tumbles into a pool.
- Gorge Trails: Offers trails along the scenic gorge for hiking.
- Camping Sites: Provides campgrounds for backpackers to spend the night in nature.
11. Eagle Cliff State Park
Marvel at the stunning views from Eagle Cliff State Park's scenic overlook and explore its hiking trails.
- Scenic Overlook: Offers a breathtaking view of Seneca Lake.
- Hiking Trails: Provides hiking trails for exploring the park's wooded hills and valleys.
- Camping Sites: Features campgrounds for backpackers to rest after a day of hiking.
12. Finger Lakes National Forest - Blackman Camp
Experience the tranquility of Finger Lakes National Forest's backcountry camping at Blackman Camp.
- Backcountry Camping: Offers a primitive campsite for backpackers seeking solitude.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Provides stunning views of the surrounding Finger Lakes and forests.
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails suitable for backpackers with varying levels of experience.
13. Finger Lakes National Forest - Patterson Hollow
Discover the beauty of Finger Lakes National Forest's backcountry camping at Patterson Hollow.
- Backcountry Camping: Offers a primitive campsite for backpackers seeking solitude.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Provides stunning views of the surrounding Finger Lakes and forests.
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails suitable for backpackers with varying levels of experience.
14. Finger Lakes National Forest - Greenwood Camp
Experience the tranquility of Finger Lakes National Forest's backcountry camping at Greenwood Camp.
- Backcountry Camping: Offers a primitive campsite for backpackers seeking solitude.
- Scenic Viewpoints: Provides stunning views of the surrounding Finger Lakes and forests.
- Hiking Trails: Surrounded by hiking trails suitable for backpackers with varying levels of experience.