Genesee Valley Park

Location: South central Rochester. West of West Henrietta Rd. and East of East River Rd. South of Elmwood Ave. and North of Critteden Road.  Google Map.

Comment: The most aesthetically pleasing part of the park is the golf course area south of East River Road. Skiing along the outside edges of the park is a pleasant outing. This area is ideal for moonlight skiing. It is located in to the city, but is open enough to give the impression of wilderness.

After a stretch of very cold weather Red Creek and even the Genesee River will freeze over which makes for beautiful winter scenery.  If you see areas of trampled snow with leaves turned up, you are probably seeing a resting place for deer.  In the middle of the park there are ponds and wet areas that should be avoided when the air temperature is at or above freezing.  It's possible to ice up your skis while passing through these areas.  The remainder of you ski will be unpleasant as you lift several pounds of ice with every step.

Mendon Ponds Park

Description: The terrain of Mendon Ponds Park provides just about every possible kind of cross-country skiing condition imaginable. There are large open flatland trails, steep hilly  runs, and some areas that are a gentle mixture of both.

Comment: By Rochester standards Mendon Ponds Park is heavily used, especially on weekends. Schools hold cross-country ski races on trails in the eastern region of the park. Because of its proximity to growing suburbia to the north it is frequented by large numbers of weekend skiers. Expect to have to step out of the tracks frequently to allow other skiers to pass. Parking space can sometimes be in short supply near the sledding hill in the center of the park. It is best to park at the extreme north or south ends of the park ski towards the center. Be careful to avoid the damp areas near the shores of the ponds. Even on very cold days the pond side trails will be wet. The water will freeze onto your skis making skiing almost impossible and certainly not enjoyable.

This park pits dog owners, horseback riders, and skiers against each other. There are sections of the park where dogs and horses are not allowed. These areas are part of a nature reserve. It is not uncommon to see dogs without leashes chasing wildlife in the reserve area as their owners look on. If you approach dog owners to inform them they are in a protected area, you will probably receive a lecture on how dogs need open areas too. Expect no guilt or remorse. In these same areas, the telltale hoof prints of horses are also common. The park appears to have no patrols or even a telephone number to call to report trespassers, especially on weekends. The increasing population density of the suburbia growing up around Mendon Ponds Park will eventually destroy its charm and chase away what little wildlife that remains. On the bright side, the increasing number of sophisticated suburban visitors will probably force the management of the park to open warming huts and winter food concessions.

"As a Park Employee, Groomer and Nordic Ski Coach and designer of much of the 10km ski trail I would like to bring you up to date on several items you mention.

Item 1.  Several years ago we (X-C group) sat down with the local horse men and women and set up standards for the winter months.  The 10 km trail system often referred to as the race trail is closed to horses Dec.15-March 15^th.  This area runs between Canfield, Douglas, Pond and Mendon Center roads. (Eastern part of park) Signs are posted stating such.  There are maps of this area at the park office and at several other locations throughout the park.  One way skiing and no dogs are allowed in this area.  This area is groomed as snow requires.  Trail heads are at the North end along Canfield (North Meadow) or in the middle (West Meadow) along Douglas road-past the sledding hill. Horses not allowed.

Item.  2  We also groom behind the Cobblestone House known as the Cobblestone House Crierium Field (west of Douglas and south of Canfiled roads) This gives us another 3 kms of nice wide open meadow (western) type skiing. Horses not a problem here/plenty of additional room for them.  Item 3.  When we get enough snow we set tracks for classical skiing around the Quaker Pond trails.  This is accessed from Lookout Shelter parking area, or along pond road.  Approx. 5kms.  Horses not allowed here Item 4.  When snow allows we try and set additional tracks for the classical skiers from the Cobblestone fields-Stewert Lodge fields-boat launch road (which is closed for the winter) as well as the fields across from the West Meadow and across from Calvary Lodge as well.  This gives us another 7.5kms of classical skiing.  A few small connector trails (multiple use) may get light horse traffic. 

Item 5.  When we get heavy snow we also set tracks across from the dog kennel (south of Pond Road) which link up with the Quaker Pond Trails.  This gives us yet another 5-7.5kms of set tracks.  This area may get horse traffic as it is multiple use trails but we have them wide enough for both.  Note-All our tracks are double set.  We also have lots of Back Country Skiing that we do not groom throughout the Park.  In fact we have just cut a new trail directly across from the entrance to the Nature Center Driveway that will access skiers and snow shoers to the grass land fields between clover street and Devil’s bath tub area.

Item 5.  The dog issue is one of continued education.  Each skier must leave their dog at home.  New skiers that come to ski may not know this rule.  The Park Staff and Park Guards are continually telling people that we see with dogs.  It is no where near the problem it once was.  But, we all have to work together to educate the public on this matter.  Just like skiing the proper direction on the 10km trail.

Hope this will be of help to you and your readers as we are working hard to make Mendon Ponds a nice place to Cross Country Ski.

Thanks and Happy Holidays

Roger Weston"