Rochester Forum: Running in Rochester

We bike on the Erie Canal Path quite a bit. There are a few places that have access to water [some of the parks], but we always have our own water and fill up when we stop for a snack/restroom, so I can't be specific. Running from, say Fairport to Genesee Valley Park might be a nice run, but it might be a bit more than 16 miles out and back. Meridian Park [Brighton] and Perinton Park [Perinton] both have water, near the canal path.

Another place you might consider is the trail that goes along the Genesee River [west side], north of downtown, in the area of Holy Rosary cemetery/Riverside cemetery and up to Ontario Beach Park and then west along the Lake Ontario State Parkway and/or the road that runs along the lake, west of OBP [I'm having a brain cramp and can't remember the name!] or east through part of Durand Eastman Park along the lakefront. There is water/restrooms at OBP, for sure. All of this would be running on either paved paths or sidewalks.

I think you can find maps of these trails by doing a search on "Rochester Parks and Trails".

We biked the Canal Path yesterday. It's five miles from Lock 32 [Clover Street] to Genesee Valley Park. Water at Meridien Park [you have to go off the path itself and down into the park - a short distance] and at GVP. Just for reference.

The path along the river to Ontario Beach Park is the Genesee Riverway Trail [I wouldn't use this trail into "downtown", but I know people who have - including a woman alone]. The trail along the lakefront is the Irondequoit Lakeside trail, which connects with the GRT and also with the Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail. The website grtcinc.com has info, maps, etc.

The Erie Canal is good if you plan your runs correctly. While there aren't really water fountains to be found on a consistent basis, you could find water in most of the towns along the path. Pittsford and Fairport are very nice. I don't usually run quite as long as you, but I often take a camelback on the longer runs anyway. The Lehigh Valley trail is also excellent for running. It has much less traffic, but it is a great trail (old railway bed). It connects to the aforementioned Genesee Valley trail. For shorter runs (10 miles or less), pick up a trail map and do some trail running at Mendon ponds park. Maps can be found online. Good luck, hope you enjoy your stay!