Walking trails near campus
Explore walking trails and nearby paths around University of Rochester campuses, along with safety tips.
Walking routes and trails
Adding more steps to your day can support overall health. Use public sidewalks, walking trails, and marked paths to get to and around campus. and make walking part of your daily routine.
Walking is even more enjoyable on a scenic trail. The City of Rochester offers a detailed walking and biking map to help you get started. Below are three popular trails near the River Campus and the Health Sciences Campus (Med Center).
The Genesee Riverway Trail extends through the scenic, historic, and cultural heart of Rochester, from the Erie Canal to downtown and Lake Ontario. The trail provides pedestrian access to the Genesee River, including its gorge and three waterfalls, as well as eight pedestrian bridges and eleven parks.
Most of the trail is paved and accessible. Steep, rough, or narrow sections are clearly marked, and wayfinding and interpretive signs help guide public use.
The Erie Canal Trail connects directly to the Genesee Riverway Trail and provides access to the University of Rochester from western, eastern, and southern suburbs (via the Lehigh Valley Trail). It is a recreational trail that spans the length of New York State.
This 15-mile linear trail park begins at the Genesee River and extends through the towns of Rush and Mendon to the Ontario County line, with a northern connection to Henrietta.
Walking safety tips
The following tips are recommended by University Public Safety and Environmental Health & Safety to help reduce risk when walking on or near campus.
- Use sidewalks where available and cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones at high volumes.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking in low-light conditions.
- Use well-lit paths and avoid dark or unlit shortcuts after dusk.
- Pick up a Blue Light emergency phone on a University campus to be put in touch with an officer immediately. or call or text Public Safety at (585) 275-3333.
.
Related offices and departments
Browse related offices for contact information and related resources.
Other transportation resources
Commuting to campus
Transportation options that support commuting to campus, including walking, biking, transit, shuttles, and carpooling.
How-to
Apply for U-Pass and get free RTS bus rides
Employees can apply for U-Pass to ride RTS buses throughout the Rochester area at no cost.
How-to
Safe Ride late-night transportation
Students can get a free UofR Safe Ride for late-night transportation between campus locations and residential areas when shuttles are not running.
How-to
Shuttle bus schedules
Get connected in, around, and between campuses when you get a ride on the University’s shuttles and buses.
Tool
E-scooters and e-bikes on campus
Learn about the University’s policy for electric scooters and e-bikes on campus.
How-to
Biking on and around campus
Explore biking options on campus, including bike parking, secure storage, and safety resources.
How-to