Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area
35 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
The US Army Corps of Engineers built the Mount Morris Dam in the late 1940s to reduce flooding on the lower Genesee River.
Outdoors
Snow play and winter sports near Rochester
Places near Rochester for sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and winter sports when there’s snow.
9places for snow and winter sports
35 mito the closest
Good to know: Carry tire chains in winter, check road and avalanche conditions, and expect parking or Sno-Park permits at popular spots.
Closest picks
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
40 mi west · Fish and Wildlife Service
Our namesake comes from the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, a powerful and enduring alliance that has thrived in the northeast for centuries.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
46 mi east · Fish and Wildlife Service
Establishing the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in 1938 was the first step of many to restore the area back to its historic expanse of marshes—an area thriving with wildlife, once used by indigenous people for hunting and fishing.
Map of all 9 places
Map of 9 places loads as you scroll.
30 to 75 miles (5)
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area
The US Army Corps of Engineers built the Mount Morris Dam in the late 1940s to reduce flooding on the lower Genesee River.
- Boating
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Winter sports
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Our namesake comes from the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) Confederacy, a powerful and enduring alliance that has thrived in the northeast for centuries.
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Ice Fishing
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Establishing the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in 1938 was the first step of many to restore the area back to its historic expanse of marshes—an area thriving with wildlife, once used by indigenous people for hunting and fishing.
- Birding
- Boating
- Cross Country Skiing
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
- Biking
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Potomac Group Campground
Potomac Group Campground and Day Use Area provides a primitive camping experience for groups of 8-40 people. It is an excellent site for family events and youth group activities.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Swimming
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
75 miles and farther (4)
Whitney Point
Broome County operates Dorchester Park on Whitney Point Lake. Day use facilities include a beach, boat launch, picnic area, pavilions and open play areas.
- Biking
- Boating
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Kettle Creek Lake
Surrounded by high mountains in a wild and scenic area, Kettle Creek State Park provides day use recreation facilities on Alvin R. Bush reservoir and campground adjacent to Corps land on the lake and downstream of the dam.
- Boating
- Horseback riding
- Picnicking
- Water sports
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Farnsworth Cabin
Farnsworth Cabin is tucked away in the northwest portion of Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the stone cabin is conveniently located 8.5 miles northwest of Sheffield.
- Biking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Wildlife viewing
- Winter sports
Hearts Content Recreation Area
Hearts Content Campground is a semi-primitive family campground bordering the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area and surrounded by native hardwoods and a patch of planted pine forest.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Winter sports
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Rochester. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Rochester
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
There’s so much to do in Rochester, NY!
An activity Short shared by Jen Ruiz.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Did you know about this cultural hot spot in Rochester, NY? The International Plaza is a must-visit!
An activity Short shared by Visit Rochester.
Watch on YouTube ↗Around Rochester
More outdoors near Rochester
Questions
Where is the closest place for snow play near Rochester?
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 35 miles southwest of Rochester as the crow flies. Next are Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (40 mi) and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (46 mi).
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.