General Information
Powder Mills Park offers a unique natural setting with steep hillsides, creekside meadows and wetlands that provide a variety of recreational activities. There is downhill skiing, hiking, a sand volleyball court, and trout fishing. The park also offers six lodges and four shelters all available to rent.
The enclosed lodges include stovetops, picnic tables, wood burning stoves, grills outside and bathrooms. The Powderhorn Lodge has an oven and refrigerator. The four open air shelters have picnic tables, a grill, and a bathroom nearby.
For information and reservations please call 585 753-PARK (7275) or go to our Online Parks Reservation System.
Location and Directions
Powder Mills Park office is located at 154 Park Road, Pittsford, NY 14534, southeast of Rochester. Enter the park from Route 96 South of Bushnell’s Basin near Interstate 490.
The park office is located at 154 Park Road, Pittsford, NY 14534.
Click to get detailed directions.
Download park map (216k PDF).
View GIS photo of the park.
History
Powder Mills Park was once inhabitated by Seneca Native Americans. The great spring that used to feed the trout beds was called Beaver Meadows.
Rules and Regulations
Powder Mills Park is open daily 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. and has a carry in-carry out rule, which means you must take all your garbage with you for disposal after leaving the park. Glass is not allowed. All pets must be leashed and you are responsible for cleaning up after them.
For a complete listing of the Parks regulations download the Monroe County Parks Law document (52k PDF).
Winter Park Hours
November 1st until March 31st, Monday through Thursday the park is open 7:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Lodges are available to rent from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday through Sunday the park is open from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Lodges are available to rent from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Summer Park Hours
April 1st until October 31st, the park is open everyday from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Shelters are available to rent from 10:00 a.m. until 10:30 p.m.
Restrooms
Powder Mills Park has three restrooms located in the park. One is located off of Park Road by the Rand Lodge, the other two are located off of Woolston Road, one by the Powderhorn Lodge and the other next to the Oak Tree Lodge. See the park map for specific locations.
Trails
Before heading out to Powder Mills Park print the map. The color coded hiking trails and additional details will keep you on the right track.
The Hatchery Trail is a .8 mile walk that takes you through a large field of milkweed which is a favorite spot for butterflies. Keep a look out for hawks circling overhead.
The Daffodil Trail is a .7 mile (one way) walk that is especially wonderful in the spring because it takes you through a Daffodil Meadow which when in bloom is beautiful. This trail also has a wide range of plants along the walk which keep the scenery changing.
The Ridge Trail is a .4 mile walk (one way) which has an overlook point that allows you to see west for miles. Also watch along this trail for the remains of the old Rand household.
The Trillium Trail is a .5 mile (one way) walk that will bring you along the wetlands and through an area of unique plant life.
The Powderhorn Trail is a .6 mile walk which a small section opens up to a very large field filled with ragweed and other wild flowers. It will also take you through woods filled with maple, oak, and many other types of trees.
Winter Activities
There is one designated sledding hill located by the North and South Lodges.
Downhill Skiing Program
Powder Mills Park features downhill skiing for beginners of all ages. Complete with a rope tow, equipment rental and lessons provided by SWAIN.
For more information including lessons and hours either visit SWAIN online or call 607 545-6511. Download the ski lesson registration form that can be used to register.
For a schedule of derby events at the Powder Mills Fish Hatchery click here.
For information on the Kid's Trout Fishing Derby click here.
