Thousand Acre Swamp

The Thousand Acre Swamp Trail begins from a small trailhead off Jackson Road near Penfield, NY, offering multiple route options through a protected wetland managed by The Nature Conservancy. Hikers can choose from short out-and-back spurs or follow a longer loop that winds through forested areas and open swamp. The route is entirely flat and crosses several sections of boardwalk, which provide access through otherwise muddy or seasonally flooded terrain. Interpretive signs along the trail highlight native plant communities and wetland ecology. This is a quiet hike ideal for birdwatchers, with frequent sightings of warblers, woodpeckers, and other forest species, especially in spring and early summer. While the route is open year-round, conditions can be muddy during wet seasons, and the boardwalk may become slick when wet or icy. Dogs are not allowed in order to protect sensitive wildlife habitats, and there are no potable water sources along the trail. Despite its proximity to town, this preserve offers an immersive wetland hiking experience just outside the Rochester area.