Park Information

At 380 acres, 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, and trout fishing. The park also offers six lodges and four shelters all available to rent.

For information and reservations please call 585 753-PARK (7275) or go to our Online Lodge & Shelter 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.

Common Recreation Activities at Powder Mills Park

proximity to creek; picnic tables and bathrooms available for general use

Rules and Regulations

  • Powder Mills Park has a Carry-in Carry-out rule, which means you must take all your garbage with you for disposal after leaving the park.
  • All pets must be leashed and you are responsible for cleaning up after them.

Restrooms

Powder Mills Park has three restrooms located in the park. One is located off 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 Randhousehold.
  • 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.

Downhill Skiing information

Swain Ski Resort and Monroe County Parks are teaming up again this winter to bring you downhill skiing at Powder Mills Park. 

If you have any questions about season passes or opening day please call Swain Ski Resort

For more information about Skiing at the Park, please see:

Reidman foundation fish hatchery logoFish Hatchery

The Powder Mills Park Fish Hatchery, stewarded by the Riedman Foundation, plays a vital role in supporting regional fisheries, environmental education, and community engagement. Established in 1933 as a cooperative effort between the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries and Monroe County, the Hatchery raises brown and rainbow trout using responsible propagation practices to contribute to sustainable fisheries and healthy aquatic ecosystems in partnership with public agencies.

Since 2003, the Riedman Foundation provides 100% funding for staff, maintenance, operational support, and capital improvements. The Hatchery is open year-round, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe approximately 15,000 brown and rainbow trout, in various stages of development.

As an accessible educational resource, the Hatchery provides hands-on learning experiences for schools, families, and community groups, teaching fish biology, conservation, and water stewardship. Public access and youth-focused programming promote outdoor recreation and environmental awareness, while longstanding traditions—such as the annual trout derby—strengthen the community’s connection to Powder Mills Park.

Hatchery staff are on duty Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., ensuring educational experiences for visitors of all ages. However, the hatchery is available to the public during all park hours.

For more information about the benefit derby and other activities, please call 585-586-1670.

The Fish Hatchery Annual Trout Derby is a cherished community tradition that introduces children and families to fishing, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship. Hosted by the Riedman Foundation, the Derby provides a safe, welcoming, and educational environment where youth can engage directly with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats.

The event promotes hands-on learning about responsible angling while fostering appreciation for the natural resources of Powder Mills Park. To ensure broad access, participants ages 9 and older pay a nominal $5 fee, while children 8 and under participate free of charge, making the Derby inclusive and affordable for families across Monroe County and beyond. The event is held annually on the first Saturday of April.

Exciting incentives add to the fun, including a $500 first-place cash prize generously sponsored by Bank of America, four-hour boat charters, and numerous additional prizes donated by community partners. As one of the Hatchery’s most visible and impactful programs, the Annual Trout Derby strengthens community connections, encourages outdoor recreation, and inspires the next generation of environmental stewards.

For more information, visit www.fishpowdermill.org

 

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