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Wildlife Management Area · NY

Perinton Wildlife Management Area

Perinton Wildlife Management Area offers diverse habitats for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation just east of Rochester, New York. The area attracts bird watchers, hikers, and anglers with its mix of wetlands, fields, and forested zones.

Wildlife Management Area5744+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

574

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Perinton Wildlife Management Area

Perinton Wildlife Management Area offers diverse habitats for wildlife observation and outdoor recreation just east of Rochester, New York. The area attracts bird watchers, hikers, and anglers with its mix of wetlands, fields, and forested zones.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Perinton Wildlife Management Area (WMA) encompasses approximately 574 acres of protected lands in Monroe County, New York. It features diverse habitats including wetlands, open fields, shrublands, and mature hardwood forests, providing vital ecosystems for a variety of wildlife species. The WMA was established and is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to conserve habitat and facilitate regulated outdoor activities. Visitors to Perinton WMA enjoy observing a wide range of bird species, particularly during migration seasons when waterfowl and songbirds use the wetlands as stopover sites. The terrain includes gently rolling hills and low-lying wet areas, supporting amphibians, small mammals, and numerous reptiles as well. Recreational opportunities center around hiking on informal trails, wildlife photography, fishing in ponds and small streams, and seasonal hunting under state regulations. While the area is not developed for camping, it attracts day visitors seeking tranquil natural settings close to urban areas. Notable landmarks include several observation platforms and accessible trailheads located off Perinton Hill and Buell Roads. Seasonal changes dramatically alter the landscape, from vibrant fall colors to spring wildflower blooms and winter wildlife tracking. The ease of access and combination of open field and forested habitat make Perinton WMA a valuable resource for both casual visitors and dedicated naturalists interested in upstate New York’s native flora and fauna.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Perinton Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Running the Auburn Trail★ 6.5⌖ 6 miTrail Running
2-10 NY-96

Running the Auburn Trail

Run the Auburn Trail near Victor, NY. Experience a historic and scenic multi-use trail, open for running, walking, cycling, and horseback riding. Accessible in all seasons, best visited in spring and fall.

Trail RunningView Details→
Waterfall Retreat at Corbett's Glen Nature Park, Rochester★ 7.0⌖ 10 miHiking
Corbett's Glen Nature Park

Waterfall Retreat at Corbett's Glen Nature Park, Rochester

Explore Corbett's Glen Nature Park near Rochester, NY, on easy, mostly flat trails leading to small waterfalls and limestone cliffs. Ideal for hiking, bird watching, and nature photography in a peaceful, family-friendly setting. Best in late spring and early summer when greenery is lush.

Snowshoeing in Mendon Ponds Park★ 7.5⌖ 11 miSnowshoeing
Henrietta

Snowshoeing in Mendon Ponds Park

Explore the vast trails for snowshoeing in Mendon Ponds Park, located near Rochester, NY. Enjoy winter birdwatching and peaceful scenery in this family-friendly spot with drive-in access. A serene winter escape with plenty of trails.

SnowshoeingView Details→
Outdoor Oasis in Rochester: Cobbs Hill Park★ 6.2⌖ 12 miWalking
Cobbs Hill Park

Outdoor Oasis in Rochester: Cobbs Hill Park

Cobbs Hill Park in Rochester, NY features an easy 0.69-mile paved loop around a historic reservoir, ideal for walking, running, and birdwatching. Enjoy sports courts, sledding in winter, and scenic city views. Accessible and family-friendly, it's a popular year-round urban outdoor spot.

Waterfall Wonder: High Falls Terrace Park in Rochester, NY★ 6.8⌖ 15 miSightseeing
High Falls Terrace Park

Waterfall Wonder: High Falls Terrace Park in Rochester, NY

High Falls Terrace Park in Rochester, NY offers easy access to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Rockies. Enjoy scenic walking paths, historic sites, and great photo opportunities year-round, especially in spring and fall. Ideal for families and casual visitors seeking nature within the city.

SightseeingView Details→
Majestic Views of High Falls in Rochester★ 4.5⌖ 15 miSightseeing
High Falls

Majestic Views of High Falls in Rochester

Visit High Falls in Rochester, NY, a striking urban waterfall with an easy-to-access viewpoint. While there, explore historical trails and the scenic pedestrian bridge. Best seasons are spring and fall when crowds are light. Ideal for photography and enjoying a mix of nature and history.

SightseeingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Wetland observation platforms providing excellent bird watching opportunities✦ Diverse habitat including wetlands, shrublands, and hardwood forests✦ Seasonal waterfowl migration attracting birdwatchers and photographers✦ Quiet, informal hiking trails offering solitude near suburban areas
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Perinton Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Perinton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Perinton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Perinton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Perinton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Perinton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Perinton Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Nature Study

Available in Perinton Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Perinton Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits required for day use; hunting requires state license and adherence to seasonal regulations

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Perinton Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Macedon
⌖ 2.88 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Macedon, New York

A tranquil rural hub offering classic Finger Lakes tranquility paired with accessible outdoor adventures ranging from paddling to trail hikes and cycling routes.

Spring through Fall for most activities; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Perinton
⌖ 4.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Perinton, New York

A scenic suburban town offering accessible waterways, forest preserves, and multi-use trails ideal for family-friendly outdoor activities year-round.

Spring through Fall for general activities; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Fairport
⌖ 5.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fairport, New York

A charming canal town offering accessible outdoor activities with scenic waterways, gentle trails, and seasonal recreation in upstate New York.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Victor
⌖ 5.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Victor, New York

A charming, small-town Vibe with access to outdoor pursuits in the Finger Lakes region.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Pittsford
⌖ 8.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pittsford, New York

A charming historic town on the outskirts of Rochester, balancing serene waterways, scenic trails, and seasonal outdoor pursuits with an inviting small-town atmosphere.

Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Mendon
⌖ 8.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mendon, New York

A quiet town with rich outdoor recreation opportunities in proximity to nature preserves, parks, and the Genesee River, ideal for day adventures and seasonal outdoor sports.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiingExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Perinton Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.