Take a Hike!: Family Walks in the Rochester Area

CAUTION: A third edition of this book now exists, search on ISBN # 9781930480148

This is the Second Edition - Covering 60 Trails, Including 25 New Trails

The walks, rambles, strolls, and hikes in this book are designed for people who delight in exploring unique or little-known places. The trails lead through forests, fields, marshes, hills, and arboretums where you can enjoy the natural world. This book will help you learn more about Rochester, NY history, get much-needed exercise, introduce children to the joys of nature, or find new places to walk your dog. Don't stash it away in winter either. Many of the trails are good for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

With this guide, you'll be able to explore the Rochester area with ease and confidence. Each of the 60 walks is rated for difficulty, type of terrain, and described by length and estimated time required. In addition, you'll know how to easily find the trails and parking. Whether young or young at heart, you can enjoy the adventures this guide brings to life.

The authors, Rich and Sue Freeman decided to make their living from what they love hiking and bicycling. In 1996 they left corporate jobs to spend six months hiking 2,200 miles on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. That adventure deepened their love of the outdoors and inspired them to share this love by introducing others to the joys of hiking. Since most people don't have the option (let alone the desire) to undertake a six-month trek, they decided to focus on short hikes, near home. The result was the first version of Take A Hike! Family Walks in the Rochester Area. They went on to explore hiking and bicycling trails throughout the central and western New York State region.

Rich and Sue have been active members of Victor Hiking Trails since its inception. They continue to do trail work and participate with other local trail groups as well. In addition, their passion for long distance hiking continues. In 1997 they thru-hiked the 500-mile long Bruce Trail in Ontario, Canada. In 1998 they bicycled across New York State, following the Erie Canalway Trail and 1999 found them hiking a segment of the Florida Trail.

Since beginning their new career writing and publishing books, the Freemans have pared down their living expenses and are enjoying a simpler lifestyle. They now have control of their own destiny and the freedom to head into the woods for a refreshing respite when the urge strikes. Still, their life is infinitely more cluttered than when they carried all their worldly needs on their backs for six months on the Appalachian Trail.