The park's prominent hill is a glacial kame, a landform created by sediment deposited by melting glacial ice.
Washington Grove contains mature oak and hickory trees, some of which are over 100 years old.
The reservoir at the center of the park stores treated water for the City of Rochester.
The park was named after Gideon Cobb, who settled in the area in the early 19th century.
A commemorative plaque in Washington Grove honors the area's designation as a protected woodland.
Cobbs Hill Park is a 109-acre public space in Rochester, New York, featuring a mix of wooded trails, athletic fields, and a massive water reservoir. The park's most prominent feature is the Washington Grove, an old-growth forest covering 26 acres on the park's eastern side. It provides high-elevation vantage points that offer a panoramic view of the Rochester city skyline. The reservoir itself is a central landmark surrounded by a paved walking track. The park serves as a hub for recreational activities including tennis, basketball, and soccer. Visitors can explore a series of trails that connect to the broader local park system. The topography consists of a glacial kame, which provides the distinctive elevation change found throughout the grounds.
The western perimeter of the reservoir looking toward the downtown Rochester skyline.
Visit the reservoir track for a flat, accessible walk with frequent skyline views.
Explore the Washington Grove trails for a more rugged, forested hiking experience.
Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking boots as terrain ranges from paved paths to uneven woodland dirt trails.
Do not attempt to swim or enter the fenced-off water reservoir area.
Stay on marked trails in Washington Grove to protect the old-growth forest floor.
