Lionberger Woods
There’s nothing quite like coming across an unassuming trail and discovering a whole world of wonder with each step you take. That’s what you’ll find at Lionberger Woods in Rochester. With delicate streams and captivating wetlands hidden in a quiet forest, this Rochester Land Trust property is hard not to fall in love with.
Features
Lionberger Woods offers a delightful place to spend an hour or more exploring a local forest. From woods to wetlands to cranberry bogs, this well-maintained property has plenty of enchanting natural views to discover. Look for wildlife in the wetlands, listen to bird calls, or enjoy a picnic at one of the tables set amidst the trees and streams.
Trails
A clearly visible sign welcomes you to the 1.5-mile Lionberger Woods trailhead. With two loops through the property, the trail is perfect for anyone looking for a relatively easy yet beautiful walk of about an hour. (Download trail map)
Follow the trail past the main entrance until you reach a welcome kiosk and a boardwalk that crosses over a small stream. After this point, the trail leads slightly uphill into the forest. Trail signs will guide you to the two loops: the East Loop and the Raven Loop.
The East Loop leads you southeast along the stream to a picnic table. The loop also has a small cutoff, if you’re looking for a shorter walk. For a longer adventure, explore the Raven Loop, which connects with a small town-owned parcel of woods in the southwest corner. Before you return to the trailhead, stop and relax at the second picnic table here, which is set near a clearing with a view of a private cranberry bog.
Habitats & Wildlife
Lionberger Woods is not only the perfect destination for spotting wildlife, but for immersing yourself in the sounds of nature, too! Vernal pools and forested swamps are abundant here, making them a great place to find water-loving species like frogs and salamanders. As winter melts away, a symphony of spring peepers call out from these wet woods. In addition to amphibians, birds like owls, woodpeckers, and chickadees make their homes among the trees.