Visited August 20, 2023

Address: I used Google Maps to get to Mendon Ponds Park, but when I arrived at the park, we used the map from the website to park at near the Quaker Pond Trail: https://www.monroecounty.gov/files/parks/jan%2015%20mpp%20map.pdf.  

Parking: Room for 10+ cars, gravel parking lot

75-79 degrees at 11:25 AM - 1:49 PM, sunny

Portable toilets available as noted on the map.  One of the two was handicapped accessible.

The trail is free.

Pets are not supposed to be on this trail so Wesley stayed home, but we did see a few happy pups with their owners.

The trail has a natural surface interrupted by occasional bridges.  There were spur trails and connections to the red trail that were not on the park map and caused us to do some backtracking.   More clear markings, especially at intersections, would be helpful with an update to the map that is available on line to reflect where the purple and red trails connect.  A sign or two, saying "This way to parking" would be welcome, especially if each parking area had a clearly marked name. The trail was level with at least one very minor incline.

A stroller with larger all-terrain wheels would probably navigate this trail without too much difficulty.  

We had the trail to ourselves for long stretches but we did pass 7+ pairs of people, some multiple times.

Today's walk was longer than the map led us to expect; the map lists it as a 2.7 mile loop.  My phone recorded 4.81 miles.  My daughter's phone recorded 3.75 miles. This was a beautiful peaceful trail with a variety of plant and tree species; and the ripening blackberries were a sweet bonus.  The view of the white lilies on the pond was lovely.  I was joined by my husband, daughter, and a very dear friend.  The width of these trails allowed us to walk two or three abreast while talking and catching up.  We paused at the small muddy areas to watch blue dragonflies with clear wings and frogs.  There was some huge venerable awe inspiring trees that added to the welcoming atmosphere of this trail.

I did not see any trash while on this section of trail.

Mosquitos were out and active today and one bee that somehow made it up my pant leg at the start of our walk.

There is poison ivy along the edge of the trail

This is a trail where shorts would not be a problem.   The grassy sections were mowed.

I saw dragonflies, frogs, butterflies, mosses, ferns, cat tails, Queen Anne's lace, Virginia creeper, goldenrod, blackberry briars, white pond lilies, milkweed, jewel weed, May apple,  and a variety of tree species including shagbark hickory, big oaks, maple, hemlock, and cherry.

More information:  

Park Website:  https://www.monroecounty.gov/parks-mendonponds

Park Map: https://www.monroecounty.gov/files/parks/jan%2015%20mpp%20map.pdf

Nearby:

The King and I Cuisine of Thailand, 1455 E Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623 http://www.thekingandithaicuisine.com/ 

Wonderful food, large servings, and a very attentive waitress.