The future home of Rochester High Falls State Park!
Our earliest settlers realized the value of High Falls when they chose this area to develop. There are very few cities in America with an incredible waterfall as a central focal point!
High Falls is the name of the waterfall, the neighboring historic district, and the future Rochester High Falls State Park. Popular spots to view the falls include High Falls Terrace, the Pont de Rennes Bridge, and Genesee Brew House’s rooftop patio while enjoying a casual meal and a tasty beverage. On the west side of the river, visitors can walk along cobblestone streets to learn about the area’s hydropower history and see the top of the falls near the Gorsline Building.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Best of Rochester Award-Winning Book for Best Published Literary Work of 2023.
The East Bank High Falls Viewing Platform
If your goal is more to explore the area, there’s a small parking lot next to the brew house at High Falls Terrace Park. There is a platform on the east side of the river, walking south from the brew house.
Genesee Brew House
I recommend if your goal is simply to see the falls, then park at the Genesee Brew House off St. Paul Blvd. and head up to the roof for a drink or grab a window seat and a meal inside.
Pont de Rennes Pedestrian Bridge
Please note that the bridge is closed through 2024 while undergoing repairs.
The Platt Street Bridge was closed to cars in 1977 and re-opened as the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge in 1982.
Looking out over the gorge, you can see rock formations of shale, limestone, and sandstone with bands of iron ore.
These sedimentary rocks, formed by the accumulation of deposits that came from what is now the Hudson Valley, are over 400 million years old. Soils from the then Alpine-like mountains were washed into a shallow sea.
The sediment compressed and cemented to form layers of rock. The red sandstone, locally called Medina sandstone, provided an excellent building material and is often found on Rochester sidewalks, curbs, and older buildings. Learn More
The West Bank Viewing Terrace
A portion of the original Gorsline Building is now a terraced park for viewing the falls and river gorge.
Don’t miss three landmarks seen only from this location: the eastern view of the lip of High Falls, the original wheel pit of Rochester’s early sawmill, and The Leap, a small balcony near the spot where waterfall daredevil Sam Patch took his last jump. More than half of Rochester watched as Sam took his fatal plunge on Friday, the 13th of November, 1829. Learn More
High Falls Historic District
If you are also interested in the geological and industrial heritage of the region or to learn about the extraordinary work Greentopia is doing to revitalize the space, start on the west side and park on the street or in the parking garage on Lake Ave.
Wander the beautiful cobblestone streets, look over the original Brown’s Race mills, and admire the buildings. There’s an informative self-guided walking tour available as well.
A guided walk to the base of High Falls
To my knowledge, a guided walk was only offered once in October 2019 during ROC the Riverway weekend. I’m hoping they do more tours in the future, especially as the area transitions into a new state park.
More information about High Falls
Cost: Free
Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)
More information: cityofrochester.gov
Greentopia
Greentopia has established the FIRST EcoDistrict in New York State here at High Falls—a model for sustainable and resilient neighborhoods.
Through extraordinary ecological design, stewardship, and community advocacy, we will create a resilient Rochester – one neighborhood at a time. Together, we will reclaim the power of the Genesee River to connect us to each other and to inspire the creation of a vibrant, flourishing new Rochester.
Greentopia Mission & Vision
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At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history will remind you just how amazing our corner of the Earth is.
Not all waterfalls are hidden in dark ravines. Many of the region’s most stunning waterfalls can be viewed from the road or a short walk.
Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, & More!
Rochester’s fun facts will inspire you to explore more. And these are just some of the historical tidbits that make Rochester special.
Where is your favorite spot to view High Falls?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
Too bad that people such as myself don’t feel very safe going downtown. All of the downtown area is surrounded by the highest crime areas in the city of Rochester. Beautiful river falls but surrounded by run down homes, vacant store fronts, police cars screaming through Main Street. Too bad Rochester turned out this way. Not the same city I grew up in.
I lived and grew up in Rochester. Graduated from high school in 1960. It was a wonderful and safe childhood. I returned for my 50th highschool reunion. Even at that time I could see how the city had changed. Very rundown. Felt very unsafe driving through the once safe areas