Genesee Valley Park is a Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park located at the intersection of the Erie Canal and Genesee River. Its 800 acres were designed to connect the various green spaces and waterways together using a series of winding pathways.
Wandering around Genesee Valley Park
The Genesee Riverway Trail connects with the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail and Erie Canalway Trail here in the park making it a perfect place to kick off a hike or bike ride.
The Tree of Life
This magnificent, 150-year-old White Oak was struck by lightning on July 4, 2010. It is believed that the tree pre-dates Olmsted’s park designing, so that Olmsted himself would have admired the tree and made it part of his vision.
Those gorgeous stone bridges!
Both picturesque and functional, GVP has 4 concrete foot bridges that connect the park across the Erie Canal, Genesee River, and Red Creek near East River Road.
They feel like they’ve always been there, but they were not originally part of Olmsted’s design. That is because in 1888, when Olmsted designed Genesee Valley Park, the Erie Canal was running through Center City Rochester over an aqueduct which is now the Broad Street Bridge.
The canal was finished in 1825, but was enlarged in 1918 to become New York State Barge Canal System. As a result, the canal was re-routed to run south of the city through the park where you’ll find it today.
Special events
These were taken during the Head of the Regatta and the Erie Canal Conference. You’ll also find all varieties of fundraising walks and sporting events taking place on weeknights and ends.
More information about Genesee Valley Park
Cost: Free
Located in the City of Rochester (get directions)
More information: monroecounty.gov/parks-geneseevalley
You can also rent canoes & kayaks from Genesee Waterways Center. “Whether an avid outdoor adventurer or a novice ready to hit the water for the first time, we are the perfect place to host your paddle outing. Our rental package comes with everything you need to enjoy a day on Rochester’s rivers and creeks.”
5 Places in the City to Enjoy the Genesee River
At Genesee Valley Park, the Genesee River begins her journey through the city, racing over a dam and three waterfalls before emptying into Lake Ontario.
Many of our City of Rochester parks have beginnings embedded in Rochester’s youth. Some were even designed by notable landscape architects.
Water Trails: 58 Places to Explore Rochester’s Waterways
Water trails are either formally marked routes along a navigable waterway, or simply any waterway suitable for kayaks and small motorized watercraft.
Rochester’s Olmsted Designed Parks
Rochester is fortunate to be one of a handful of American cities that have a park system comprised of Frederick Law Olmsted-designed parks.
County Parks: Our Favorite 5 to Explore
The Monroe County Parks systems includes 20 parks that are all worth exploring, but these are the five you absolutely must see if you haven’t already!
Where are your favorite spots in GVP?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!