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!
View our spectacular urban fall from several vantage points to truly appreciate its significance: the east-bank viewing platform, the roof of the Genesee Brew House, the Pont de Rennes Bridge, and the west-bank viewing platform.
The East Bank
High Falls Viewing Platform
If your goal is more to explore the area, there’s a parking lot next to the brew house at High Falls Terrace Park. There is platform on the east-side of the river, walking south from the brew house.
Genesee Brew House
I recommend if your goal is to 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
The West Bank
Viewing Terrace
High Falls Historic District
If you are also interested in the geological and industrial heritage of the region, or to learn about the great 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 out over the original Brown’s Race mills, and admire the buildings. There’s an informative self-guided walking tour available as well!
High Falls Interpretive
Center and Museum
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
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.
Rochester’s Fun Facts: Oldest, Original, Only, and More!
I’ve been gathering Rochester’s fun facts for several years and am so excited to gather them all together here! Just some of what makes Rochester special!
33 Roadside Waterfalls Near Rochester
Impressive waterfalls are not all buried in dark ravines accessible only by difficult trails. And for some, you do not need to get out of your car.
Geologic History of the Rochester Area
These day trips into Rochester’s geologic history, filled with drumlins, fossils, house-sized boulders and a meromictic lake, will leave you awe-struck!
Where is your favorite spot to view High Falls?
Share with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!
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.