13 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.
Genesee Riverway Trail
Water Trails: 58 Places to Explore Rochester’s Waterways
Paddle your way to peace and quiet along Rochester’s water trails. Use these launches for canoes, kayaks, and small motorized watercraft.
23 City of Rochester Parks
Many of our City of Rochester parks have beginnings embedded in Rochester’s youth. Some were even designed by notable landscape architects.
Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse
You can climb the 40-foot tower in the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse and enjoy the view of Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, and Ontario Beach Park.
Maplewood Park
Maplewood Park is a linear park that follows the river from Driving Park and the Lower Falls to just north of Route 104, ending at the pedestrian bridge over the Genesee.
Erie Canal Aqueduct & Subway: Rochester’s Transportation Heritage
Before the Erie Canal ran its current course through Genesee Valley Park, it flowed right through the city using the aqueduct to cross the Genesee River.
ROC the Riverway Weekend: October 4-6, 2019
Rochester’s ROC the Riverway Weekend is held every October. It is a celebration of life along the river, with City-sponsored activities, tours, and events.
Turning Point Park
Turning Point Park’s most striking feature is a 3,572 ft-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin, part of the greater Genesee Riverway Trail.
High Falls on the Genesee River
High Falls is both the name of the waterfall and the district where it’s located. There are very few cities with a city-center waterfall!
Sunken Garden at Warner Castle
Take a stroll behind Warner Castle & down the grassy lawn. There you will find the Sunken Garden—a peaceful retreat anytime of the year.
Mount Hope Cemetery
It may seem odd to think of a cemetery as a family-friendly destination, but Mount Hope Cemetery is as park-like as Highland Park next door.
Highland Park in Rochester
Highland Park was designed to be enjoyed year-round. Every pathway, every tree, every vista & every relationship between the land & water is intentional.
Seneca Park and Zoo
The Seneca Park Zoo is a but a small part of the greater 297-acre Seneca Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted in 1893.
Ontario Beach Park
Lake Ontario Beach Park is located at the northernmost tip of the city of Rochester, and is bordered on the East by the mouth of the Genesee River.
Genesee Valley Park
Genesee Valley Park is a Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park located at the intersection of the Erie Canal, Red Creek and Genesee River.