The park’s most striking feature is a 3,572-foot-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin. The boardwalk takes visitors onto the river, close to blue herons, swans, turtles, deer, and other wildlife.
Consider starting your walk from the north at Petten Street by the marina and O’Rorke Bridge for minimal elevation change. Along this section, you’ll see the abandoned 150-foot Spirit of Rochester, which offered lake cruises from 1985 to 2004.
To begin at the south end, park in the Boxart Street lot. Most people walk north and down the steep, paved road toward the river, but you can also take the train-grade path by heading south for a half-mile from the parking lot and turning left at the fork near Brewster Harding Park. This route through Bullock’s Woods follows a seasonal creek with a small waterfall.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Turning Point’s boardwalk takes you out into the river, close to blue herons, swans, turtles and other wildlife and is part of the greater Genesee Riverway Trail extending from Ontario Beach Park south through the City of Rochester to Genesee Valley Park.
Consider starting your walk to the Turning Point boardwalk from the north at Petten Street by the marina near O’Rorke Bridge.
This is also a great place to launch a kayak, paddling upstream at the beginning when you have the most energy and floating back downstream after exploring Turning Point.
To start at the south end, park at the Boxart Street lot. From here, most folks walk north and down the steep, paved road descending to the river’s edge.
But you can also take the train-grade path to the river’s edge by heading south from the parking lot about 0.5 miles and taking the north trail at the fork (pictured above) near Brewster Harding Park. Going this way will take you along a seasonal creek through Bullock’s Woods.
Make it a slightly longer walk by parking on River St. near Stutson St. and the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse walking upstream.
Get Directions to these parking lots:
Boxart Street – It is 0.9 miles to walk from this lot to the end of the boardwalk, 1.4 if you take the Bullock’s Woods route, and 3.7 miles to walk to the end of Charlotte Pier.
Petten Street – It is 1.3 miles to walk from this lot to the end of the boardwalk and 4.0 miles to walk to the Pedestrian Bridge over the river between Maplewood and Seneca parks. This is also a great spot to put in a kayak.
River Street – It is 1.8 miles to walk from this lot to the end of the boardwalk.
More information about Turning Point Park
Cost: Free
Located in the City of Rochester
More information: cityofrochester.gov/turningpoint/
According to the City of Rochester website, “The trail consists of three main parts: 1) the 2,968 ft land-based trail that utilized an old railroad bed to transition from the top of the bank to the river’s edge, 2) a 3,572 ft-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin, and 3) an all-new land-based trail, 3,406 feet in length, through Turning Point Park North and adjacent to the Genesee Marina.”
It’s a great walk in the winter, too!
Explore more nearby
Head north along the Genesee Riverway Trail to explore Ontario Beach Park, the focal point of the city’s Charlotte neighborhood. Here, you’ll find elements of Rochester’s transportation history around the railroad tracks, the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, and the pier light.
Or wander south of the O’Rorke Bridge on River Street toward Lake Avenue, where you’ll find Charlotte Cemetery and the grave of the infamous Sam Patch.
Bill Davis, Champion of the Genesee
In 1939, a man named Bill Davis, along with his wife, Lois Davis, moved to Rochester’s Charlotte neighborhood and began his career with Kodak.
Upon retiring in 1976, Bill became involved with various community groups, including one he started—Charlotte Action Plan, whose goal was to promote and protect the area we know today as Turning Point Park.
Davis initiated our Genesee River Romance weekend in October, which continues to serve the mission to promote and protect. It was recently renamed ROC the Riverway.
His passion for history and the environment helped to preserve the quality and usability of the Genesee River as a system. Bill’s efforts to save the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse are why it still stands today for us to enjoy.
Learn more about Bill’s life and legacy at the Historical Marker Project and llowerfalls.org.
Explore More
Besides a sandy Lake Ontario beach with plenty of parking, enjoy the boardwalk, carousel, pier, and an original 1902 Abbott’s Frozen Custard.
These boardwalks are integrated into larger trail systems to assist individuals in navigating wetlands and conserving wildlife.
At Genesee Valley Park, the river merges with the Erie Canal and continues north through Rochester before reaching Lake Ontario.
Explore The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail
The Lake Ontario Seaway Trail runs along the southern Lake Ontario shoreline, from Fort Niagara in Youngstown to Fort Ontario in Oswego.
To find Rochester’s hidden sidewalk, start at Ontario Beach Park and head west on Beach Ave. The two entrances are across from Clematis and Cloverdale Streets.
9 Lake Ontario Lighthouses in New York
These lighthouses along Lake Ontario in New York are within a two-hour drive of Rochester. And where there’s a light there’s a sweeping view!
When is your favorite time of year to walk through Turning Point Park?
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.
