Turning Point Park is located on Boxart St. in Rochester, off Lake Ave near Charlotte Furniture & Appliance. The trail’s most striking feature is a 3,572 ft-long bridge over the Genesee River Turning Basin.
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.
It’s a great walk in the winter, too!
You can begin your exploration of Turning Point Park either at the Boxart St. parking lot and walk downstream, or at the Petten St. lot, walking upstream. The benefit of starting at Petten is not having to trudge up the hill from the river’s edge to Boxart.
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, 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.
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’ transportation history around the railroad tracks, the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse and pier light.
Or wander south of the O’Rorke Bridge on River Street toward Lake Ave. 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 it was to promote and protect the area we know today as Turning Point Park.
Davis initiated our Genesee River Romance weekend in October that 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 is why it still stands today for us to enjoy.
Learn more about Bill’s life and legacy at the Historical Marker Project and lowerfalls.org.
More information about Turning Point Park
Cost: Free
Located in the City of Rochester
More information: cityofrochester.gov/turningpoint/
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.
These boardwalks are incorporated into larger trail systems to help people meander through wetlands, or to help preserve wildlife.
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.
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 & head west on Beach Ave. Across from Clematis St. & Cloverdale St. are the two entrances.
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?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Your insight and experience is invaluable!