High Falls is the centerpiece of the City of Rochester. My kids and I took advantage of a sunny day to explore this historic area, which can easily be viewed in several different ways.
How to Visit High Falls:
Option 1: Genesee Brew House If you’re looking for a quick and casual way to view the falls, eating at the Genesee Brew House is a great option. There is plenty of parking around the restaurant and amazing views. An elevator is available to the second level where patrons can eat on a covered patio overlooking the Falls, however, the rooftop is only accessible via a staircase.
RTS has a bus stop on the corner of St. Paul and Ward Street, an easy 2-minute walk to the Brew House.
Option 2: High Falls Terrace Park For a short and sweet visit to the Falls. I recommend going to High Falls Terrace Park. There is a small parking lot on the corner of St. Paul and Ward Street with one handicap-accessible parking spot and newly paved sidewalks. The small park has several picnic tables with barbecue spots and a handicap-accessible terrace that overlooks High Falls. In the background, there are views of railroad tracks and Brown’s Race Historical District. Benches and lounge chairs are on the path and terrace for observers to relax on as mist from the falls spritzes the air. The highlight for my children, though, was a giant upright chime set. We made music, sang, and danced like nobody was watching (but they definitely were!).
RTS has a bus stop on the corner of St. Paul and Ward Street, directly in front of High Falls Terrace Park.
Option 3: Brown’s Race Historic District On the west side of the Genessee River Valley are historic buildings and remains of factories that used the river to power their operations. The easiest parking option is the low-cost High Falls Parking Garage. There are entrances from both State Street and Mill Street. I did not notice an elevator option in the garage, so we took the stairs out to State Street before heading to the right (east) on Platt Street. Walking tours of the area are available (see below), or for something more informal, simply strolling around and reading the plaques on the buildings and signage will provide you with a ton of information. To be honest, the information on the tour was too lengthy and advanced for my young children, so I gave them the highlights as we explored the area. If you want to stop for a picnic on this side, I would recommend the beautiful Granite Mills Commons, or among the amazing ruins of past industry at the Gorsline Building and Wheel Pit.
RTS has a bus stop on the corner of State and Platt Street near the High Falls Parking Garage.
The Pont de Rennes Pedestrian Bridge spans the Genessee River Valley connecting the High Falls Terrace Park and the Brown’s Race Historic District. It is a smooth and easy walk with benches and excellent views of the falls, the geologic landforms of the gorge, and the industrial remnants lining the river. Over the years, visitors have left locks as mementos on the tall side rails.
Walking Tours:
–The Landmark Society’s Brown’s Race/High Falls Tour
-Greentopia’s EcoLoop Walking Tour is available on the Tour Blend app
-Informational plaques are posted on buildings and at significant sites throughout the Brown’s Race Historical District and High Falls viewing area.
Related Educational Suggestions:
-Bring a book to study the geologic history and features of the Genessee River Valley
-Research indigenous people’s history on the Genessee River and Pleasant Valley
-Research the founding of Rochesterville
-Research Brown’s Race Historic District
-Bring a book to read about water mills and grain mills
-Bring a book to learn about the life of someone working in a factory at the turn of the 20th century
-Research industrial architecture at the turn of the 20th century
-Learn about the unfortunate last jump of daredevil Sam Patch at High Falls
-Research past and current plans for High Falls revitalization
-Reach out to Greentopia to schedule a tour, a field trip, or get involved in their mission
-Research how hydroelectricity is made and used
-Take a walk or bike ride along the Genesee Riverway Trail
-Print or download a walking tour of the area
-Bring a camera to practice natural and urban photography
Additional Information:
Overall, we wandered the area for about 2 hours. There were other people enjoying the area, but it was not crowded. We did not see any public bathrooms available. There were not a lot of restaurants in the immediate area, so make sure you do your research if you are interested in having a meal there. Honestly, the area showed evidence of several past revitalization efforts, which can make it a difficult visit to streamline, however, going with the intent to wander and explore was a great way for us to spend an afternoon. We look forward to seeing the continued improvement of the area as the new High Falls State Park is built.
