10 Must-Visit Waterfalls in Rochester, NY

Rochester, NY, often hailed as the gateway to the scenic Finger Lakes region, boasts a rich tapestry of both natural and industrial history. Its landscape, shaped by glacial forces, features stunning waterfalls that are not just natural wonders but also historical powerhouses that fueled the city’s early industrial era. Known historically as the “Flour City,” Rochester leveraged the immense power of these cascading waters to operate numerous mills and become internationally renowned for its refined flours. In more recent times, the city’s reputation was rooted in photography. With Kodak headquarters at the heart of the city, the area’s landscapes took center stage, with waterfalls its stars. In this article, we explore 10 must-visit waterfalls in the Greater Rochester region, each telling a story of natural beauty and industrial might, and illustrating the city’s unique blend of past and present.

High Falls, located in the heart of downtown, is not just a stunning natural spectacle, but also a site rich in historical and cultural significance. This waterfall, with an overhanging drop of approximately 96 feet, is surrounded by the brick landscape of the city’s High Falls District, an area that combines natural beauty, industrial history, and modern development.

The history of High Falls is deeply intertwined with the industrial growth of Rochester. In the early 19th century, the waterfall’s powerful flow was harnessed to power mills and factories, playing a pivotal role in Rochester’s identity as the “Flour City.” The area around the falls was bustling with manufacturing activity, contributing significantly to the local economy. The power the falls generated along the historic Brown’s Race (the path of which can be traced through the district today) powered dozens of mills, the construction of which has left the massive gorge cliffs scarred ever since.

Throughout the High Falls District, historic markers denote the original purpose of buildings, now inhabited by offices, apartments, shops, and eateries. The textures of over 100 years of construction are on display in the variety of materials and facades comprising the numerous brick and stone factory and warehouse buildings. The Pont De Rennes pedestrian bridge spans the gorge, offering not only stunning views of the falls, but a place to sit and enjoy lunch and meet with others. The iconic blue bridge leads to the Genesee Brewery to the north, a Rochester institution at over 100 years old. The brewery’s former bottling building, the Genesee Brewhouse, is a popular bar and grill, with 16 beers on tap and their version of Rochester’s famous “Garbage Plate.”

Early plans are in the works to construct a New York State Park around the falls, as of 2023.

Complete Guide to Rochester’s High Falls

Time: Plan for an hour or more to see the falls and walk around the historic district.

Lower Falls, just over a mile north of High Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that too holds a significant place in the city’s history and landscape. With a cascade of approximately 110 feet, Lower Falls is the tallest waterfall along the Genesee River, and can be seen from several vantage points.

Like its counterpart, High Falls, Lower Falls played a crucial role in powering the mills and factories that drove the city’s economy in the 19th century. The power generated by the falls was instrumental in establishing the area, then known as McKrackenville, as a center for flour milling and manufacturing. This former mill complex was eventually absorbed into the greater city and the site is now Lower Falls Park, which hugs the west side of the falls and is the most convenient way to see it. To the north, the Driving Park Bridge offers a view of the whole falls from afar, while those looking for more adventure or to join the salmon fishermen who frequent this area, can enter the gorge from a steep trail leading from nearby Maplewood Park to see the falls from below.

Complete Guide to Rochester’s Lower Falls

Time: Plan for an hour or more.

Corbett’s Glen Nature Park is a hidden gem located in the town of Brighton, just outside of Rochester. This small, but beautiful park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, with its lush greenery, serene creek, and scenic trails.

The glen is named after James Corbett, who once farmed the land and developed a part of it as a private park. Through a community grassroots effort to save the land from developers, the land is now preserved and open to the public indefinitely. The park features a variety of habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, which are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. Allens Creek runs through the park, cascading over 3 small waterfalls along the way. The first waterfall, an icon among locals, is a 4-ft drop as the creek emerges from under a historic stone archway railroad bridge.

Complete Guide to Corbett’s Glen Nature Park 

Time: Plan for 1-2 hours.

Another waterfall in the city is Norton’s Falls which can be found along the Genesee Gorge near Seneca Park, just north of downtown. The (roughly) 50-ft tall cascade is fed by a small stream whose course through the city has long since been paved over. It pours over red and grey sandstone as it spreads out across the cliffs leading down into the northern Genesee gorge. A historic trail, once used by the native Seneca to access a landing on the river, leads from the road past the falls and to the riverbank below. The surrounding area was once the village of Carthage, a small settlement that was absorbed into the greater city in the late 1800s.

The falls are located just south of Seneca Park, a historic green space designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, that houses a small, but well curated zoo. Seneca Park is also where you will find Zoo Falls (number 6 on our list).

Complete Guide to Norton’s Falls

Time: Plan for 30 minutes.

Turning Point Park, along the Genesee River north of downtown and Seneca Park is a scenic waterfront park that offers stunning views of the Genesee River and refreshing hiking rails. A former inland port where ships coming in from Lake Ontario would turn around, the land has been completely reclaimed by nature and an important stop on the city’s riverway trail system. One of the highlights of Turning Point Park is the 3,572-foot-long boardwalk that winds through most of the park, taking visitors over the river and through a small wetland which is a birdwatching hotspot year-round.

There are two waterfalls along the tapering gorge walls on the west side of the park. Named for the surrounding rock, Red Falls is a 60 ft cascade and Brown Falls (which often dries out) is 25 ft tall. They are not spectacular falls by any means, but the trip to this wonderful park and the adventure finding them make this a worthy trek.

Complete Guide to Turning Point Falls

Time: Plan for 1-2 hours.

As with Turning Point Falls, this pair of falls can be found along the Genesee River Gorge within the city of Rochester. The falls are located within Seneca Park, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, and spanning over 297 acres along the Genesee River.  Seneca Park is a hallmark of natural beauty and historic design. The Genesee Riverway Trail runs north through the park hugging the rim of the gorge. Along the way are two waterfalls. While many sources classify them as 30 ft tall or so, they do run the height of the gorge, making them about 90ft from top to bottom. The trail runs over the top of them, and if you scramble down as far as you can go, you’ll see about 30ft of them at once.

The eastern side of the park houses the Seneca Park Zoo, which features a diverse array of animals and conservation-focused exhibits, making it a favorite among families.

Complete Guide to Zoo Falls

Time: Plan for 30 minutes to an hour.

The town of Irondequoit, on the northeast side of the city, is home to this 15-ft cascade on Densmore Creek. Hidden within a wooded watershed to nearby Irondequoit Bay, surrounded by a residential area, it’s not a very well-known waterfall outside the community. Still, it’s a beautiful little stop if you are on the northeast side of the city. Combine it with a hike through Irondequoit Bay Park West to make the most of an afternoon.

Complete Guide to Densmore Falls

Time: Plan for 15 minutes.

Honeoye Falls, located in the quaint village of Honeoye Falls, is a 20 minute drive south of the city of Rochester. The picturesque waterfall adds a touch of natural beauty to the historic village center. The falls are part of Honeoye Creek, which meanders through the village before cascading over a 30-foot man-made dam and limestone ledge. The presence of the falls has played a significant role in the village’s development, historically powering mills and factories that contributed to the local economy. Today, the waterfall is a focal point of the village, offering stunning views that are easily accessible from the neighboring park and side streets.

Complete Guide to Honeoye Falls

Time: Plan for 15 minutes or more.

Holley Falls (often called Holley Canal Falls), is about 25 minutes west of Rochester in the small village of Holley. It is a unique and historically significant waterfall created by the man-made diversion of water from the Erie Canal. This waterfall, though not natural, showcases a beautiful cascade that flows through a wooded area and down reddish Medina Sandstone, looking like a perfectly natural landscape. Originally designed as part of the canal’s infrastructure to manage excess water, today, Holley Canal Falls serves as a scenic spot that attracts visitors and locals who appreciate its beauty and serene environment. The falls contribute to the charm of the village, enhancing its appeal as a destination for those interested in the history and engineering of the Erie Canal system.

Complete Guide to Holley Falls

Time: Plan for at least 30 minutes.

Often called Pal-Mac Falls, this man-made waterfall, located 25 minutes east of Rochester, is another overflow outlet of the Erie Canal. Constructed out of brick with a smooth S-shaped face, it is surrounded by the ruins of an old canal aqueduct. The falls is located within Palmyra-Macedon Aqueduct Park, which showcases the canal with informational signage, a replica change bridge, and a fully functioning canal lock. The park also has picnic facilities and access to the Empire State Trail.

Complete Guide to Pal-Mac Aqueduct Falls

Time: Plan for 30 minutes or more.

We cover the more popular and accessible falls above, but there are many more to see if you have the time and energy. Check out our complete list of the waterfalls around Monroe County.