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Print Friendly MapBy the early 1800s, Rochester had earned the nickname of Flour City because of its numerous mills that allowed the young town to rapidly become the largest flour producer in the United States. The flour mills were located along the Genesee River, whose waterfalls provided power to keep them running. Now, the Genesee Riverway Trail closely follows the river on its north–south course through Rochester, providing stunning vistas of the falls on the way.
While the waterfalls near the midpoint of the trail are a main attraction, there’s plenty more to see along the well-used trail. Begin your trip in the north at Ontario Beach Park, where the trail juts out into Lake Ontario along a pier offering panoramic views. Back on land, you’ll pass the park’s historical—and still operating—carousel from 1905. Follow signs to continue through the oft-crowded park and parking lots to meet the Genesee River for the first time. For a short distance, you’ll course between riverside docks and a rail line, in a configuration known as rail-with-trail.
Soon you’ll arrive in Turning Point Park, where a long and winding boardwalk transports trail users across the marshy Genesee River Turning Basin, which once served as a turnaround point for boats before they reached the river’s waterfalls, as well as a loading dock for ferries transporting rail cars full of coal. Back on land, the trail continues south as a rail-trail on the former line, eventually curving to meet Lake Avenue, where the trail then parallels the roadway. (Cyclists will need to pay attention, as the pathway eventually becomes unidirectional on both sides of the road, requiring a crossing for those traveling southbound.)
After transitioning briefly to sidewalks and bike lanes, the multiuse trail continues, unsigned, at Maplewood Drive. Signs resume where a turn to the left will take you across a trail bridge; take the turn for river views or direct access to the Seneca Park Zoo, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Back on the main route, the trail narrows as it passes under the granite-arched Veterans Memorial Bridge before emerging into a wooded corridor that displays spectacular colors in the fall months. You’ll be able to glimpse the river again too—while you began alongside boats docked in the river, the water now courses at a significant distance below you. The trailside Maplewood Park along this stretch provides an excellent stopping point, with a rose garden (and restrooms) likely to beckon.
Immediately after crossing Driving Park Avenue, you’ll reach your first waterfall. Lower Falls Park delivers spectacular views of the eponymous waterfall and attractive Driving Park Bridge, as well as interpretive signage. Just to the south, the Middle Falls lack views but provide an excellent reminder of the importance of the falls to Rochester, as you cross via the top of an active hydroelectric dam. Now on the eastern side of the river, the trail soon transitions once more to bike lanes and sidewalks on St. Paul Street that direct trail users to another crossing of the Genesee River on the Smith Street Bridge. Pause on the bridge to take in impressive views of downtown Rochester.
Back on the western side of the river, the trail again uses a former rail corridor to pass through industrial parts of the city before merging into the road network of the charming High Falls District—one of the oldest neighborhoods in Rochester. Pont de Rennes is a necessary visit; the converted road bridge offers cyclists and pedestrians unobstructed views of the High Falls from their namesake neighborhood. Look for physical reminders of Rochester’s industrial past in the gorge that surrounds the 96-foot waterfall—the main driver of the city’s industrial past.
Just before the trail passes through the High Falls District, it loses signage; trail users are advised to consult a map to proceed through Rochester’s downtown. Several sections are on sidewalk or road, while at other times the trail is a riverside promenade that will challenge cyclists and wheelchair users with stairs. At Court Street, the trail splits, offering trail users an option on either side of the Genesee River. No matter which route you choose, the river will be just a stone’s throw away, and you’ll marvel at the stillness of the water so close to the High Falls.
The eastern route passes through the campus of the University of Rochester, but two trail bridges spanning the river offer direct access to trail users on the western side. Those on the eastern side will need to cross the river at Genesee Valley Park (another Olmsted design), as the alternative will send you eastbound on the Erie Canalway Trail. Back on the Genesee River’s western bank, the trail continues a short distance to its end at a signed junction with the Genesee Valley Greenway near Greater Rochester International Airport.
Other trails to explore in this scenic area include the Lehigh Valley Trail, the Irondequoit Lakeside Multi-Use Trail, and the Lake Ontario State Parkway Trail.
Parking at the trail’s northern end is available in Ontario Beach Park. To reach the park from I-490, take Exit 21 for I-590 S/NY 590 N. Follow signs for, and merge onto, NY 590 N. Travel 5.4 miles on NY 590 until you reach a traffic circle. At the circle, take the second exit onto Sea Breeze Dr., and travel 1.1 miles, continuing on Sea Breeze Dr. through two traffic circles along the way. At the third traffic circle, take the third exit onto Durand Blvd., and continue straight as it becomes Sweet Fern Road, Pine Valley Road, and Lake Shore Blvd. After 3.3 miles, turn right onto St. Paul Blvd. then immediately turn left onto Pattonwood Dr. Go 0.9 mile, crossing the Genesee River, and turn right onto Lake Ave. After 0.6 mile, turn right onto Corrigan St. to drive directly into Ontario Beach Park’s parking lots. The trail begins along the pier at the park’s northeast corner.
Parking near the trail’s southern end can be found in Genesee Valley Park. To reach the park from I-390 S, take Exit 16A for E. River Road toward NY 15/W. Henrietta Road, and turn right onto E. River Road. In 0.1 mile proceed through the traffic circle, then in 0.3 mile take your first right onto Hawthorne Dr. Follow Hawthorne Dr. 0.3 mile, then turn right onto Moore Road. Cross the Erie Canal, then take your first left into the park.
I lived here for over ten years and an back visiting family. A friend took me on this and it was a really nice way to see the city and go all the way up to the lake.
Majority of the trail through downtown is under construction. You end riding surface streets that are also under construction. - 8/8/2022
Many reviews and trail descriptions fail to make mention of how suitable the trail is for various bikes. My wife and I travel with small, folding, electric bikes, with 12 inch wheels. This was perfect for our bikes. A very memorable ride!
This was our first visit to this trail, having started biking 5 miles to the east in Rush, NY on the Lehigh Valley Trail and then at Wadsworth Junction just west of the Genesee River, headed south on this trail. Being a designated NYS State Park, the stone dust surface is one of the best we've experienced, as wide as a car lane heading south at least four miles to Rt 20 where it becomes a dirt path.
We arrived from Chicago and did a twilight ride of this trail. We started out in Rochester at the big falls. We found that the trail once found was very nice however signage we though was very confusing and could be better for the non locals. Great scenery of a trail that offers so much. We unfortunately only made it to Maple Park before the sun was setting. Better information in my opinion is needed for this trail.
Nice review of this great trail. But, there are a few errors here. The northern end of the trail does begin at Ontario Beach Park. But this is in the City of Rochester, not the Town of Irondequoit. The southern end of the trail is near the Erie Canal, also in the City of Rochester, not the Town of Brighton. This is a wonderful urban trail that is fully within the City. It is not in the suburbs as reported here.
My friend and I did a circular trip starting in Fairport, NY. Went along the Erie Canal to Niagara Falls and then back along Lake Ontario. Picking it up at the north it was an enjoyable ride for the first few miles. Loved the long wooden bridge over the water. However, when we arrived near downtown Rochester it became very difficult to navigate. We spent much time in downtown Rochester dodging cars and trying to reconnect with the southern section. It would be great if they continued the bike lane near the Kodak plant but it ended abruptly. We took to a parallel road that wasn't as dangerous, and asked a mailman for directions to get back on the paved part. He was most helpful. We followed directions and then got back on the path in downtown Rochester (after bringing fully loaded bikes down a few steps) only to go half a city block to have to climb another set of steps and see a sign that the trail went right on the road and then left along another busy road. We finally got back on the very nice paved southern part.
If they could do something with the center part of the ride it would be a great trail. The bike lane was great but wonder why they did away with it when the road became really busy.
I thought I had rated this trail previously but don't see it on the site. We did half of this trail, from Lake Ontario Park to Maplewood Park. I saw some road bikes but hybrids are a great fit for this trail. Signage was very good, a bit hard to find the trail at the beginning but the trail hugs the river bank, you don't stay confused for long. The trail is simply gorgeous and yes, some of the trails are city side walks but not a lot. You have a wonderful boardwalk right over the river for a bit. We chose to start our ride at my favorite childhood restaurant, The Char Pit, retro place to the 50's and 60's for a great burger. We also chose to park in the Abbott's Ice Cream Parking Lot vs the Lake Ontario Parking Lot for car security purposes. Lots of historical features on the trail, learn about Rochester History! Imagine our surprise when we got to Maplewood Park (at Driving Park Bridge) to find their was the Rose Festival going on, roses were in their prime. We chose to stop here as we had things to do. A brief comment about the remainder of the trail, as you approach city center you will briefly be going through part of Rochester's disadvantaged neighborhoods. You might consider not going through late/early hours. I might also recommend riding with a buddy.
I plan to head back to my hometown Rochester this summer and I am elated that there are so many biking options. I know my old city well and it may be one of the most cycle-able cities ever!
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