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Waterfalls

You can go chasing waterfalls in Rochester, NY! The Rochester region is surrounded by water – everything from Lake Ontario, the Genesee River, the Erie Canal, Irondequoit Bay, to the 11 Finger Lakes that make up the nearby Finger Lakes region.  So it is no wonder that visitors to Rochester can discover multiple waterfalls in both the City of Rochester and Monroe County. 

  • High Falls – High Falls is the tallest of the three waterfalls that flows through the City of Rochester along the Genesee River. High Falls is a 96-foot waterfall in the center of downtown Rochester. Enjoy striking views of High Falls from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge, or from the rooftop of the Genesee Brew House. 
  • Lower Falls – Lower Falls is one of six waterfalls on the Genesee River, and three of the waterfalls are located in Rochester. Lower Falls can best be viewed from Lower Falls park, which provides spectacular views of the 85-foot Lower Falls. Lower Falls is also a popular spot for fishing, accessible via a parking area on Seth Green Blvd. 
  • Corbett’s Glen – Located in the town of Brighton, Corbett’s Glen features 2 miles of trails, a boardwalk area, deck viewing area and a seating area that overlooks Postcard Falls.  

Finger Lakes Region

  • Watkins Glen State Park – There are 19 waterfalls along the course of the glen, and a gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Watkins Glen State Park is a 90-minute drive from Rochester. 
  • Buttermilk Falls – Buttermilk Falls State Park takes its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley side toward Cayuga Lake. Buttermilk Falls is 1 hour and 43 minutes from Rochester. 
  • Taughannock Falls State Park – Taughannock Falls State Park's namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast, plunging 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Taughannock Falls is less than 90 minutes from Rochester. 
  • Robert H. Treman State Park – Robert H. Treman State Park features a rugged gorge called Enfield Glen as its scenic highlight. Winding trails follow the gorge past 12 waterfalls, including the 115-foot Lucifer Falls. Robert H. Treman State Park is 1 hour and 47 minutes from Rochester. 
  • Grimes Glen – Located in Ontario County, Grimes Glen features two 60’ waterfalls accessible via a creek walk (be sure to bring your water shoes!). Grimes Glen is a one hour drive from Rochester. 

Nearby Waterfalls 

  • Letchworth State Park – Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East,” features three major waterfalls on the Genesee River --as high as 600 feet in some places--surrounded by lush forests. Letchworth State Park is just a 45 minute drive from Rochester. 
  • Niagara Falls – Experience one of the natural wonders of the world, just a 90-minute drive from Rochester. Niagara Falls State Park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, Niagara Falls is comprised of three waterfalls, from largest to smallest, the Horseshoe Falls (also known as the Canadian Falls), American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.