High Falls State Park is situated in the heart of downtown Rochester, NY, encompassing the iconic 80-foot waterfall on the Genesee River. The park is primarily located within the gorge, which can be best viewed from the recently opened Pont de Rennes Bridge, Smith Street Bridge, and High Falls Terrace Park.
The park will span approximately 40 acres, offering green spaces, walking trails, scenic overlooks, and recreational areas. Its boundaries extend from the Inner Loop Bridge in the south to the Running Track Bridge in the north.
NY State Parks will operate the park, likely in collaboration with various community partners and organizations. It will be open from dawn to dusk.
The first improvements are expected to open in 2026, with subsequent phases continuing afterward. The final park is expected to be completed in 2032.
The park’s development will bring direct and indirect economic benefits and create jobs in construction, landscaping, security, and park management. It is also expected to attract regional visitors, boosting local development and the economy.
Safety is a top priority, ensuring that visitors have a welcoming and enjoyable experience. We are currently planning for the presence of NY State Parks Police and security personnel on-site, and we will also coordinate with the local Rochester Police and Fire Departments. The safety features being designed are expected to include well-lit pathways, fencing in key areas, wayfinding signage, and emergency call stations throughout the park.
Nearby parking will be available for visitors, along with encouraged options for bicycle parking and public transit access. We are exploring various transportation plans to accommodate different modes of travel, especially for larger events in the park.
Entry to the park will be free. Certain amenities or special events may have associated costs.
NY State Parks is committed to meeting the public’s needs by continually updating its park programming and events. Specific programs will be designed as part of the park’s development and in collaboration with community partners.
We will address accessibility by exceeding ADA requirements and implementing universal design principles, guided by an experienced design consulting team and park personnel, to maximize access to the park for individuals of all abilities.
High Falls stands about 80 feet tall. Before the Mt. Morris Dam was built in 1952, the Genesee River often flooded downtown Rochester. An earlier effort to increase flood capacity involved blasting and dredging the riverbed, which reduced High Falls’ height from 96 feet to its current level.