On Our River

The Genesee River flows north 157 miles, creates the Letchworth Gorge, contains numerous falls and empties into Lake Ontario. The Corn Hill Riverfront segment of the river, at 3,500 feet, has never been more delightful.

The Corn Hill River Walk

To enjoy Corn Hill’s 3,500 foot riverfront, start at Corn Hill Landing (250 Exchange Blvd) and walk to the Ford Street Bridge; photo highlights are below. You can also cross the bridge to complete our wonderful two-mile loop along the Genesee River.

#1

Discover the Genesee Riverway Trail

Corn Hill’s 3500’ riverfront, along Genesee Riverway Trail, has never been more delightful. Going south, the trail connects Corn Hill to the University of Rochester, Genesee Valley Park and the Erie Canal. Going north (upstream), the trail goes through downtown, by Brown’s Race and the High Falls, parallels the river gorge, goes by Lower Falls Park, travels through Maplewood Park, follows Turning Point’s boardwalk, and ends at Ontario Beach Park.

#2

Admire the Riverie

Corn Hill Navigation launched its new boat in June 2023, the Riverie, offering a variety of scenic and educational river cruises for the public, school groups, and private charters.

#3

Explore Corn Hill Landing

At 250 Exchange Blvd, Corn Hill Landing has been an anchor for the neighborhood since 2005, with restaurants, wine bar, wine & spirits store, and 100+ apartments.

#4

Relax on the Public Terrace

The Corn Hill Landing Terrace is open to the public through an agreement with the City. Courtesy of Corn Hill Neighbors are picnic tables and new Adirondack Chairs, built in 2023 by Edison Tech students.

#5

rochester ny skyline from the Genesee River

Take in the City Skyline

Rochester’s skyline, enhanced in 2005 by the new Frederick Douglass – Susan B. Anthony Bridge (I-490)

#6

Walk the Revitalized Riverfront

South of the Corn Hill Landing, in 2021-2 the City and NYS replaced over 2,000 feet of ugly flood wall with berms, grand views, a plaza, & grassy spaces - resulting in a delightful river walk.

#7

Visit North Star Commons

This plaza, on the trail at S. Fitzhugh Place, has benches, landscaping and a 2023 statue celebrating the historic 1864 meeting of Frederick Douglass with Abraham Lincoln. Reach this plaza using a pedestrian crossing light on Exchange Blvd.

#8

Enjoy Corn Hill’s Butterfly Garden

Further south from North Star Commons, this butterfly garden was planted in 2023 by Corn Hill Neighbor’s volunteers, with support from the Seneca Park Zoo.

To Complete the 2-mile River Walk ...

Cross the Ford Street Bridge and go north on the eastern section of the Riverway Trail. Stroll past several apartment buildings and the newly refurbished Genesee Gateway Park.
You are now in the South Wedge, with the trail paralleling Mt. Hope Avenue.
Continue north. To your right, get a glimpse of the 1822 Old Stone Warehouse. Go under the I-490 Bridge and gape at the Roc Skate Park.
Continue on the trail. View the Court Street Dam – that enabled the river to become a part of the Erie Canal. At this point, the historic Johnson & Seymour Millrace will be between your and the river.
The trail now goes behind Dinosaur BBQ, housed in a former railroad station. You’ll soon arrive at Court Street.
Walk west over the river on the 1893 Court Street Bridge. View to the north the old Erie Canal’s historic Broad Street Aqueduct (built 1836-41; it’s underneath Broad Street). Enjoy downtown Rochester.
Turn left onto the western section of the Riverway Trail, read the markers about the Court Street Dam, go under I-490 and return to Corn Hill Landing.

You have now completed Rochester’s best 2-mile river walk.