The waterfall is part of the Genesee River gorge, which features exposed rock layers dating back to the Silurian period.
Brown's Race, located next to the falls, was an industrial canal system constructed in the early 1800s to power flour mills.
The High Falls Visitor Center is housed in a repurposed industrial building that preserves the area's architectural heritage.
The falls are located within the footprint of the former Platt Street Bridge, providing a unique vantage point of the river's drop.
Sam Patch, a famous 19th-century daredevil, famously jumped from a platform over High Falls in 1829 before a large crowd.
High Falls is a 96-foot waterfall located on the Genesee River in downtown Rochester, forming the centerpiece of the historic Brown's Race district. The site features the High Falls Visitor Center, which provides historical context on Rochester's evolution from a flour-milling industrial hub to a modern city. The area includes restored 19th-century buildings and pedestrian-friendly walkways offering views of the waterfall and the historic RG&E power station. The waterfall's flow is partially regulated by upstream infrastructure, influencing its appearance throughout the seasons. The district remains a critical example of 19th-century water-powered industrialization. Visitors can access elevated vantage points that overlook the gorge created by the river's descent through the local bedrock.
The center of the Pont de Rennes bridge offers a symmetrical, panoramic view of the falls and the historic power station.
Walk across the Pont de Rennes bridge for the most direct and unobstructed view of the waterfall.
Check the Genesee River water levels online before visiting if you are interested in seeing the falls at peak flow.
Explore the surrounding Brown's Race district to see preserved cobblestone streets and historic industrial architecture.
Do not attempt to climb down into the river gorge or off designated paths, as the terrain is steep and hazardous.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes to navigate cobblestone paths and bridge walkways.
