City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, September 9, 2009) – Everyone crosses the bridges over the Genesee River in Rochester, but very few explore the beautiful geologic features carved into the bedrock below. Join local historian Hal Schylers for a series of guided hikes on Sundays in the Lower Gorge. The hikes are part of the City’s Flower City Looking Good Program. No registration is necessary.
The tours are for nature lovers, exercise enthusiasts and history buffs. Who was Elsa Von Blumen? Where was McCrackinville? Where was the largest single wooden arch bridge ever built located? Why is the Charlotte lighthouse so far from Lake Ontario? Bring family and friends every Sunday or sample just one of them.
Each walk is 2 to 2 ½ hours, consisting of a circuit of the Lower Gorge of the Genesee River from Charlotte to the Middle Falls on the west side of the Genesee and returning to Charlotte via the old village of Carthage, Seneca Park, the Irondequoit Flats and Shedville on the east. Participants must be able to walk 4 miles at a moderate pace. Terrain is generally flat but a few walks have more difficult spots.
Meet at the designated area and car pool to the starting point. This is necessary as the walks are linear not circular. Walks will be held rain or shine. Rest room facilities are limited. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Walks will be 2 to 2 ½ hours in length. If possible keep an extra 30 minutes open in case we run late. Bring something to drink and a snack.
Detailed schedule follows:
• Sun. Sept. 13 - Petten Street parking lot, at the east end of the street next to the Genesee River. Hike covers: Ontario Beach Park, Port of Rochester, Charlotte Lighthouse, Bill Davis Overlook, Charlotte Cemetery and Secret Sidewalk.
• Sun. Sept. 20 – The Upper Maplewood Parking park (Rose Garden). The corner of Lake Avenue and Driving Park Avenue. Hike covers: King’s Landing Cemetery, Eastman Memorial, King’s Landing, Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, Kelsey’s Landing, Lower Falls and Middle Falls.
• Sun. Sept. 27 – The Seneca Park Zoo parking lot off St. Paul. Park in the Seneca Park Zoo south end parking lot. Hike covers: Driving Park Bridge, Kodak Hawkeye Works, Rochester School for the Deaf, Carthage, Seth Green, Switchback Trail and Seneca Park.
• Sun. Oct. 4 – Meet at Petten Street. Hike covers: St. Bernard’s Seminary, Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Riverside Cemetery, Bullock’s Woods, Turning Point Park and Walkway.
• Sun. Oct. 11 – Petten Street parking lot. Hike covers: Seneca Park Zoo, Trout Pond, Aviary, Band Stand, Swimming Pool, Seneca Park North, Irondequoit Flats, Rattlesnake Point, Shedville, O’Rourke Bridge Petten Street.
For more information, visit www.lowerfalls.org and click on Lower Genesee Gorge or contact the City’s Recreation Bureau at 585-428-6771.
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News Media: Contacts Jim Farr at 428-6866 or Michael Warren Thomas at 703-9237.