GRT links nine historic districts and individual landmarks including the 1842 Erie Canal Aqueduct and the 1822 Lake Ontario Lighthouse. The trail serves the University of Rochester and a host of other city attractions, services, and neighborhoods.
The trail runs on both sides of the river from the south city line to Court St downtown, a total of 9 miles. This section of trail has five pedestrian bridges and a variety of trail loops.
North of downtown, the trail is continuous from Middle Falls (Brewer St or Driving Park Ave) to Lake Ontario, a total of 7 miles.
The Genesee Riverway Trail is marked with a system of wayfinding and interpretive signs to encourage and guide public use. Most of the trail is paved and easily accessible. Steep, rough, or narrow sections of the trail are clearly signed.
GRT is a designated National Recreation Trail. Beyond the city, it links to the statewide Erie Canal Heritage Trail, and the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail (south to Pennsylvania).
Parks along the trail
- Genesee Valley Park
- Bausch and Lomb Riverside Park
- Durand Eastman Park
- Genesee Gateway Park
- High Falls Terrace Park
- Highland Park
- Middle Falls Crossing
- Lower Falls Park
- Maplewood Park
- Ontario Beach Park
- Seneca Park
- Turning Point Park
Historic districts/sites/neighborhoods along the trail
- Bridge Square/The Cascade District
- Brown's Race/High Falls
- Charlotte
- Charlotte Lighthouse
- Corn Hill
- East Avenue
- Erie Canal Aqueduct
- Grove-Gibbs
- Hochstein
- Mt. Hope
- Maplewood
- South Wedge