Roc The Riverway Weekend 2024
Plan your Genesee River experience!
6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Daily until November for anglers and spectators. Seth Green Dr. and Norton St. off St. Paul Blvd. This section of the Genesee River offers some of the most exciting fishing in New York State- right in the city.
Fishing allowed from the St. Rte. 104 Bridge upstream to the lower falls on the Genesee River, from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
1:30 - 3 p.m. and 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is a live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the Young Lion of the West as well as interesting sites along the way.
A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port.
3 - 6 p.m.
We'll meet at the Blue Cross Arena! The open house is fully accessible and open to all ages.
- The self-guided tour is not recommended for those with mobility limitations, as stairs are required for entry and exit.
- Tour participants must be 16 or older (ages 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult).
- Closed-toed shoes are required, and flashlights and masks are recommended.
- Access to the underground space will be first-come, first-served due to occupancy limits.
- The event is rain or shine and free of charge.
- Waivers must be signed prior to entering the Aqueduct space.
- ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This sunset cruise will include a musical performance by folk singer-songwriters Alexander Fals and Hayley Dayis, accompanied by guitar, baritone ukulele or ngoni.
Gather at 6, ride begins at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Genesee Valley Sports Complex, 131 Elmwood Ave.
Light up your bike with bike lights, glow sticks and other creative lighting options. Kickstands up at 6:30pm for a ~10-mile "callithumpian" romp around Rochester bike boulevards and trails.
Intermediate level ride (must have control of your bike and be able to keep up with a casual but steady pace. Expect a couple moderate hills).
6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Daily until November for anglers and spectators. Seth Green Dr. and Norton St. off St. Paul Blvd. This section of the Genesee River offers some of the most exciting fishing in New York State- right in the city.
Fishing allowed from the St. Rte. 104 Bridge upstream to the lower falls on the Genesee River, from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join the United States Geological Survey for a Sturgeon release at Seth Green Park by Lower Falls. Learn about the near 20 years of successful sturgeon reintroduction, spray paint stenciled sturgeon awareness signage in multiple languages, be joined by “Seth” our 6-foot fiberglass sturgeon mascot, observe staff measure weight, length, girth, and tag data. Attendees may participate in release of hatchery-reared sturgeon into the lower Genesee River.
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
We'll meet at the Blue Cross Arena! The open house is fully accessible and open to all ages.
- The self-guided tour is not recommended for those with mobility limitations, as stairs are required for entry and exit.
- Tour participants must be 16 or older (ages 16-17 must be accompanied by an adult).
- Closed-toed shoes are required, and flashlights and masks are recommended.
- Access to the underground space will be first-come, first-served due to occupancy limits.
- The event is rain or shine and free of charge.
- Waivers must be signed prior to entering the Aqueduct space.
- ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Join docents from the Maplewood Neighborhood Association and learn about the five bridges over the gorge, the rivalry between Carthage and Rochester and the river’s transformation from a place of industry to recreation. Tours are about 45 minutes long with the last tour starting around 3 p.m. Meet in the Maplewood Rose Garden Parking Lot.
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Dive into the history of Rochester and visit the locations that define our City’s origin, including Ebenezer Allen's Mill, the two Erie Canal Aqueducts and the Main Street Bridge. It will be about 1 mile in length. Meet on the south terrace of the Central Library's Rundel Building on the NW corner of South Avenue and Court Street.
11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Join Corn Hill Navigation for a two- and half-hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal!
While aboard you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal and how a lock works with live guided narration. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways.
12 - 1:45 p.m.
Unimaginable circumstances! Unexplained phenomena! Unfortunate events! Unbelievable superstitions!
These are just some of what affected Mount Hope Cemetery “residents” during their time among the living. Escorted tour groups will depart from the north gatehouse every 15 minutes starting at noon.
The last tour group will depart at 1:45 p.m. Advance ticket sales are limited to 25 people per time slot.
The tour will last approximately 90 minutes. The route includes paved and unpaved roads, grassy areas, and hills. This event is not recommended for children younger than 10. Meet at the North Gate House: 791 Mount Hope Avenue (opposite Robinson Dr).
Learn more | From the Beyond: Tales of Melancholy, Grief, and Tragedy
1 - 2 p.m.
Join Dan Cody for a 1-mile walking tour of the historic High Falls/Brown's Race district. Explore one of the city's oldest areas and learn how early settlers harnessed the power of the mighty Genesee River to run the mills and factories that created The Flour City and put Rochester on the map as an American boomtown.
Meet at the corner of State St. and Commercial St. Presented by the Rochester Public Library's Local History &
1:30 - 3 p.m.
Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Meet on the Broad Street Bridge and travel along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by street to explore the recent and future enhancements to the riverfront. The tour will feature projects in High Falls, Downtown, and in the South River Corridor. Helmets required.
1 - 5 p.m.
Tour the oldest surviving aid to navigation lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower to see the new fourth-order Fresnel lens and a great panorama view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area.
In the Keeper’s House, view the history of Lighthouses in the area, and display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s. Several new displays, one is the 1905 Dentzel Carousel.
Also added new displays featuring the 1916 Annexation of Charlotte, Charlotte High School, Port of Rochester, & Along the Genesee. Outside, take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission is $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). Open Fri., Sat., & Sun.
For further information call 585-621-6179 or click the button below:
2:30 - 4 p.m. and 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this voyage is a live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the Young Lion of the West as well as interesting sites along the way.
A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port. Enjoy a 90- minute afternoon cruise or a 2-hour sunset cruise.
3 - 6 p.m.
Join Genesee RiverWatch and the Genesee Waterways Center in teaming up with the Seneca Park Zoo Society to celebrate ROC the Riverway Weekend with an educational stewardship paddle along the Genesee River.
This all-levels paddle offers participants opportunities to see the Genesee riverfront development projects up close while also learning about our local environment and helping to clean up our river. An adult must accompany all children under 18. No prior experience necessary.
Pre-registration required. Call 328-3960 or click the button below to register
6 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Daily until November for anglers and spectators. Seth Green Dr. and Norton St. off St. Paul Blvd. This section of the Genesee River offers some of the most exciting fishing in New York State- right in the city.
Fishing allowed from the St. Rte. 104 Bridge upstream to the lower falls on the Genesee River, from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
10 - 11:30 a.m.
Genesee River South Walking Tour. This two-mile walk will offer participants a chance to learn about the history of the river south of the city center to the Ford Street Bridge.
Highlights include the Johnson and Seymour plot and millrace, the Erie Canal weigh lock, the barge canal harbor, the feeder canal and the Rochester millrace. Meet on the south terrace of the Central Library's Rundel Building on the NW corner of South Avenue and Court Street.
12 - 3 p.m.
- Interactive kids entertainment with The Happy Pirates
- Horse-drawn hayrides
- Pumpkin decorating
- Historic Denzel Carousel rides
- Donuts, cider and other treats
- Face painting and balloon art
- Live local music
- Guided history walking tour including the 200-year-old lighthouse, Charlotte Cemetery, and River Street
- Presentation on the awesome successful reintroduction of sturgeon into the river and lake
1 - 2 p.m.
Join us at the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, 70 Lighthouse St., for a walking tour of historic Charlotte.
From the Lighthouse, we will make our way along the Genesee River and south to the Charlotte Cemetery, resting place of ship captains, soldiers, and early settlers of Charlotte.
Walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Rain or shine. For more information, call 585-285-1747.
1 - 2:30 p.m.
This foundational tour is a 90-minute walk of approximately a mile on both paved roads and uneven terrain.
This includes the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, topics of local history, horticulture, geology, architecture, monument symbolism, and more.
Tickets are $15 for non-members and free for members and children under 18 accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
2 - 4 p.m.
Join the Corn Hill Neighbors for a 1.5-mile walk along the Genesee River and through the Historic Third Ward.
This educational walk will highlight the impact of the Genesee River on indigenous Haudenosaunee, early European settlers, the Underground Railroad and the historical uses of our local waterways as well as a glimpse into the architectural styles of the neighborhoods mansions and cottages.
Participants will come to appreciate the diversity and resilience of today's community that has created an urban village of residents working together to produce the July Corn Hill Arts Festival and Holiday Tour of Homes. Meet at the Waterspirit Sculpture on Exchange at South Plymouth.
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., 1:30 - 3 p.m., and 3:30 - 5 p.m.
Starting from the Staybridge Suites at 1000 Genesee Street, enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation.
Included with this 90-minute voyage is a live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the Young Lion of the West as well as interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester.
Self-guided mobile tours
The Genesee River Alliance and Tour Blend have created many free audio-guided mobile tours along the Genesee River Trail.
You can enjoy these walking / biking tours any time, using your smartphone. Start by downloading the free Tour Blend app.
You may also use of th following links in any web browser to access the guided tours. Just click the button for the corresponding route in the table below:
Tour | Link |
Walk on the Old Erie Canal | Self-guided mobile tour |
Downtown Riverfront Tour | Self-guided mobile tour |
High Falls Historic District | Self-guided mobile tour |
Lower Falls and Maplewood Park | Self-guided mobile tour |
Lower Genesee and Seneca Park | Self-guided mobile tour |
Charlotte and the Port of Rochester | Self-guided mobile tour |
Genesee River South Loop: | Self-guided mobile tour |
Boating tours
Enjoy these free audio-guided tours as you paddle or motor up the Genesee River, starting from the Port of Rochester Boat Launch or the Petten Street Boat Launch
High Falls Ecoloop Reimagined Tour
While the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge at High Falls is undergoing an upgrade, use the newly updated High Falls Ecoloop tour to walk or bike between High Falls Terrace Park and the High Falls Historic District.
Follow the map and you will hear geo-located audio stories at 22 different locations along the route. The tour features stories describing Rochester's early industrial development, including Brown’s Race and Rochester Marshmallow Works, the first company in America to make and distribute marshmallows.
See plans for the High Falls State Park in the Genesee River Gorge below you, as you stand on the Smith Street Bridge. Hear about recycling in Rochester more than a century ago, and learn about the importance of biodiversity and pollinators today.
To begin, download the Tour Blend app, or click the button below to access the tour in a web browser.
About Roc the Riverway Weekend
Roc the Riverway Weekend is a celebration of the Genesee River and the ambitious initiative to transform the river corridor that began in 2018. From the farms lining its banks along the Genesee Valley, to its industrial heritage, the mighty Genesee is at the heart of who we are and how our community developed.
Roc the Riverway is a series of projects that is transforming this former industrial waterway into a community recreational corridor that provides opportunities for all to interact with water. Celebrate this transformation with us! Come out, experience a weekend of activities, and learn more about our community’s vision for the future.
This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend will feature activities up and down the Genesee River from Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, tours and more all focused on introducing folks to the beauty and history of our City and its waterways. The weekend will also highlight progress on the myriad of Roc the Riverway capital improvements and the efforts towards establishing a new State Park at High Falls.