Terrace Park, Rochester

Terrace Park in Rochester offers one of the most striking vantage points in the city, perched just above the Genesee River gorge with sweeping views of the 96-foot-high High Falls. This urban waterfall, the tallest on the Genesee and one of the few major waterfalls situated in the heart of a city provides a dramatic backdrop to the park’s peaceful green space. What makes Terrace Park truly unique is its ability to frame three key historical landmarks at once: the edge of High Falls, the original wheel pit from one of Rochester’s earliest saw mills, and “The Leap” - the very spot where daredevil Sam Patch made his fatal jump in 1829.

The park is located on the former site of the Gorsline Building, integrated into the Brown’s Race Historic District - an area once powered by the roaring energy of the falls and now preserved as a reminder of Rochester’s industrial roots. From here, you’re steps away from other historic features like old mills and the preserved canal raceways that once drove early 19th-century factories. Self-guided walking tours through the Brown’s Race district make Terrace Park an ideal starting point for visitors curious about the city’s development around its natural landscape.

Terrace Park itself is more than just a scenic lookout - it’s a thoughtfully designed urban retreat. Wide walking paths and lounge areas invite you to pause and enjoy the roar of the falls, while picnic tables and grill stations set into lush, grassy expanses make it a welcoming place for families, lunch breaks, or sunset views. The park’s elevated terrace and benches offer unobstructed views of the gorge and cascading water, making it one of Rochester’s favorite spots for photos and quiet reflection.