High Falls, Urban waterfall in Downtown Rochester, United States
High Falls is a waterfall on the Genesee River in downtown Rochester that drops about 96 feet into a gorge. The site is surrounded by industrial buildings and modern structures with multiple viewpoints where visitors can experience the water's power.
In the 1800s, the falls powered mills and factories that made Rochester an important industrial center. This industrial past shaped the city and remains visible in the architecture surrounding the water.
The bridge spanning the gorge serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors pause to experience nature within the city. People linger here to watch the water and feel the river's power.
The falls are free to visit and can be viewed from various positions around the site. A pedestrian bridge offers good views year-round and helps visitors find the best vantage point.
The site is linked to Sam Patch, a famous stuntman who jumped from the falls in 1829 and died in the attempt. This dramatic moment remains part of local history and reflects the area's adventurous past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.