High Falls Terrace 'pocket park' is a new park right next to the high falls and Genesee Brewery. It has it's own entrance and parking lot with sign, and the grounds are designed with colorful benches and lounge-type seating, plus a paved (accessible) walkway. It feels inviting, even though each time I have visited there haven't been many other visitors, and, it's already starting to be graffitied over.
I've always felt this little area was sort of a 'secret spot' in Rochester. Before it was designated as an 'official park,' I would park at the brewery and walk over to see the falls from the elevated viewing platform. You had to know it was there though, as the platform was hidden by overgrown shrubbery and weeds, and there was a large billboard there that kind of distracted you. But the platform (which was painted with a 'ground mural' showing barrels in swirling water) has, in my opinion, been one of the most underrated spots in Rochester for viewing the high falls. In spring/summer/fall, you get a great overview of the falls, the gorge and the city skyline; in winter, though the spray from the falls can cause ice build up, you can get some amazing views (and beautiful photos) of the frozen gorge.
Since the 'official park designation,' the city has made an effort to maintain the grounds (mowed grass, garbage removed, newly planted trees) and encourage visitors to use the viewing platform, especially since the Pont de Rennes bridge is under construction and currently not accessible. Since summer, I've been here 4 times with groups of visitors to Rochester, and everyone is always impressed by the view.
I definitely recommend this park and encourage everyone to visit! The more visitors, the more the city will invest in and maintain places like this, which highlight some of Rochester's best natural resources. read more