For Lower Falls Park to hold a 5-star yelp rating (admittedly, with only 3 prior reviews) might be an indication of the lack of hiking or parks in the Rochester area. I can't be certain; this is just a hunch.
As others have said, best parking is at the Maplewood YMCA. From here, you'll see signs directing you to the path that leads to a view of the impressive beauty of Lower Falls. The best photos of these falls are taken from down below, on the rocky area, a nice distance away from the base of the falls. The problem is that there's no path to get you there and all my derring-do has evaporated, the result of a recently broken wrist. I wasn't willing to walk down any uncharted hillsides or step over any railings so my view of the falls was from the path. Even from there, they're impressive.
The rest of Lower Falls Park isn't too impressive.
A path winds you through the park in one direction from which you'll need to retreat when you run out of path. That comes a lot sooner than I'd hoped. I think this park is perfect for those who want to see some falls, don't mind a couple of mild hills, and don't want to walk very far.
If you exit the park at the path furthest from the YMCA parking lot you'll see signs directing you to the Genesee Riverwalk Trail leading to Upper Falls. Resist the urge as that trail takes you through some extremely unscenic, possibly unsafe, areas; better to return to your car and drive to Upper Falls.
Perhaps I'm spoiled, living in a county with more than 50% dedicated open space and mile after mile of of hiking trails, but Lower Falls Park didn't blow my socks off. The falls are impressive but the park as a whole is somewhat less so. read more