Easy to find, plenty or parking and a smooth walk wit beautiful views and wildlife. This path will take you all the way to Port Charlotte. My friends and I had a lovely walk down the trail to this well maintained boardwalk and the path after all the way to Port Charlotte and back. Along the way we saw several turtles sunning themselves as well as swans and other birds. I would definitely recommend this park to anyone looking to get in some fresh air, exercise and enjoyment of nature! read more

See all

I love this park so unique a trail on the water. Takes you from the beach to downtown. Clean and always cool being on the water. read more

See all

Love the boardwalk!! So peaceful and a great place to spot birds and other critters. Can take this path all the way down to the Charlotte lighthouse. Great for running and bike riding as well. read more

This park, on a lot of social media sites came highly recommended. My boyfriend and I are both avid nature lovers, and enjoy checking out different parks. Very picturesque, quiet, and tranquil, it was nice as we were the only ones there later in the day. We did a little exploring with it being winter , walked along the bike path, opposite end of the boardwalk, on Lake Ontario that turns into the Genesee River trail. I can imagine the hiking, wildlife, view and bike riding to be magnificent in the spring, summer and fall. It amazed me personally too see a coyote;on a winter day, guess you never know what you will see in nature. Coming from Buffalo, where we have a lot of great parks as well, this was worth the drive and a stop to explore. We did check out the structures from an old shipping yard that were still there . Look forward to checking the park out in warmer weather. read more

See all

Wow this park is beautiful!! How is this park not talked about more!? There's a long walkway that goes over the water and its just epic. Why walk in the woods when you can walk on water? The walkway is relatively flat with a gradual incline/decline depending on the direction you're going. Very peaceful, one of the top parks in Rochester in my opinion. read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

See all

On social media I follow this NYS cool places to visit page (I don't know the exact name of it), and had this down on my list of things I needed to do. There is an ample parking lot, and overflow parking on the street, if it happens to be a busy day. You can go right or left, and we decided to go left because we wanted to go on the boardwalk and toward Lake Ontario. This place is awesome. I really enjoyed my time here. The wildlife was great and it was so scenic and beautiful. We saw so many turtles hanging out and sunbathing on the lily pads and on logs, we saw purple martins, and cranes, and it was truly magical. At some point this turns into the Genesee River Trail, or maybe it is part of it? Not really sure, but we kept walking and it was a nice hike. read more

See all

What a stunning park! Had the pleasure of exploring around Turning Point and beyond this past weekend with my pup. We parked on Boxart, walked all the way up to the pier and then back! Just a note, this trail really isn't wide enough to promote real social distancing (since you're on the water and there's nowhere to go but to the sides of the walkway) so I might proceed with caution on a busy, beautiful weekend during this time. The park itself is absolutely gorgeous, boasting trails and 360 degree waterway views. There a plenty of dogs to socialize your dog with if you're into that sort of thing during normal, non Covid times. When I went on a Friday morning, it really wasn't busy at all. There is a steep downhill walk to get to the trail, which hurts pretty good coming back up. I will agree with some of the other reviews that waste and litter were a problem during my walk. I am hoping to find a way to help this in the near future, but it does hinder the full experience. I am really looking forward to the next time I get to hang with my pup and my fam at the park! It is truly a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon. read more

See all

I lived in Rochester for years and didn't know this existed. This place is so beautiful!!!! It is literally stunning. Very long walk. It's probably best not to go when it's toooo hot since there is no shade. Wear a hat. Wear sun screen. Keep in mind there isn't a restroom. Probably a cool place to fish. read more

Turning Point Park - On the river - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

LOVED IT. I am for sure coming back here. So if you have couple hours, and want some fresh air - here! read more

Great spot for a walk or bike ride! Beautiful views of the water on a wooden path. Dog friendly! Parking lot is close by and had plenty of space. read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

Surprised my mother for Mother's Day and we all went for a nice long walk on the boardwalk. It was just beautiful. We saw lots of turtles and a family of swans with about 6 babies! If you plan on using the boardwalk, be sure to take the path to the left of he parking lot at the start. The only negative has to do with disgusting humans and their waste they just casually throw over. That was literally the only thing that took away from the experience. It wasn't the entire time, it was just sporadic pieces of trash and junk that made me frustrated Definitely go! It's a great experience and hidden gem! read more

See all

I had wanted to check this park out and cannot believe this is here in Rochester. As others have said the most common street/parking lot is on Boxart but it gets full fast. There are a few different ways to walk around and make sure you have your walking shoes and be prepared for hills.. yes I said it hills. The walk on the bridge:boardwalk is picturesque and lots of people take photos of this area. It's beautiful, quiet and lush. Seeing people on their boats enjoying a warm weekend is nice and people are walking around and yes fishing too. We will definitely comeback and I will make sure to look at the website to map another stroll to take, Yes as others have said it goes all they way to the lake. Parking can be tricky during warm weather so be advised. It's really something special read more

See all

I love this place! The trail is fairly long, it goes from the cemetery all the way to Charlotte Beach, I believe. I love taking my dog here! When it's extremely hot, I can take him through the shaded areas. When it's cool, we walk through the boarded part. Just be careful because there's a hole here and there. I've seen people walk, bike, fish, and sit and draw here. The views are breath taking and perfect for pictures. There's swans, ducks, and fish in the water. You can access the trail from multiple spots. The most common is from Boxart Street, you go down and make a right and go towards the end of the street. There a small parking lot for about 15-20 cars. It gets pretty packed on the weekends. I love that there's garbage cans along the trail so I can throw doggy poos away. Pick up after your dog! read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

Turning Point Park is a wonderful place for an afternoon hike in the summer or fall. Park off of Boxart Street and walk along the Genesee Riverway Trail (about a 45-minute walk, with beautiful views of the Genesee River and its flora and fauna from a nice wooden boardwalk) all the way to Lake Ontario, where you'll find Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, Ontario Beach Park, and the complex that includes California Rollin II (sushi), Abbott's Frozen Ice Cream and more. The lake is a lively scene in the summer, so the walk through the park can actually be more fun in the fall, when things are quiet and nature is in its true splendor. You'll see lots of water, nice expanses of trees, rushes and cat-tails, and maybe even some herons and turtles. It's gentle, scenic and really shows off the beauty that can be found in our landscape. This is definitely one of my favorite walks in Rochester, since it's less known and busy than the walks around Cobbs Hill and Highland Park, and there's a real grandeur and beauty to the landscape along the river that really pays off when you get to everything going on at the lake. There, you can grab food, meet up with friends in the beach park, or keep the fun exploration going with a walk on the Charlotte Pier. You can't go wrong with Turning Point Park as a date spot, or a place to have a nice walk with a family member or friend... well, unless the weather is cold/snowy/bad, which is true the majority of the time in Rochester, but what are you going to do? Just enjoy the park on a good day when you have the chance. It's a treat! Definitely a great way to maximize some time up by the lake, and more interesting than just pulling up and parking by the lake itself. Check out Turning Point Park! read more

We went there a few times and we loved it!! Very fresh air and clean atmosphere! There are a long bridge that have few fishing spots that you can go to fish. My kids love to watch ducks and turtles around the lake. It's gorgeous and breathtaking!!! It's worth to go there during summertime and fall time. It's beautiful to walk in a several miles. It's a good exercise for everyone. I'd recommend you to go there. read more

A not so hidden gem in Rochester. The walkaway above the water is lovely! I wish the trail would form a loop though :D read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

See all

Love parks and will go out when I can. This park is both beautiful and safe. Saw many cool things and overall I cant see a reason not to like it here. The other visitors where so friendly and the general feeling here is of cool spring. I recommend coming here and in general going out. It is beautiful out there. read more

I didn't get to explore everything but there was a nice shaded trail that was relatively flat and easy for a beginner walker. There was a very lovely and peaceful place to look over a small pond. We had to go down a very steep paved hill to get there though. We didn't get to walk the boardwalk, but hopeful that we will get there someday. We enjoyed the chipmunks. read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

See all

Hands down one of my favorite places to run or take a relaxing stroll. From Boxart street all the way to Ontario Beach park, TPP has a lot to offer for sight seeing: boats, birds, bridges, and (doggie) butts, lol. This place is a great spot to walk your fur babies and have me admire them! The distance of the trail, depending on your path, is a little over 3 miles, so I enjoy this a lot for 5k training and respect the numerous uphills and downhills for a challenge. The wooden bridge area is my favorite part of the trail, which looks almost majestic during a sunset run. I wish there was more space for parking, but it seems like a lot of people just park along the street and get no tickets. I guess that satisfies the issue! read more

Cute area to walk around. I got there around 2pm on an overcast Saturday so there weren't a ton of people around (honestly only about 2 other people within eyesight). My friends and I wanted to just have a leisurely walk and the bridge/boardwalk provided a sceneic view of the river. Due to the chilly spring day, there weren't too many animals out, but we saw some geese, turtle, and birds flying around. Also chatted with a local who lived close by that told us that bald eagles, hawks, and other predator birds usually fly around that area. Saw a few people fishing as well, but didn't look like they caught anything. Just a simple walk. No major uphill inclines or rough terrain. Most of the way is paved as well. You can either go straight into the city or use the boardwalk and end up straight at Ontario Beach. I didn't get that far but I imagine it'd be nice to do on a brisk summer morning! read more

Turning Point Park - Overcast day on the boardwalk. - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

Beautiful park. Would love to go back again when the weather gets warmer. Plenty of people around and dogs are allowed. Limited parking lot. Other than that it's worth the drive. Also there are security that drives around. read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

It's great that Rochester has a park along a body of water perfect for walking the dog, biking, or strolling. I was able to enjoy the section they built over water. It's a nice Boardwalk. In the middle of the river is a freight platform with some boats. It's interesting and somewhat scenic. I can imagine this walk being stunning in the fall when the foliage changes. There is a parking lot just to the south of where the over water portion starts. read more

See all

It was a really nice and warm end of February, and our friends and I wanted to go for a nice walk in Rochester. I suggested this park because I'd seen the interesting boardwalk when I was looking around on Google Maps. The one knock against this place is the tiny parking lot. It was already full when we got there so we had to park on the street along with many others, but that's really my only complaint. It's a great walk with a nice view of the river. The boardwalk is nicely maintained and in good repair. There are boat tie-ups as well, and it looks like a good spot for fishing. The trails are well marked and fun to explore. Definitely a nice little park to visit if you're in the area! I'd love to go back and check it out again. read more

Turning Point Park - Frozen but melting river at Turning Point park. - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

I love this place and I'm so happy we live a 5 minute walk from here. Bike ride here every morning :) if you're in a wheel chair make sure you take the long way down (to your right) because to your left is a very steep hill everyone always has trouble going up and down! Also NO SWIMMING. This is a very safe place but there have been deaths and injuries here from people taking a swim or falling in. Stay on the bridge and be safe. Genesee river is much more of an intense river than it can seem. My boyfriend and I kayaked here and the current is really strong. read more

Turning Point Park - I came across this which made me sad and kind of at peace then I read what had happened two days before, teenager drowned in the river. - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

A secret gem of Rochester. Walk all the way to the end you'll end up at Charlotte Beach. I love coming here with my 2 year old. It's very relaxing, never crowded. It's free, there's always parking and never traffic. It's a beautiful nature / river trail with a long wooden boardwalk that winds north over the Genessee River. You'll see turtles, swans, hawks, unusual wild birds, ducks and geese. **Pro tip: go on a weekday morning if possible** read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

Turning Point Park is absolutely beautiful. I love the easiness of the trail and the water walkway. However the trash and liter along the river is remarkably bad. They should have more trash cans on the water walkway and near waters edge. read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

See all

Such a beautiful place to go for a long walk in the Rochester area. Lots of water fowl to spot along the way and people walking their dogs. You can go all the way to Charlotte and end up at the lake. read more

Such a beautiful hidden gem!!!! Heard about it from a friend and visited recently with my husband and kids. We took the trail all the way up to Charlotte. Easy walk. Love that half the walk is on the boardwalks but then you are able to get a reprieve from the sun walking the second half in a very well maintained wooded path. Beautifully cared for and so much to look at and take in. Will definitely make it a regular place to get some fresh air and exercise as a family! read more

One of the best places to go for walks in Rochester! I live in Greece, right on the border of Charlotte, and it's a quick 5 minute drive. Never have a problem with parking, and it's never too crowded! You can walk on the bridge and have amazing views, or you can pick to walk through the woods in the shade! Love taking the family and the dog! They have garbages and doggy bags at the start if you forget to bring one! Highly recommend! read more

Beautiful walk! Lovely views. We even saw swans, including one on a nest!

I can't remember how I found this park, but I am glad I did. It's not well marked and you can't see it from major roads, you have to turn off Lake Ave onto Boxart. Take a couple turns and you'll find a small parking lot. From here you can hike or bike through the paved trails that lead through railroad bed, wooded area, and over a long pedestrian bridge over the Genesee basin. Depending on the season, you can get more access to some low-lying areas. The park is really unique: * There are the woods, wetlands, and river which are home to a lot of plants and animals * The boardwalk seems pretty modern (built in 2008) * ...but there is also the weird feeling of abandon. The area used to be a hub for coal transport in the late 1800s/early 1900s. There are still tons of evidence of what used to be-- in a cool way, not a junky way. If you would like to know more history of the area this is a good page: http://gold.mylargescale.com/Scottychaos/maps/Genesee-Docks.html You can walk most of the highlights of this park in about an hour or you stay on the Genesee River Trail which goes to Ontario Beach in one direction or downtown in the other. read more

Turning Point Park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

I love biking/running through here. Its so pretty, the board walk is my favorite part of the canal path. This is also my favorite part to run through during the Rochester Marathon. read more

What a place! What beauty! If you can appreciate the small, wondrous things in life, then this place might be for you. My friend took me here while I was visiting the other day, and she told me it was her zen place. The parking lot at the top of the hill leads to a trail that curves downward to the Genesee River. At the end of the hill begins a river trail/bridge that leads you directly to Lake Ontario. When we reached the beginning of the river walk, I could immediately tell that this was the perfect zen place. There are several concrete circles that you can sit on and stare out, losing track of time and breathing in the fresh air. You can lose yourself and de-stress. We went out here on Monday morning and hardly anyone was out; it was the perfect place to relax. The River Walk extends for a half a mile I'd say, and ends back up a hill. It's perfect though: a good place to walk, jog, take the kiddos. It's a good break from reality. It's also a great time to go there. The trees are changing colors so you see a variety of colors here. It's so beautiful! My picture does not do it justice at all. There are also less people this time of year, so going there now means absolute silence in nature while not completely freezing. Go and experience this beauty! A very unique spot in Rochester. read more

Turning Point Park - The trees are gorgeous here at this time of year - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

We visited Turning Point Park in October. I was a little cold but really sunny. Great spot to take a nice hike. Very pretty. We only explored a couple miles of this trail but apparently it goes for many more. Can't wait to go back. read more

Turning Point Park - Panoramic view turning point park - Parks Near Me - Rochester, New York

See all

A simply beautiful park hidden in the city! The bike path was long and not too steep in most places, and my family and I rode down to the pier at Charlotte, then back. Great views, and very safe. read more

Beautiful place to go for a walk with some friends, family or significant other. Beware that there is a BIG hill to enter the path if you park your car in the designated lot. Just a friendly caution to people who may be expecting more of a flat walk. read more

I started last year,and I Love it! Nice walk ,the scenery is Beautiful I walked to the beach once,good work out! read more

Great spot for a walk. The river trail in general is a great bike ride from Charlotte to Lower Falls. Gets broken up a bit until Corn Hill after that though. Hopefully they bridge those gaps between Lower Falls and Downtown someday. Would love to see more stuff like Turning Point Park. read more

Escape the urban atmosphere fo the morning, and check out Turning Stone Park, It is located on the West Bank of the Genesee River, beginning with Street access from Lake Ave., just north of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. One is quickly away from any sign of the city, as the trail runs between Riverside Cemetery and the River, gradually going downhill until you reach a fork in the road. The left fork runs up to another road access and parking lot on Boxart Street.The right path runs downhill more abruptly (but still OK for a bicycle) to a very serene fresh water Marsh, known as "the Flats". A modern 1500 yard boardwalk with aluminum railings transports walkers and bicyclists through the cattails, with platforms for fishing or bird watching. The view often includes lily pads in bloom, assorted waterfowl (including mute swans), and a multitude of frogs and turtles. On the north side of the boardwalk, their is a slight uphil climb and then a long route along the river to the west-side river marinas. As one passes under the beautiful O'Rorke Lift Bridge, the trail is paved and proceeds to the new Yacht marina. read more