Turning Point Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Natural Features
Turning Point Park is a 275-acre park located along the Genesee River in Rochester, New York. The park features wooded areas, wetlands, and river views, offering visitors a chance to experience nature within the city limits.
The park's landscape is diverse, featuring an oak forest known as Bullock's Woods, cattail-lined riverbanks, and seasonal waterfalls. Two notable waterfalls within the park are Red Falls and Brown Falls, which flow more vigorously during rainy periods.
Boardwalk and Trails
One of the park's main attractions is its extensive trail system, which includes a 3,572-foot-long boardwalk over the Genesee River Turning Basin. This boardwalk provides unique views of the river and allows visitors to observe local wildlife such as blue herons, swans, and turtles.
The trails connect to the larger Genesee Riverway Trail, which extends from Ontario Beach Park through the city of Rochester to Genesee Valley Park.
Historical Significance
Turning Point Park has historical significance as well. It includes remnants of old docks from when the area served as a major shipping hub on the Great Lakes.
The park's name comes from the large basin in the Genesee River that allowed ships to turn around after passing through the Port of Rochester.
Environmental Conservation
The park also incorporates eco-friendly features, such as a rain garden near the parking lot. This garden uses water-loving plants to filter runoff before it reaches the river, helping to reduce pollution and create a natural habitat for birds and butterflies.
