2020 Virtual Roc the RiverWay Weekend: Engage the River that Runs through Rochester
A socially distanced , covid appropriate, celebration of the
majestic Genesee River.
Roc the Riverway, October 3-4, 2020
The Genesee River is the lifeblood of the Greater Rochester Region. From the abundant farms of the Genesee Valley to the industrial heritage of the City, the Genesee River has defined who we are and how our community developed.
In 2018 the City along with our partners at the State of New York, launched an ambitious $500 million initiative to truly release the full potential of our river. The Roc the River Way riverfront revitalization program is a series of projects that celebrate the past and build for the future. They will transform this former industrial waterway into a community recreational corridor that provides opportunities for all to interact with water.
Celebrate this transformation with us! Come out, explore the river and learn more about our community’s vision for the future.
Daily: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Fall Salmon Run
Daily until November for anglers and spectators. Seth Green Dr. and Norton Street off St. Paul Blvd. This section of the Genesee River offers some of the most exciting fishing in New York State- right in the city.
Saturday, October 3, 9 a.m. - 12. p.m.: Maplewood Rose Garden Clean-Up.
Get outside, get active and get involved in making Rochester a greener, cleaner City! The City of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Youth Services is partnering with the Seneca Park Zoo Society to sponsor a series of ‘park clean-up events’ along the Genesee Riverway Trail.
Tools and gloves will be provided. Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Masks Required. Meet at the Maplewood Rose Garden parking lot at the corner of Driving Park and Lake Avenue.
To register yourself/your group for one of the clean-up dates, please email Dave Will at: DWill@senecazoo.org. Please include the clean-up date and the number of participants in your message.
Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: ROC the Riverway Guided Bike Ride.
PowerPoint presentations not your thing? Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Join Erik Frisch and Kevin Kelley, City officials and co-architects of the ROC the Riverway vision, on a roughly five-mile bike tour of key RTR project sites to see progress first-hand and learn what is coming next.
Ride limited to 15 participants. Meet at the center of the Andrews Street Bridge over the Genesee River at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 3rd. The ride will take you south along the river to Ford Street and back north again to Downtown and last approximately 2 hours. To register for the ride, please contact Erik Frisch at erik.frisch@cityofrochester.gov. Masks are required.
Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Guided Paddle of the Lower River from the NEW Petten St. Dock.
Join Genesee RiverWatch and the Genesee Waterways Center for a guided paddle on the Lower Genesee. We will leave from, and return to, the brand new, ADA compliant, canoe and kayak dock at the foot of Petten Street. Enjoy a rare, water-level view of Turning Point Park and Rochester’s unique “wilderness in the city” hidden in the gorge of the Genesee.
Guides will describe the history of the Lower Genesee, including its role as a lake port and terminus of the Underground Railway. Cost is $25.00 per person and includes canoe or kayak rental. Maximum two adults per canoe. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Pre-registration is required: https://geneseewaterways.org/event-3976917 Meet at the parking lot at the river end of Petten Street off Lake Avenue. Masks are required.
Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m. –1p.m.: Port to High Falls Guided Bike Ride.
This 13 mile ride will take you south from the Port of Rochester to explore the Lower Gorge of the Genesee River. You will learn about the geologic, natural and industrial heritage of our City from the first residents of the area till today, and enjoy exceptional views of Lower and High Falls.
Ride limited to 15 participants. Meet in front of Bill Grays at the William Johnson Jr. Terminal Building at the Port of Rochester. To register for the ride, please contact Jim Farr at James.Farr@cityofrochester.gov. Masks are required.
Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m. –5p.m.: Guided Paddle of the Genesee River and Erie Canal from the Genesee Waterways Center.
Join the Genesee Waterways Center and Genesee RiverWatch for a final celebration of the Genesee River and Erie Canal. From 10 - 5 we will be offering discounted paddling at the Genesee Waterways center for all participants. NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Simply show up at out Genesee Valley Park Facility and we will provide you with a paddle, PFD, and a canoe or kayak for up to 3 hours of paddling. Cost is $15/person. Enjoy a riverside view of downtown Rochester, explore the southern Genesee River, or travel east on the Erie Canal and see the beautiful Red Creek all from our docks at GWC. Contact info@geneseewaterways.org for more information. Masks are required.
Independent Walks along the Genesee Riverway
Tour Blend has partnered with the Genesee River Alliance to create and promote a series of “Independent Walks” along the Genesee River corridor. You can enjoy these audio guided walking tours while following recommended safety guidelines. If you have an iPhone, get the free Tour Blend app from the App Store and activate one of the following tours. If not, you can download and print the two-page brochures below, or view it on your mobile device at https://tourblend.com/gra/.
Community Partners: