Boardwalk Trail In Rochester, NY!

Welcome to Turning Point Park, a hidden gem nestled along the scenic Genesee River in Rochester, NY and just under an hour and a half drive from Buffalo, NY.

I first discovered this spot while researching Chimney Bluffs State Park and was thrilled to find that they could be found along the same route. Together, these two destinations promise a day filled with exploration and breathtaking views. If you would like to know more about Chimney Bluffs, there is a separate post about it.

Let's Park: There is a small parking lot located at 260 Boxart Street, Rochester, NY 14612 which is situated at the end of the street. During my visit the parking lot was full, so I opted to park along the nearby road. If you have to park on the street, be cautious not to block the driveways of nearby businesses and remember to lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.

The official trail at this location is called the Genesee Riverway Trail, which you can access directly from the parking lot. The trail spans a total length of 24 miles and passes through a plethora of parks, neighborhoods, and historic districts. If you are looking to see a substantial amount of the Genesee River, then this trail will help you achieve just that. For more information and the guide map, check out this site: Genesee Riverway Trail | City of Rochester, New York

From a Turning Point perspective and getting to the boardwalk, the best way is to park and take the route highlighted below.

The boardwalk will span 3,572ft and take you over the turning basin. Along the way there are circle piers that often are home to those fishing or taking a break to enjoy the scenery and animal life.

Although the path may leave you mesmerized you would want to keep alert, as there are many people utilizing the bridge, including bikers and roller skaters.

If you continue along this path and are feeling adventurous, you could venture all the way to Ontario Beach and the iconic Never-Ending Pier. Ontario Beach Park is a beautiful location for relaxation and leisure, featuring sandy shores, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families. (Monroe County, NY - Ontario Beach Park)

Honestly, I wish I knew more about Ontario Beach before visiting! If I had known, I would have made sure to spend some time there, especially now that I've learned about the fascinating history of the location. I did find this video on YouTube that does an amazing job at tell the story of the location and is worth the 10 min watch: (5) Ontario Beach Park, Rochester NY Documentary - YouTube

In summary, my adventure at this location was far too brief. Without having done my research beforehand, I genuinely feel that I missed out on fully experiencing all that this incredible place has to offer.

With that said that isn't to take away how delightful the boardwalk portion of the trail truly is. It's well put together and really gives you a close up to the river below.

Happy Adventuring!