Park Information
Genesee Valley Park is a Fredrick Law Olmsted-designed park that is dominated by three intersecting waterways: Red Creek, the Genesee River and the Erie Canal.
At 800 acres, the park is an ideal access point to a major network of trails along the river and canal as well as the route 390 bike trail and the Genesee Valley Greenway. Also included in the park are softball diamonds, multi-use/soccer fields, a cricket pitch and two 18 hole golf courses. Additional golf course information can be obtained by visiting the golf course website.
Please note that the management and operation of Genesee Valley Park is divided between the County and the City of Rochester. The GVP Sports Complex, including the Genesee Valley indoor pool, fall within the area of the park managed by the city.
Location and Directions
Genesee Valley Park is located along the eastern bank of the Genesee River within the City of Rochester. Enter the park from Elmwood Avenue at Moore Road, or East River Road, or Crittenden Road. Genesee Valley Park west of the Genesee River is managed by the City of Rochester Parks Department.
Common Recreation Activities at Genesee Valley Park
- Softball
- Biking (no off-road cycling permitted)
- Birdwatching
- Cricket
- Fishing- Fishing is allowed in Genese Valley Park as long as those fishing are following NYS Department of Environmental Conservation guidelines and rules and have the required licenses.
- Geo-caching (approximately 7 caches)
- Golf
- Hiking/Running
- Kayaking/Canoeing
- Kickball
- Multi-use Athletic Fields
- Playground
- Rowing
- Shelters for Rent
- Soccer
- Ultimate Frisbee
Rules and Regulations
- Genesee Valley Park has a Carry-in Carry-out rule, which means you must take all your garbage with you for disposal after leaving the park.
- All pets must be leashed and you are responsible for cleaning up after them.
- Amplified music is not permitted at the Tupelo, Dogwood, Hawthorne, or Red Creek Shelters.
Lodges and Shelters
This pristine park offers seven open-air shelters, available for rent between May 1st and October 15th.
For information and reservations please call 585 753-PARK (7275) or go to our Online Lodge & Shelter Reservation System.
History
The idea for the park was conceived within the first year of the Rochester Park Commission as one of two major parks they would develop first. During the initial planning stages, the two parks were referred to as “North” and “South.” The “South Park” was named Genesee Valley Park in reference to the area’s Native American heritage—and of course its major feature, the Genesee River. The rolling pastoral fields of the area were emphasized in this 800-acre park’s design by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Restrooms
Genesee Valley has two restrooms placed on either side of the park. The first one is located between the Hawthorne and Dogwood Shelters. The second bathroom is located on the Elmwood Road side of the park next to the Roundhouse Shelter. Both are open seasonally between May 1st and October 31st. See the park map for specific locations (the bathrooms are the small orange circles).
Trails
Before heading out to Genesee Valley Park print the map. The color coded hiking trails and additional details will keep you on the right track.
There are two trails located in Genesee Valley Park, they are the Red Creek Trail and the Genesee Greenway. The Genesee Greenway stretches from Lehigh Valley Trail Park, and to Downtown Rochester.
Athletic Fields
Genesee Valley Park has 7 softball fields, 3 multi-use athletic fields, and 1 cricket pitch located throughout the park, that are available for rent. Softball fields #1-3 are located in the very south end of the park, off Crittenden Road. Fields #4-#7 others are located off East River Road, south of the Erie Canal. There are also three Multi-use athletic fields; one near Hawthorne Shelter, one near Canalside Shelter, and one near Riverbend Shelter. The Cricket Pitch is located near Softball Field #7.
Click below or call 585 753-PARK (7275) for more information.
Golf Courses
Genesee Valley Park has two golf courses. There is the North Golf Course and the South Golf Course. Both are located off of East River Road.
Genesee Valley Golf Course Information
Genesee Rowing Club
The Genesee Rowing Club is located at the intersection of the Genesee River and the Erie Canal within the park. They offer various sweep rowing and sculling recreational and racing opportunities. Competitive and recreational rowers range in age from 12 to over 90, so it is never too early or too late to take up the sport. Their experienced rowers and coaches love to share their passion with others and have a lot of fun on, and off, the water. Click below for more information on classes and hours of operation.
