Listen to the High Falls, the Upper Falls of the Genesee River in the city of Rochester, New York. One of three waterfalls within the city, the Middle and Lower Falls are about two miles downstream; here the river's drop powered much of Rochester's early industrial development. Brown's Race diverts water from above the falls; it was used to feed various flour mills and industries, and today the water is used to produce hydroelectric power.
The High Falls may be viewed from the Pont De Rennes bridge, a pedestrian bridge that spans the Genesee River a few hundred feet from the base of the falls. This was the site of the final jump of "The Yankee Leaper" Sam Patch, who died after jumping off of the High Falls in 1829. An abstract representation of the High Falls is used on the logo of Rochester New York FC as a symbol of the city.
In October 2025 Governor Kathy Hochul announced a framework plan for a proposed 40-acre state park centered on High Falls, which would be the first New York state park within the City of Rochester; the plan includes more than 2.5 miles of trails. Sam Patch made his final jump here in 1829, and the Pont De Rennes bridge spans the river a few hundred feet from the base for you.