About High Falls
High Falls is a named waterfall in Monroe County, New York, located in Rochester. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Rochester East 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 43°09′41″ N, 77°36′48″ W (43.16138, -77.61336). Historical sources also record the name Upper Falls. The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Middle Falls, 1.3 miles to the northwest.
USGS gazetteer description: Southernmost of three large waterfalls on the Genesee River in the City of Rochester, New York. The city cites the height as 96 feet.
Name history: """High Falls"" is the name that has been applied to this waterfall since the early 1990s, when the city government advanced that name at a time of redevelopment in that part of Rochester. ""High Falls' is in common use by the public, and the name has been applied to other features such as a public park, businesses and others. The cataract had previously been known as Upper Falls, and had been given other names before that, but none are ever used today."
Weather at High Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at High Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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- Golden hour
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of High Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 43.16138, -77.61336. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near High Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is High Falls located?
High Falls is in Monroe County, New York, in Rochester. Its coordinates are 43.16138, -77.61336 (43°09′41″ N, 77°36′48″ W).
What town is closest to High Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Rochester, NY, about 0.5 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near High Falls?
The closest is Middle Falls (1.3 mi northwest). Others within reach include Lower Falls (1.5 mi), Honeoye Falls (15 mi), and Buttermilk Falls (21 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows High Falls?
High Falls appears on the USGS Rochester East 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.