The gorge carved by the Genesee River allows us to see the rock layers under our feet like no other place in Rochester. During this field trip, students will together "read" the 450-million-year-old geologic story of our area from that rock record; identifying different rocks, analyzing rock structures and textures, and perhaps even finding some fossils! Walking this hidden Lower Falls access route will reveal the hidden history of our region - mountains, oceans, glaciers, and all.
Please note: This is a 1-mile walking tour (0.5 miles downhill and 0.5 miles up hill) at a slow pace along a slightly inclined, paved path. Expect to be on your feet for the duration of the trip. You are also encouraged to bring your own personal water bottles with them to stay hydrated. As any geologist will tell you, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear: please wear clothes appropriate for the weather, as this course will run rain or shine.
This class is appropriate for ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Please purchase one ticket for each person attending.
This walking tour will meet at the fishing access parking lot, off Seth Green Drive. Seth Green Drive is located across from the Speedy Mart on St. Paul St. Once you turn onto Seth Green Drive, take your first left into the fishing access parking lot. This is where the class will meet. If the parking lot is full, please park along Seth Green Drive and walk to the meeting location. Please follow this link for directions.
If you would like to request a sign language interpreter or will be attending class with an aide, please fill out our contact form. Please also let us know if you have any preferences (vision access, etc).
Class ticket purchases are non-refundable for any reason, however a credit or transfer may be granted if requested 7+ days prior to your scheduled class. For more information on our policies, please visit our FAQ.
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Meet the Teacher
Tyler Lucero has connected people to our natural and human heritage as an interpreter at the Genesee Country Village & Museum, a science teacher in the Rochester City School District, a naturalist at West Irondequoit's Helmer Nature Center, and an interpretive ranger at Rocky Mountain National Park. He studied geology and history at Brown University, and has traveled widely to wild and historic places across the United States, but loves the people, landscape, and history of his native Western New York best.
The Lower Gorge boasts stunning cascades, sheer cliffs, marshes and wetlands, grand bridges, towering trees, past and present influences of industry and the city's history, and many other elements that will strike your senses.