Two routes are described for the Seth Green Trail. The first is the official route which leads from the parking area to a switchbacked trail into the gorge and back out again. It follows a historic trail used by Native Americans for thousands of years. This trail offers a unique experience of the gorge as it descends past a dramatic rock face and waterfall below Seneca Towers and terminates at the river’s edge.

The gorge loop trail uses maintained trails at either end of the loop but includes a 0.5-mile stretch of rough trail along the edge of the river which is nothing more than a path created by fishermen looking for a good casting spot. The loop is passable, but to follow it you have to expect some rough footing, downed trees, and overgrown bushes. It is easy to follow, with the river as your guide, but it is not a manicured trail. (This section is shown on the map as a grey trail.)

The land you’ll walk is part of Seneca Park. The RG&E service road beyond the parking area leads to the base of the Lower Falls. In the early 1800s this area was home to the village of Carthage. It thrived as a steamboat landing and active mill site but was absorbed into Rochester upon its incorporation in 1834.So, who was Seth Green? Adonijah Green ran a tavern at the corner of St. Paul and Norton Streets. His son Seth, born in 1817, spent many hours as a boy fishing, hunting, and trapping along the river. He observed the habits of fish. After running a successful fish and chowder business, he started the Caledonia Fish Hatchery. Seth Green received national and international fame as a fish grower and conservationist. The salmon stocked in the Genesee River today comes from the Caledonia Fish Hatchery.

Trail Directions — official trail (0.9 mile round trip)
• From the parking area, walk northeast along Seth Green Drive.
• In 0.2 mile, find a sign on the left that reads “This historic trail was used by Native Americans for thousands of years. Pioneer settlers expanded the trail and founded Carthage here in 1817.” Turn left (W) and head downhill on the dirt trail.
• Follow the switchbacks downhill.
• View Norton’s Creek waterfall at 0.3 mile.
• Continue downhill to water level at 0.4 mile. (This was once the site of Brewer’s Landing.)
• To return, retrace your path uphill, then right along Seth Green Drive.

Trail Directions — gorge loop trail (1.4 mile loop)   
Note: The gate at the far end of this loop is open from 6 AM to 7 PM daily. Do not begin this loop if it’s after 6 PM. If you hear a loud siren or see flashing lights, do not proceed along the river’s edge. This is a signal from the RG&E plant that means high water is approaching.
• From the parking area, walk northeast along Seth Green Drive.
• In 0.2 mile, find a sign on the left that reads “This historic trail was used by Native Americans for thousands of years. Pioneer settlers expanded the trail and founded Carthage here in 1817.” Turn left (W) and head downhill on the dirt trail.
• Follow the switchbacks downhill.
• View Norton’s Creek waterfall at 0.3 mile.
• Continue downhill to water level at 0.4 mile. (This was once the site of Brewer’s Landing.)
• At river level, head left (SW) along the edge of the river. (For the next 0.5 mile the trail will be unmaintained.)
• Cross through a tire dumping ground.
• At 0.7 mile, pass an outflow drain.
• Continue along the river’s edge through a rocky area. This requires some rock hopping.
• Pass Seth Green Island to the right.
• Pass a trail to the right and head uphill.
• At 1.1 mile, reach the paved RG&E service road and turn left, continuing uphill. (Notice the geologic layers in the bank to your right as you ascend.)
• Pass through the gate to the parking area. (The gate is open 6 AM to 7 PM daily.)

TRAIL MAP

Date Hiked: ___________

Notes:

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