Location-
Brighton, Monroe County
Maps -
Google Map,
Google Earth,
Multi GPS - Falls 1: (N
43.74787 W 77.31137) Falls 2:
(N 43.12974 W 77.51980) Falls 3
"Postcard Falls": (N 43.13012 W 77.51854) Directions -Take I490 to exit 23 and head
east on Linden Avenue. Make the first left turn onto Glen
Rd. Follow Glen Rd. left. You will see signs designating a
section of Glen Rd. for Corbett's Glen parking.
Information
Number of falls:
3 Size/Types: an 6' cascade just after the tunnel, then
a 4' cascade and Postcard Falls which is a 6' cascade. Best time to visit: Year round. Flow: Medium to high Waterway: Allen's Creek Time: 15 minutes
Accessibility
Seasons/Hours:
Open
year-round.Park is open from dawn to dusk.
Parking: Roadside parking in the designated parking area
on Glen Rd (6 cars).
Admission: Free. Handicap accessibility: Yes, to the first falls. Pets: Allowed (on leash). Accommodations: None. No restrooms, no trash cans.
Please do not leave trash at this site.
Description Once a private park, Corbett's Glen
was such a premiere attraction for the Rochester area, its
peaceful setting is immortalized in postcards and in the
memories of the locals. The glen, though threatened by
development, is an oasis of natural beauty, surrounded by
concrete foundations and paved roads.
When you first enter
the park from the dark railroad tunnel, you'll quickly
realize this park is something special. 73 acres of
wetlands, old growth forest and beautiful meadows surround
Allen's Creek, providing a haven for birds and local
wildlife. Visitors often spot deer, foxes, minks, possums
and wild turkeys as well as over 100 species of birds.
Allen's Creek's cool waters are are home to spawning salmon,
rainbow trout and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Once could spend a whole day in the park just spotting
wildlife.
The Corbett's
Glen neighborhood is friendly and appreciative of the park.
If it weren't for the neighborhood and support from the
Genesee Valley Land Trust, we may not have Corbett's Glen
Today. The town of Brighton's plans for adjacent development
are an immediate danger to the health of this isolated
ecosystem. If you would like to join the movement to
help protect this Monroe County treasure, please support the
ACCGPG.
History An
important Iroquois trail passed through the valley, making
the glen and important stopover for travelers. Historical
documents show that the area was an important hunting and
burial ground as well as a trading center when Rochester was
still a wild frontier.
In the 1800's
settlers built many mills and damn across Allen's Creek,
beginning an era of development that now threatens the
health of the glen.
Patrick Corbett, a
farmer who once owned the glen in the late 1890's, early
1900's, charged visitors to picnic along the banks of creek.
The notoriety and income that he received for owning this
special property, encouraged its preservation.
Trails Difficulty: Easy Markings: Markings define boundaries of the park. From the
parking area, head downhill towards the train tunnel. Walk
through the tunnel and on the other end you will find the
first of the falls and signage welcoming you to the park.
Follow the trail adjacent to Allen's Creek to the other two
falls.
Do not
miss... Migratory birds will use Corbett's
Glen as a stop-over, you will find many species using the
creek to refresh along the way.
The railroad bridge
was constructed using stone from the bedrock of the glen.
The house you see as you walk into the glen from the tunnel
is the former home of Patrick Corbett, a farmer who once
owned the glen in the late 1890's through the early 1900's, charged
visitors to picnic along the banks of creek. It is now a
private residence, please respect the owner's privacy and
property.
Parson's Powder
Mill, exploded in 1863, leaving behind a crater long the
bank of the creek. Look for it as you walk the trail along
the creek.
Contact Brighton Parks and Recreation Department
(585) 784-5260