Mount Morris Dam

Explore an Engineering Marvel Inside Letchworth State Park

Located within Letchworth State Park, Mount Morris Dam is an impressive piece of infrastructure that has helped protect communities along the Genesee River for generations. Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the late 1940s, the dam was constructed to reduce flooding along the lower Genesee River.

Today, Mount Morris Dam continues to provide flood protection along 67 miles of the Genesee River Valley, from Mount Morris to downtown Rochester, where the river eventually flows into Lake Ontario.

Visitors can go beyond the viewpoint and explore the working dam on a ranger-guided walking tour offered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Tour the Mount Morris Dam

From May through October, visitors can reserve a free, ranger-guided walking tour of the dam through Recreation.gov. A $1 reservation fee per ticket applies.

The approximately one-hour tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at how the dam works and includes:

• A walk into the Genesee River Gorge
• Views from the top of the dam
• A 200-foot elevator descent into the dam
• A walk through an interior tunnel
• Informational presentations from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff
• Exhibits at the Visitor Center
• Unique views of the Genesee River Gorge

Reserve a Mount Morris Dam Walking Tour

The tour is particularly interesting for visitors fascinated by engineering, history, flood control, natural resource management and the Genesee River.

Know Before You Go

The Mount Morris Dam tour is an active walking tour, and visitors should be prepared for some physical exertion.

The approximately one-mile round trip includes a steep, sloped roadway with a 10% grade and approximately 100 feet of elevation change down to and back from the top of the dam. About half of the tour takes place outdoors.

Visitors should:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes
• Dress appropriately for the weather
• Be prepared to walk on a steep grade
• Expect temperatures inside the dam of approximately 40°F–50°F year-round
• Be comfortable walking through a tunnel approximately 5 feet wide by 7 feet high

This tour may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility or difficulty walking on steep grades.

Mount Morris Dam Visitor Center

The Visitor Center features informational exhibits about the dam, flood control and the surrounding area.

Visitor Center Hours:
Wednesday–Monday, 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Closed Tuesdays

The dam remains an active, working flood-control facility, making a visit especially interesting for anyone who wants to see the intersection of engineering, environmental management and the natural landscape of Letchworth State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tour Mount Morris Dam?

Yes. Ranger-guided walking tours of Mount Morris Dam are offered May through October and can be reserved through Recreation.gov.

How long is the Mount Morris Dam tour?

The guided tour lasts approximately one hour and covers about one mile round trip.

How much does the Mount Morris Dam tour cost?

The tour itself is free, although Recreation.gov charges a $1 reservation fee per ticket.

How far is Mount Morris Dam from Letchworth State Park?

Mount Morris Dam is located within Letchworth State Park, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the park.

Is Mount Morris Dam still in operation?

Yes. Mount Morris Dam is an active working dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and continues to provide flood protection along the Genesee River Valley.

Is the Mount Morris Dam tour accessible to everyone?

The tour involves approximately one mile of walking, a 10% grade and about 100 feet of elevation change, so it requires a moderate level of mobility. Visitors should consider these requirements before booking.

What should I wear for the dam tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for changing weather conditions. Approximately half of the tour is outdoors, while temperatures inside the dam remain around 40°F–50°F year-round.

Can I visit the Mount Morris Dam Visitor Center without taking the tour?

Yes. The Visitor Center offers informational exhibits and can be visited during its regular operating hours.