Mount Morris Dam

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mount Morris Dam is located in the state of New York and is the largest flood control dam east of the Mississippi River.


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Summary

The dam was constructed in response to the devastating floods that occurred in the Genesee River Valley in the early 20th century. It was completed in 1952 and stands at 230 feet high and 1,028 feet long.

One of the best reasons to visit Mount Morris Dam is to learn about its history and the importance of flood control in the area. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the dam and learn about its engineering and construction. There are also hiking trails and picnic areas available for visitors to enjoy.

Points of interest to see at Mount Morris Dam include the Visitor Center, which features exhibits and displays about the dam's construction and flood control efforts. There is also a fish hatchery at the base of the dam where visitors can see different species of fish. The dam itself is an impressive sight and provides stunning views of the valley below.

Interesting facts about the area include that the dam can hold back up to 324,000 acre-feet of water and that it was built using over 2.7 million cubic yards of concrete. The area surrounding the dam is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears.

The best time to visit Mount Morris Dam is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. The summer months can be hot and humid, while the winter months can be cold and snowy.

Overall, Mount Morris Dam is a fascinating destination for those interested in engineering, history, and the importance of flood control in the Genesee River Valley.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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