Letchworth State Park Dam, also known as Mount Morris Dam, is a concrete gravity dam located in Livingston County, New York, at the northern end of Letchworth State Park. It is the largest dam of its type east of the Mississippi River and was built between 1948 and 1952 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to mitigate downstream flooding between Mount Morris and Rochester.
The Impressive Dimensions of Letchworth State Park Dam
- Height: 230 feet
- Length: 1,028 feet
- Impounds: Genesee River to form the 17-mile long Mount Morris Reservoir
The Purpose and Function of Letchworth State Park Dam
The USACE built the dam to reduce flooding on the lower Genesee River, and it continues to provide flood protection along 67 miles of the Genesee River Valley from the village of Mount Morris to downtown Rochester where the river enters Lake Ontario. The dam holds back water only to prevent flooding, and typically, the Genesee flows freely through the dam without interference. However, when the dam is preventing flooding, the water backs up to fill Letchworth Canyon until it can be released at a rate that will not cause flooding downstream.
Exploring the Letchworth State Park Dam and Recreation Area
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area is a day-use park that offers a beautiful setting overlooking Letchworth Canyon, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. The park provides a visitor center with exhibits on the dam’s history and function, as well as free ranger-guided walking tours of the dam. The park also offers picnic shelters, a playground, hiking and biking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. During the winter, visitors can explore the trails on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Accessing Letchworth State Park Dam
Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area is located approximately 1.7 miles south of Mount Morris and 11 miles north of Nunda on SR 408. From the North, take Interstate 90 to 390S to exit 7 – Mount Morris/Letchworth, 5 miles south on Route 408. Turn onto Visitor Center Rd; continue for about 2 miles. From the South, take Route 17, I-86 to 390N to exit 6 – Sonyea, 7 miles north on Route 36, then two miles south on Route 408. Turn onto Visitor Center Rd; continue for about 2 miles.
The William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center at Letchworth State Park Dam
The William B. Hoyt II Visitor Center at Mount Morris Dam, opened by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1999, is a 5,400-square-foot center that features a large atrium, museum, theater, and public restroom facilities. The visitor center is built to accommodate the thousands of people who visit the dam each year.
Conclusion
Letchworth State Park Dam, also known as Mount Morris Dam, is an impressive engineering feat that serves a vital role in flood mitigation along the Genesee River Valley. Visitors to the park can explore the dam, learn about its history and function, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East”. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful outdoor escape, Letchworth State Park Dam and its surrounding recreation area offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
References:
– Tripadvisor Review of Mount Morris Dam
– Recreation.gov Listing for Mount Morris Dam Recreation Area
– Wikipedia Article on Mount Morris Dam
– Explore Genesee Valley Article on Mount Morris Dam Recreation Area
– Visit Livingston County Page on Mount Morris Dam