Tour of Mount Morris Dam
The Tour of Mount Morris Dam is ideal for active visitors with an interest in engineering and natural resource management. This popular ranger guided walking tour lasts approximately 1 hour and includes a steep 1 mile trek into the Genesee River Gorge to the top of the Mount Morris Dam. From the top of the dam, there are great photo opportunities and amazing views of the gorge from a unique perspective.
After a short informational talk, the group will take an elevator down 200 feet into the dam, and then walk through a tunnel way (5’ wide x 7’ high) to explore the structure. At the end of the tour, the group will return to the top of the dam by elevator and walk back up the steep walkway to the Visitor Center where they may explore informational exhibits to learn more.
Be prepared for the weather; about half of the walking tour takes place outdoors. This is a walking tour. Wear comfortable shoes. We walk 1 mile round trip on a sloped walkway, which descends/ascends 100 feet in elevation ‘down to’ and ‘up from’ the top of the dam on a 10% grade. The temperature inside the dam will be between 40°F and 50°F year round.
Tickets for ranger-guided walking tours are available up to 7 days in advance beginning at 10am EST and until 10am on the day of the tour.
Select a date to see a list of times
Need to Know
- Check-in
Participants must check-in/pick up tickets at the Mount Morris Dam and Recreation Area Visitor Center at least 15 minutes prior to the tour start time. Otherwise, reservations will be cancelled, and tickets forfeited. No refunds will be offered.
- Cancellations
For safety reasons, tours will not take place during thunderstorms or severe weather. Additionally, tours may be cancelled due flood operations, higher security threat levels, maintenance, or public health concerns. No refunds will offered.
- Liability Waiver
It is required that all tour participants sign a liability waiver upon arrival.
- Photo ID required
Valid photo ID is required for all participants 18 years of age or older. Adults without photo ID will not be permitted on the tour.
- Safety
The tour includes a steep outdoor walkway, travel in an elevator and tunnelways. This tour is not recommended for individuals with known heart, respiratory, or back problems, difficulty walking, or for individuals with sensitivity to heights or small spaces.
- Accessibility
The tour is not considered accessible for individuals using a wheelchair or with mobility limitations due to the very steep walkway used to access the top of the dam, which descends/ascends 100’ in elevation on a 10% grade.
- Service Animals
Only service animals trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities are permitted inside the Visitor Center and on tours. Pets on leash may accompany visitors in the outdoor recreation area and on trails.
- Photography
Motion and still photographs are not permitted inside the dam. However, photos are allowed outside and on top of the structure.
- Backpacks
Backpacks/bags are not permitted inside the dam; please plan to leave any personal belongings in your vehicle.
- What to Wear
Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing; it can be quite windy and cold or sunny and hot on top of the dam. Depending on the season, you may consider a raincoat, jacket, hat and gloves or sunglasses, shade hat and sunscreen. The temperature inside the dam will be between 40°F and 50°F year round.
