The North Abutment deck leading to the overlook is in the process of being replaced. There is no visitor access to the North Abutment overlook until construction is complete.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Pennsylvania
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers." The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."
About Johnstown Flood National Memorial
Johnstown Flood National Memorial is a national memorial located in Pennsylvania. Winters can be cold and severe. Spring can be seasonable and wet. Summer can be hot with potentials for thunderstorms. Fall can be seasonal, with cold temperatures into October and November.
Take US Route 219 to the St Michael/Sidman exit. At the end of the exit ramp head East on PA 869 (there is a park sign at the end of the exit ramp). Travel approximately 1.5 miles on PA 869 watching for a left turn onto Lake Road at the sign for Johnstown Flood National Memorial. Follow Lake Road 1.5 miles until the visitor center appears on your right. Please park safely in the designated parking lot and not block any emergency access roads.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Johnstown Flood is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Johnstown Flood National Memorial offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Bus/Shuttle Guided Tour, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, and 1 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Johnstown Flood
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Johnstown Flood
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Johnstown Flood before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 1 active alerts for Johnstown Flood. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Johnstown Flood. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
The South Fork Dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889, and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers." The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."
Frequently Asked Questions about Johnstown Flood
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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