The 170 acre Gartmorn Dam reservoir was engineered by Sir John Erskine, the 6th Earl of Mar, to power the pumps which drained his Sauchie mines. The water power that his project provided was the catalyst for Alloa's industrial development.

Today Gartmorn is a peaceful retreat for people walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing or picnicing. There is an extensive footpath network throughout the "Wee County" and the Park links many of these routes, including the cycleways to Dollar and Dunfermline. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is an important site for migratory wildfowl in the winter months.