Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park is a Maryland DNR park about nine miles north of Oakland at 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, where the Youghiogheny River runs through rocky gorges and rapids under tall hemlocks. It is the place to go in Garrett County if you want to see waterfalls on a short hike, and it draws families, photographers and campers through the warmer months.

Falls, Old Trees and the Canyon Trail

The main walk is a loop of about 1.25 miles, the Canyon Trail, that takes you past Upper and Lower Swallow Falls and 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls, a single free-falling drop whose tea color comes from tannins draining out of Cranesville Swamp. The trail also passes a 37-acre grove of old-growth eastern hemlock and white pine, a state-designated old-growth stand with some trees over 300 years old. DNR treats these hemlocks against the hemlock woolly adelgid. The park is named for a rock pillar near the upper falls where cliff swallows once nested. For a longer outing, a 5.5-mile trail through Garrett State Forest connects to Herrington Manor State Park.

A Bit of History

The land was part of the 1906 Garrett brothers gift that began Maryland's state forests, and the Civilian Conservation Corps had a camp here in the 1930s. In 1921 Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone camped at Swallow Falls during one of their summer camping trips.

Before You Go

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weekend and holiday visits need a day-use reservation made in advance at parkdayuse.maryland.gov. Pets are not allowed in the day-use area, including the Canyon Trail, during the summer season. Rocks by the falls are wet and slippery and the river current is strong, so stay on the trail. The park also has picnic areas, pavilion rentals and fishing; campers should see the separate Swallow Falls State Park Campground listing, and trail parking is covered under Swallow Falls Trail Parking & Trailhead.

Wear sturdy shoes and bring a camera for Muddy Creek Falls.

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