You don’t have to travel far to find one of Maryland’s most impressive waterfall hikes.
Tucked away in the mountains, this scenic park packs lovely waterfalls, a rushing river, and some of the oldest trees in Maryland into a trail that’s just over a mile long.
Despite its short length, the trail lets you experience all of this on an easy-to-moderate hike packed with scenery.
If you’re looking for a Maryland adventure with waterfalls around nearly every bend, keep reading to discover why this state park deserves a spot on your travel list.
Where Is It?
Swallow Falls State Park is located in Garrett County, about 15 minutes from the town of Oakland by car.
If you’re traveling from nearby cities, the park is about 3 hours from Baltimore, 3 hours and 20 minutes from Washington, D.C., and only 2 hours from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
About
The 257-acre Swallow Falls State Park is one of Maryland’s best places to see multiple cascades on a single hike, surrounded by towering hemlocks and scenic river views.
Those highlights are connected by the Swallow Falls Canyon Trail, a 1.1-mile loop that takes you past three impressive waterfalls in a relatively short distance.
Generally considered easy to moderate, it takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop for photos and sightseeing.
The trail’s first major stop is Muddy Creek Falls, the state’s tallest free-falling waterfall, which drops approximately 53 feet.
You can get right up to the base for a closer look at the rushing water, and visitors with disabilities can conveniently access the area from nearby parking.
Farther along the trail, you’ll reach Lower Swallow Falls, a small but scenic waterfall along the Youghiogheny River, with a spur trail leading to Upper Swallow Falls.
Upper Swallow Falls is a popular swimming spot, where you can wade into the shallow water and cool off for a while.
The last waterfall you’ll encounter is Tolliver Falls, a small but photogenic cascade set in a shaded ravine with a peaceful pool at its base.
In addition to those beautiful rushing waters, the trail passes through one of Maryland’s last remaining old-growth forests.
Some of the hemlock trees here are more than 300 years old and rise over 100 feet tall.
This combination of ancient trees, moss-covered boulders, and rocky river scenery makes the hike feel very different from many other trails in the state.
Expect plenty of photo-worthy stops along the way, and you may end up spending more time here than planned because there’s something interesting around nearly every bend.
Know Before You Go
Hours and Entrance Fees
Swallow Falls State Park is open from 8 a.m. until sunset.
Hours can occasionally change due to weather or maintenance, so it’s a good idea to check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources updates before your trip.
There is also an entrance fee.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, plus weekends in May, September, and October, admission is $3 per person for locals and $5 per out-of-state visitor.
At all other times, the fee is $3 per vehicle for Maryland residents and $5 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Swallow Falls State Park is open year-round, giving you a chance to see the waterfalls in every season.
Spring is one of the best times to visit because snowmelt and seasonal rains typically create the strongest waterfall flows of the year.
Summer brings warmer temperatures and lush green forest scenery, but it is also the busiest season, especially on weekends and holidays.
Fall is another fantastic time to visit, as the park’s hardwood forests burst into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Winter visits can be beautiful too, with ice formations around the waterfalls, but expect colder temperatures and potentially icy trail conditions.
Tips for Visiting
- If you’re visiting in summer or during the fall foliage season, arrive early because parking lots can fill quickly.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good traction, as tree roots, rocks, wooden steps, and muddy sections can make parts of the trail slippery.
- Bring a camera or make sure your phone is fully charged, as Muddy Creek Falls, Upper and Lower Swallow Falls, and Tolliver Falls are all iconic photography spots.
- Cell service can be limited in parts of Garrett County, so downloading maps and directions before you arrive is a smart idea.
Nearby Attractions
If you plan to spend extra time in the area, Deep Creek Lake State Park is just 20 minutes away and offers boating, swimming, fishing, and water skiing opportunities.
There’s also the nearby town of Oakland, about 15 minutes away, where you’ll find local shops, restaurants, and historic attractions.
For something a bit closer, head to Herrington Manor State Park, less than 10 minutes away, for a peaceful lake setting, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
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