Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park
4.5
08:00 - 20:00
Monday
08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 20:00
Thursday
08:00 - 20:00
Friday
08:00 - 20:00
Saturday
08:00 - 20:00
Sunday
08:00 - 20:00
About
State park that has three waterfalls and many hiking trails.
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- LABDRB634 contributionsA waterfall is a mesmerizing cascade of water flowing gracefully, never seen so many in one place…Today’s adventure took us to Swallow Falls State Park. It is home to Muddy Creek Falls, which is the highest free-falling waterfall in the state of Maryland, with a drop of 53 feet and breathtaking. The name Swallow Falls comes from the Native American legend that says swallows used to nest in the cliffs surrounding the waterfalls. I’ve never seen so many waterfalls during one hike. The park had its beginnings in 1906 with the donation by John and Robert Garrett of Baltimore. The park is notable for its stand of old hemlock trees, some more than 300 years old. the area include Edison, Ford and Firestone, who camped at Muddy Creek Falls in the summers of 1918 and 1921. Stunning! TY MDVisited June 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 June 2023
- ChrisHFrederick, Maryland525 contributionsBeautiful ParkTwo adults visited here in mid-June 2023 for about three hours. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent. The Visitor Center/camp store has basic park information, but no exhibits. We walked along the stream-side path and viewed all four waterfalls. We missed the rhododendron blooming by a couple of weeks but did see some mountain laurel in bloom. It must be spectacular when the rhododendron blooms. The stream-side path can be rough with mud and stones at times but there is a level cliff side path with shortcuts to the waterfalls. It was such a cool day there were few people in the water. It must be crowded later in the summer when it’s very hot. A beautiful small park. Note there is a small CCC museum up the hill from the visitor center. Took us about 10 minutes to browse the history displays. A separate rest room building is available next to the visitor center and the park has a campground. No dogs are allowed on the trails in the summer, just off season.Visited June 2023Written 29 June 2023
- Cody KBellefontaine, Ohio36 contributionsAwesome little park!We stopped by here on our way between a couple other state parks. This is definitely a small state part but well worth the time to stop and hike around to see the falls. It does cost $5/adult to enter this park, however your pass is also good for another state park if you use it on the same day, I don't remember what the other park was though. The park is well maintained and clean, the bathrooms are also well kept. We arrived here around lunch time so we drove a little past the main parking lot to a smaller lot and found some picnic tables to eat at. They also had a playground for the kids so that kept them occupied for a bit. We then started off on the hike, we took the outside loop counterclockwise. Overall, it was about a 1.25 mile hike. We took our time and spent about one hour on the hike. For the short distance this hike allows you to see 4 different water falls, each very different than the last. There is some elevation change at the beginning and obviously the end of the loop but for the most part the trail doesn't have any very steep hills to climb. There is also a handy cap paved trail that leads to the larger of the 4 waterfalls. Between eating and hiking we spent about 2 hours here and it was well worth the time.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2023
- Kelly O17 contributionsThis is a MUST DOSuch a wonderful park and a beautiful trail of waterfalls. We walked all the way down it and then back up again, just to experience it in both directions. Might be a bit difficult for toddlers and elderly to navigate. Wear sturdy shoes and mind your step, because there are some tricky/steep areas.Visited August 2023Written 11 August 2023
- Stephanie M41 contributionsAbsolutely gorgeous and easy to follow trailThis is a must do if you're in the Deep Creek area. It was pretty crowded especially for a chilly weekend in November. Had to stop several times to let other groups pass because many of the trails are very narrow. I would recommend going on a weekday if possible.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 November 2023
- Phyllis C3 contributionsDiscovering SerenitySwallow Falls State Park in Maryland offers a serene retreat with stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and picturesque trails. Perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking tranquility amidst natural beauty. Highly recommended for a day trip or weekend getaway.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
777 reviews
Excellent
608
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141
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21
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6
Phyllis C
3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Swallow Falls State Park in Maryland offers a serene retreat with stunning waterfalls, lush forests, and picturesque trails. Perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking tranquility amidst natural beauty. Highly recommended for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catman22
Currie, NC178 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
I have visited state parks all over America. Swallow Falls State Park is one of my all-time favorites. Great trails and waterfalls. Clean and not crowded. The pristine hemlock forest was my favorite place. The smells and crispness in the air were spectacular!
Written 16 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie M
41 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This is a must do if you're in the Deep Creek area. It was pretty crowded especially for a chilly weekend in November. Had to stop several times to let other groups pass because many of the trails are very narrow. I would recommend going on a weekday if possible.
Written 18 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3ml
DeLand, FL106 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful hitting trail. Small fee to get into the park per vehicle but so worth it. The trail takes you to all 4 waterfalls.
Written 6 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly O
17 contributions
Aug 2023
Such a wonderful park and a beautiful trail of waterfalls. We walked all the way down it and then back up again, just to experience it in both directions. Might be a bit difficult for toddlers and elderly to navigate. Wear sturdy shoes and mind your step, because there are some tricky/steep areas.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendi D
60 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Nice hiking path! Encountered a few tree roots and rocks, but nothing bad. Falls are beautiful. Would have loved to have spent more time and have gotten our feet wet, but will just have to go back!
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cody K
Bellefontaine, OH36 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We stopped by here on our way between a couple other state parks. This is definitely a small state part but well worth the time to stop and hike around to see the falls. It does cost $5/adult to enter this park, however your pass is also good for another state park if you use it on the same day, I don't remember what the other park was though.
The park is well maintained and clean, the bathrooms are also well kept. We arrived here around lunch time so we drove a little past the main parking lot to a smaller lot and found some picnic tables to eat at. They also had a playground for the kids so that kept them occupied for a bit.
We then started off on the hike, we took the outside loop counterclockwise. Overall, it was about a 1.25 mile hike. We took our time and spent about one hour on the hike. For the short distance this hike allows you to see 4 different water falls, each very different than the last. There is some elevation change at the beginning and obviously the end of the loop but for the most part the trail doesn't have any very steep hills to climb. There is also a handy cap paved trail that leads to the larger of the 4 waterfalls.
Between eating and hiking we spent about 2 hours here and it was well worth the time.
The park is well maintained and clean, the bathrooms are also well kept. We arrived here around lunch time so we drove a little past the main parking lot to a smaller lot and found some picnic tables to eat at. They also had a playground for the kids so that kept them occupied for a bit.
We then started off on the hike, we took the outside loop counterclockwise. Overall, it was about a 1.25 mile hike. We took our time and spent about one hour on the hike. For the short distance this hike allows you to see 4 different water falls, each very different than the last. There is some elevation change at the beginning and obviously the end of the loop but for the most part the trail doesn't have any very steep hills to climb. There is also a handy cap paved trail that leads to the larger of the 4 waterfalls.
Between eating and hiking we spent about 2 hours here and it was well worth the time.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChrisH
Frederick, MD525 contributions
Jun 2023
Two adults visited here in mid-June 2023 for about three hours. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent. The Visitor Center/camp store has basic park information, but no exhibits. We walked along the stream-side path and viewed all four waterfalls. We missed the rhododendron blooming by a couple of weeks but did see some mountain laurel in bloom. It must be spectacular when the rhododendron blooms. The stream-side path can be rough with mud and stones at times but there is a level cliff side path with shortcuts to the waterfalls. It was such a cool day there were few people in the water. It must be crowded later in the summer when it’s very hot. A beautiful small park. Note there is a small CCC museum up the hill from the visitor center. Took us about 10 minutes to browse the history displays. A separate rest room building is available next to the visitor center and the park has a campground. No dogs are allowed on the trails in the summer, just off season.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LABDRB
634 contributions
A waterfall is a mesmerizing cascade of water flowing gracefully, never seen so many in one place…
Jun 2023 • Friends
Today’s adventure took us to Swallow Falls State Park. It is home to Muddy Creek Falls, which is the highest free-falling waterfall in the state of Maryland, with a drop of 53 feet and breathtaking. The name Swallow Falls comes from the Native American legend that says swallows used to nest in the cliffs surrounding the waterfalls. I’ve never seen so many waterfalls during one hike. The park had its beginnings in 1906 with the donation by John and Robert Garrett of Baltimore. The park is notable for its stand of old hemlock trees, some more than 300 years old. the area include Edison, Ford and Firestone, who camped at Muddy Creek Falls in the summers of 1918 and 1921. Stunning! TY MD
Written 18 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Libby H
19 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We had a very nice time. The park was clean and well maintained. Beautiful waterfalls. We enjoy the path options allowing for more hiking or just a path to the falls. Allows for all level of adventure and mobility.
Written 26 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs welcome on the trails?
JKH
Ocean City, MD36 contributions
Wow. I am a little late with answering and you probably have already discovered that YES, dogs are welcome!
are the trails wheelchair accessable
Expedition200599
3 contributions
You’ll be able to get to the overlook to see the falls. You won’t be able to go down to it.
Tasnim M
Gaithersburg, MD
Is the park still open for hiking with everything going on with Covid19? I want to drive up for a hike, I am 2.5 hours away so I want to make sure it's open before I come.
TrackMomof3
Pittsburgh, PA254 contributions
There is a good deal of information on the MD State Parks website. It looks like some of the more popular areas (where people would congregate) are closed. Search here...dnr.maryland.gov/Publiclands/Pages/COVID-19-Virus-Alert.aspx
Mbeal112
Cumberland, MD185 contributions
How far of a walk is it to the Falls? My mother in law does walk very well but we would like her to see them.
Jennifer D
Saint Marys, PA33 contributions
I did notice that there were handicapped parking spaces near the falls (50 yards?). I would call them to make sure. Unfortunately she’d only be able to see the one (the biggest one). The walk to the rest of it it pretty rough for someone who doesn’t get around too easily.
Are the tent sites in Garrett Loop concrete?
PAYEMD
Baltimore, MD103 contributions
Sorry but I do not know. We did not camp. The information might be on the website
Are these trails accessible with a stroller?
Texan 300
4 contributions
It would be very difficult in many places.
Jenvak2018
Baltimore, MD2 contributions
Planning on visiting Swallow Falls in the near future and I always get a little nervous when my husband doesn’t join me on the hikes with the kids, so I have a silly question...while this sounds like a relatively easy hike, is there an obvious spot where we would turn around or does it loop us back around relatively close to where we started? Thanks!!
Jennifer D
Saint Marys, PA33 contributions
As far as I know it loops around, but it didn’t take too long. We had a group of 9 adults and 6 kids ranging 8 to 15. We all made it through even with the kids running way ahead of us.
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Claim your listingSWALLOW FALLS STATE PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Swallow Falls State Park
- Swallow Falls State Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 08:00 - 20:00
- Hotels near Swallow Falls State Park:
- (12.77 km) Blue Moon Rising
- (1.35 km) Wild Yough Glamping Huts
- (8.88 km) The Garrett Inn
- (11.52 km) Inn At Deep Creek
- (7.65 km) Haley Farm Inn and Retreat Center
- Restaurants near Swallow Falls State Park:
- (12.17 km) Brenda's Pizzeria
- (12.08 km) Dutch's at Silver Tree
- (12.22 km) Lakeside Creamery
- (12.15 km) Trader's Coffee House
- (12.06 km) Ace's Run Restaurant & Pub
- Attractions near Swallow Falls State Park:
- (0.06 km) Herrington Manor State Park
- (12.22 km) Fun Time Water Sports
- (13.97 km) Deep Creek Lake State Park
- (2.15 km) Alpaca Acres Farm and Fun
- (5.95 km) Garrett County Museum of Transportation