Swallow Falls State Park park
Swallow Falls State Park
Reasons to visit:
1. Captivating Waterfalls: Swallow Falls State Park is renowned for its waterfalls, particularly Muddy Creek Falls. With a height of 53 feet, it is the highest free-falling waterfall in the state of Maryland, which shares its border with the park. The scenic beauty and soothing sounds of the falls provide an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.
2. Lush Forests and Hiking Trails: The park features dense forests composed of oak, pine, and hemlock trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can explore the well-maintained hiking trails, such as the Swallow Falls Canyon Trail and the Meadow Mountain Trail, offering picturesque views and opportunities to observe wildlife.
3. Fishing and Swimming: The Youghiogheny River, which runs through the park, provides an excellent spot for fishing, particularly for trout. Moreover, the park offers a designated swimming area, where visitors can cool off during the summer months.
Points of interest:
1. Swallow Falls Canyon: This scenic canyon, carved by the Youghiogheny River, offers a stunning view of the waterfalls and a thrilling tubing experience during summer months.
2. Herrington Manor State Park: Adjacent to Swallow Falls State Park, Herrington Manor offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and swimming in the lake.
3. Big Savage Mountain: Located nearby, this mountain offers hiking and biking trails, as well as stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Interesting facts:
1. Swallow Falls State Park was established in 1953 and encompasses approximately 257 acres.
2. The park's name, Swallow Falls, is derived from the swallows that are often seen nesting on the cliffs surrounding the falls.
3. Muddy Creek Falls is actually taller than Niagara Falls.
Best time of year to visit:
Swallow Falls State Park is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique beauty. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer allows for swimming and tubing. In the fall, the park showcases vibrant foliage, making it a popular time for photography. Winter offers a peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for activities such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Please note that it is always recommended to check with official park websites or visitor centers for the most up-to-date information on park access, facilities, and activities.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Swallow Falls State Park, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swallow Falls State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Deep Creek Lake State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Lost Land Run - Potomac State Forest | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Wallman/Laurel Run - Potomac State Forest | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Big Run State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Mill Run - Youghiogheny River Lake | ✗ | ✓ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Swallow Falls State Park as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Swallow Falls State Park
What can I do at Swallow Falls State Park?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Swallow Falls State Park?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Swallow Falls State Park.