If you are a waterfall enthusiast, Swallow Falls State Park is for you. If you are mildly interested in waterfalls and don’t want to exert much energy to get to one, Swallow Falls State Park is for you, too.
The 257-acre park is located along the wild Youghiogheny River and has an accessible trail loop that guides visitors along a network of mountain streams and steep rock ledges, showcasing four distinct waterfalls, each with its own character, geological history, and seasonal charm. Accessibility includes handicap parking, a wooden boardwalk to the waterfall, and a wooden deck to view the falls.
The Canyon Trail is a hiking trail that greets visitors from the main parking lot. Heading south on the trail will take visitors on a walk through hemlock and pine trees and terrain that includes navigating tree roots, wooden steps, and small rock scrambles. Parts of the trail that are closest to the river are wet, and depending on the recent rainfall, the majority of the trail can be wet. The total Canyon Trail distance is a little over a mile and can take 45-60 minutes and sequentially passes by Tolliver Falls, Upper Swallow Falls, Lower Swallow Falls, and culminates at Muddy Creek Falls.
If you head north on the trail, you will swiftly encounter Muddy Creek Falls, which is a focal point of Swallow Falls State Park. Plummeting 53 feet over a dramatic shelf of sandstone into a deep basin below, it holds the title of Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall. This is the waterfall that is easily accessible on foot and provides the handicap accessibility. At the top of these falls is Muddy Creek, and if the water is low in the creek, you can walk out on the rock formation at the top of the falls (carefully, of course). Wooden stairs provide easy access to rock formations at the bottom of the falls. If you visit in the summer, you may see swimmers enjoying the pool of the falls. If you visit in winter, you may encounter a waterfall that is partially or fully frozen.
After the stairs at the bottom of Muddy Creek Falls, Canyon Trail continues,s and if you follow it the whole way, you will end up back at the main entrance, as it is a loop. If Muddy Creek Falls satisfied your waterfall interest, you should wait for the rest of your party to enjoy the loop. Once you commit to walking the Canyon Trail, there isn’t a shortcut to exit the trail along the way.
After Muddy Creek Falls is Lower Swallow Falls, which is part of the Youghiogheny River. These falls are a wider, cascading set of drops over smooth, layered rock formations. The river flattens into expansive pool areas below the falls, which serve as popular resting spots during warm summer months.
Upper Swallow Falls is situated along a constricted channel of the Youghiogheny River where massive volumes of water flow through a tight rock bottleneck. The river crashes violently over exposed stone ledges, creating churning white rapids. Rafting enthusiasts can be seen practicing skills in these rapids.
The last falls on Canyon Trail is Tolliver Falls along a quiet tributary slightly off the main river gorge. Smaller and lower in height than its neighbors, Tolliver Creek slides gently over a broad rock shelf into a tranquil, tree-shaded pool. Its serene atmosphere and accessible rock edges make it a favorite subject for landscape photographers. Note: Leashed dogs are allowed in the park after Labor Day.
As with much of Garrett County, there is also a historical significance to the area.
In the summer of 1921, American industrialists Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone, calling themselves “The Vagabonds”, set up camp beside these falls. Seeking refuge from city life, the trio spent days relaxing beneath the ancient forest canopy, cementing the park’s status as a classic retreat. Over 100 years later, guests can now enjoy camping that potentially includes electric, water, and sewer hookups.
It is important to note a few key components to a visit to these waterfalls between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Dogs are not allowed on the trail during this time, and if you are visiting on a weekend, day use reservations are required. Reservations do sell out, so if you are visiting on a popular holiday, you will want to secure a reservation in advance.
Potomac-Garrett State Forest is home to Cascade Falls, which is fed by the Lostland Run tributary. Accessible from the Lostland Run Trail, Cascade Falls is not as easily accessible as any of the waterfalls in Swallow Falls State Park. While maps of the Lostland complex indicate that there is a road that gets you close to the falls, it is worth a call to the ranger station to see if the vehicular bridge on that road has reopened. It was closed for repairs and required hikers to take a different route to Cascade Falls. Using the North Prong Shelter as a starting point provides a shorter path to Cascade Falls and also provides the opportunity to cross the North Prong Suspension Bridge. When the trail ends at the falls, there is a
moderate drop to get close to the falls.
There is also a water feature referred to as The Falls of Deep Creek that is near Oakland Sang Run Road. However, there is no trail to these falls, and very little is known about the best way to access them.
Written by Francesca Branson.