Swallow Falls State Park
Swallow Falls State Park is a Maryland state park on the west bank of the Youghiogheny River, about 9 miles northwest of Oakland in Garrett County. It is best known for Muddy Creek Falls, a 53-foot free-falling waterfall that Wikipedia describes as Maryland's highest, and for a stand of hemlock trees, some more than 300 years old. The one thing to know is that the attraction record requires reservations on summer weekends and holidays, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so check Maryland DNR before you go.
Should you go to Swallow Falls State Park today?
Good day to go
- Dry daytime forecast.
- Tue 20Dry daytime forecast
- Wed 21Dry daytime forecast
- Thu 22Dry daytime forecast
- Fri 23Dry daytime forecast
- Sat 24Dry daytime forecast
Weather at Swallow Falls State Park, today
| Time | Sky | Temp | Wind | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 am | Sunny | 32°F | 0 mph | 0% |
| 10 am | Sunny | 48°F | 0 mph | 0% |
| 12 pm | Sunny | 58°F | NE 2 mph | 0% |
| 2 pm | Sunny | 62°F | N 5 mph | 0% |
| 4 pm | Sunny | 61°F | N 5 mph | 0% |
| 6 pm | Clear | 57°F | N 1 mph | 0% |
River right now
| Water temperature | 11.5 °C (53°F), Mon 1:45 am |
|---|---|
| Flow | 363 cfs, Mon 1:45 am |
| Gage height | 2.82 ft, Mon 1:45 am |
Daylight
| Sunrise | 7:31 am |
|---|---|
| Sunset | 6:33 pm |
| Question visitors ask | Do I need a reservation for Swallow Falls State Park? |
|---|---|
| County | Garrett County |
| Official site | dnr.maryland.gov |
How do you get to Swallow Falls State Park?
Swallow Falls State Park is in Garrett County, Maryland, about 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Oakland, the nearest town. The park sits on the west bank of the Youghiogheny River. The park's coordinates are 39°30′04″N 79°25′04″W.
This guide does not list parking details or driving directions. Check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website before you go.
Do you need a reservation for Swallow Falls State Park?
The attraction record says a reservation is required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The record does not list reservation rules for the rest of the year. Check before you go, because summer rules can change.
What are the hours and when is Swallow Falls State Park open?
The attraction record lists the park as open all year, with hours from 8 a.m. to sunset. The record was checked on 2026-10-15 and showed no closures at that date. Check before you go, since hours can change by season.
The record does not include admission fees, so this guide does not list any prices.
Are pets allowed at Swallow Falls State Park?
The attraction record says pets were prohibited in the day-use area, including the Canyon Trail, until September 7, 2026. That date has passed, but the record does not confirm whether the rule has ended. Check Maryland DNR before you bring a pet.
What is there to see at Swallow Falls State Park?
The park has Muddy Creek Falls, a 53-foot (16 m) free-falling waterfall, and smaller falls on the Youghiogheny River and Tolivar Creek. It also has a stand of old hemlock trees, some more than 300 years old, which Wikipedia describes as the last stand of its kind in Maryland.
The park has 65 campsites, a picnic area with a pavilion and playground, and a mile-long hiking trail through the old-growth forest. A 5.5-mile (8.9 km) trail for hiking and mountain biking connects the park with Herrington Manor State Park.
Swallow Falls State Park: questions visitors ask
Do I need a reservation for Swallow Falls State Park?
The attraction record says reservations are required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Check Maryland DNR before you go, because the rule applies to the summer season.
How tall is Muddy Creek Falls?
Muddy Creek Falls is 53 feet (16 m) tall. Wikipedia describes it as the highest free-falling waterfall in Maryland.
Is Swallow Falls State Park open all year?
The attraction record lists the park as open all year, from 8 a.m. to sunset. Check before you go, because hours can vary by season.
Does Swallow Falls State Park have campsites?
Yes. Wikipedia says the park has 65 campsites. Check Maryland DNR for current availability and booking rules before you go.
Can I hike from Swallow Falls State Park to Herrington Manor State Park?
Yes. Wikipedia says a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) trail for hiking and mountain biking connects Swallow Falls State Park with Herrington Manor State Park.
Can I bring my dog to Swallow Falls State Park?
The attraction record says pets were banned from the day-use area, including the Canyon Trail, until September 7, 2026. That date has passed, so check Maryland DNR for the current rule before you bring a pet.
What is special about the trees at Swallow Falls State Park?
The park has a stand of old hemlock trees, some more than 300 years old. Wikipedia calls it the last stand of its kind in Maryland.
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