Swallow Falls State Park
Oakland, MD
Muddy Creek Falls, at 53 feet the highest free-falling waterfall in Maryland, plus smaller falls on the Youghiogheny along a 1.25-mile loop through old hemlocks. Park fee; the lots fill on summer weekends.
Swallow Falls State Park is a state park on the west bank of the Youghiogheny River, about 9 miles (14 km) northwest of Oakland in Garrett County, Maryland. Its main attraction is Muddy Creek Falls: at 53 feet (16 m) it is considered Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall. Smaller falls lie on the Youghiogheny and on Tolivar Creek.
The park protects a stand of old hemlocks, some more than 300 years old; a plaque calls it the last of its kind in Maryland. According to Lonely Planet, a 1.25-mile (2 km) loop passes the falls, and a 5.5-mile (8.9 km) trail for hikers and mountain bikers links the park with Herrington Manor State Park. There are 65 campsites (open mid-April to mid-December per Lonely Planet), plus a picnic area with a pavilion and a playground.
A bit of history: in 1906 John and Robert Garrett of Baltimore donated 1,917 acres as a state forest, and the Civilian Conservation Corps developed the park in the 1930s. Visitors to the area included Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, John Burroughs and Harvey Firestone, who camped at Muddy Creek Falls in 1918 and 1921. Check hours and fees in advance.
- Nearest town
- Oakland, MD
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.4990, -79.4185
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Herrington Manor State Park CabinsCampsite4 mi from Swallow Falls State Park
- Double G RV ParkCampsite6 mi from Swallow Falls State ParkCaravansElectricity
- Deep Creek Lake State Park CampgroundCampsite6 mi from Swallow Falls State Park · 72 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Bumble Bee RV Park and CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Swallow Falls State Park
- Big Run State Park CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Swallow Falls State Park · 23 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsDogs allowed
- Benner's Meadow Run Camping & CabinsCampsite25 mi from Swallow Falls State ParkTents
All campsites in Maryland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Swallow Falls State Park?
Swallow Falls State Park is in Oakland, MD, at GPS 39.4990, -79.4185. It is about 26 mi from Davis.
Can you camp near Swallow Falls State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Herrington Manor State Park Cabins, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Swallow Falls State Park?
Swallow Falls State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Western Maryland: Antietam, the C&O Canal and Swallow Falls.
What is there to see near Swallow Falls State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Coopers Rock State Forest Overlook (22 mi), Fort Necessity National Battlefield (24 mi), Ohiopyle State Park (26 mi) and Blackwater Falls State Park (27 mi).
When is the best time to visit Swallow Falls State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)