Swallow Falls State Park, Oakland, Maryland

This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland and contains some of Maryland's most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park's borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – a spectacular sight. Tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. The meandering trails through Swallow Falls guide hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in Western Maryland.

Features: Sixty-five (65) wooded campsites with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post on a stabilized pad. All camp sites are located near modern bath houses with hot and cold water. Three of the sites have electric, water and sewer available.
Hiking trails through an old growth forest pass by several waterfalls including Muddy Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in Maryland. Take a trail map of the Garrett Trail System.

Picnic area, pavilion, playground, nature programs during the summer, and the wild and scenic Youghiogheny River can all be found at Swallow Falls State Park. Nearby Herrington Manor State Park, four miles south, offers a 53 acre lake with a swimming beach, boat rentals, and a snack bar during the summer season.

Pets are not permitted in the day use area from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets are permitted in the surrounding areas of Potomac/Garrett State Forests. Pet campsites are available. During the off-season pets are permitted in the day use areas provided they are kept on a leash. Pet owners must clean up after their pets.

Swallow Falls State Park offers accessible campsites, picnic areas and two camp loop bathhouses. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Accessibility For All section of this website.

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