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    Swallow Falls State Park

    4.6 (85 reviews)

    Swallow Falls State Park Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Swallow Falls State Park

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    Jen J.

    So cute! Low-key park with lots of trails. We had a fun time exploring the main trail to Swallow Falls and hiked several trails branching off of it to Muddy Falls, etc. There was decent foot traffic on the trail but not so much that it was overwhelming for a holiday weekend. The trail is easy, but warning that there is a steep decline/incline with steps down to the water and back up. But the photo ops are great by the water. I saw kids in the water but would NOT recommend it as the rapids are swift. Restrooms and an ice cream truck, along with a separate playground area make this a great outting for families.

    Serenity at its finest
    Rob B.

    Okay, this is literally one of those places that make you feel like you are in a movie. It's that surreal and that beautiful. Here we go again with a place in an area that I have been to hundreds of times yet I had never visited this park or even knew about it. It was only by chance that I happened to see it on a map and all while looking for a new place to enjoy a bite to eat on this app. I have to say this place has more beauty per square inch than almost any state park of forest I have ever been to up to this review. I had an amazing time hiking the trails with my friend because every single trail is utterly alluring and especially the one below the main waterfall, but be aware that you will become wet from the mist coming from it and it is marvelous and especially on a hot day. The only downfall to this place is you have to pay to enter it which is totally ludicrous considering it is a state park. Shame on the State of Maryland for charging this fee and for charging out of state residents even more. Smh! Enjoy :D

    Chris W.

    This is a 1.1 mile round trip loop that is perfect for families. The woods were gorgeous and filled with so many trees we don't have in the Midwest. The waterfalls are the main draw and they didn't disappoint. There were three falls during the hike and it was relatively easy to navigate even with kids 5-10. I strongly recommend if you are at deep creek lake to make the 15 min drive and enjoy the beauty of western Maryland.

    Yasuyo T.

    We came here during Thanksgiving week. When we got there, the parking was full but after a few minutes of waiting, we got a parking spot. We have small kids from 6 to 9 years. Everything is walkable distance. We love the view that the nature has created. There are so many areas where Instagram worthy pictures are taken.

    Gerald H.

    Stopped here on a winter Saturday. Had been here with after school program years ago in warmer times, but never in snow. Could be treacherous - especially on the steps leading down to the falls as they don't shovel the steps so caution must be exercised. Was a nice trip. Could be busy with a lot of people making the same stop too.

    Locked and loaded and ready to go
    Cynthia L.

    Get your cameras locked and loaded because this place with its easy hiking and picturesque views (has about 3-4 different and stunning views) is worth it. The hike (round-trip) is about 1-1.5 miles long. We saw sunbathers and picnic groups hanging out in the middle of the falls on the rocks at various point - so cool! Our group of 11 adults and 3 kids took this hike on Labor Day early afternoon and enjoyed it so very much: $3 pp, Veterans are no charge, Kids in car seats are no charge, and they have annual passes available. The park has also got some land for picnic and grilling and a small park for kids. A couple portable bathrooms and a little trailer from Lakeside Creamery if you want a treat before or after. Def worth it if you are in the area! *Limited parking even with their overflow lot, so plan to come earlier or later to avoid the crowds

    John T.

    4.5 Pre-lockdown experience. If anyone follows my reviews (there used to be a lot of y'all), you know that I love green spaces. I'll review a park over a craft cocktail or burger spot any day. Check the FtRs. Me likey the outdoors. So, when my buddy announced that part of our guys long weekend would be spent outside doing outside things in late fall in western Maryland, I grumbled the least.* After a hearty breakfast we made our way to the park. I don't know what I was expecting but those expectations were exceeded the minute we stepped out of the car and into the entrance. Mature virgin hemlocks reach for the sky and invite you in. On every side are sights to behold, moss and rocks for atmosphere and a well-worn trail to walk. Beyond the trees and comforting silence are waterways, small cliffs and (if you visit in colder months) icicles galore. Despite the water in the air and the cold temps, I felt perfectly comfortable hiking around. Come prepared to take photos. There are some breathtaking views of air, earth, wood, and water so pay attention. I didn't see any fauna (mammals or birds) but I was so taken with the flora I didn't much mind. I don't think we went off-trail but there were several moments atop large rocks and waterfalls that I thought 'this probably isn't the safest thing I've done.' Be advised and be careful. And, if I did something I shouldn't have... artistic license, yeah? Final takeaway: come. I haven't felt this at peace in quite some time and given how much of a [redacted] 2020 has been so far, doesn't peace sound good? *I have to have *some* grumble. Have you met me?

    Rumit P.

    There's a $3/person charge for residents of Maryland, and it's on the honor system. Pay in an envelope and shove it into a bin at entrance before proceeding to park. The bin was full three cars ahead of us so visitors were struggling to jam their money in, which led to confusion and delays. We ultimately went into the gift shop and paid with the cashier there. The maps are helpful and easily navigated is to the trails. The trails lead to different views of various falls and the hike is very easy to maybe slightly moderate. In some areas it gets narrow so you have stand to the side to allow oncoming hikers by, but that's par for the course. The views of the falls are up close, with a range of vantage points, and are very enjoyable and relaxing. Plenty of opportunities for photos. We spent about an hour and half hiking, checking out the views, and taking pics. There's also an ice cream truck by the parking lot that takes cash only. Recommended!

    Falls
    Nicole W.

    Very nice park. You can do some hiking through semi-difficult trails (I did it with my 4-year-old, but she needed to be carried, and my retired parents). There's also a quick and easy path to the big waterfall (Muddy Creek Falls). There's handicap parking right next to the Muddy Creek Falls, so if you're traveling with someone who has mobility issues, you could still see a great part of the park. It's a must stop for me when I am in the area.

    Wes N.

    A great state park near Deep Creek. We stayed in McHenry and it was about a 20 minute drive for us. Rates on our day of visit were $3/person for Maryland residents and $5/person for out of state residents. They do seem to offer some discounts. There was plenty of parking. The trail is 1.25 miles total. It is definitely rocky, steep-ish and a little slippery in some spots so I would recommend at the very least wearing sneakers (we saw some folks struggling in Crocs and flip flops). I would probably skip the Tolliver Falls if I did it again, they were the smallest and it was a little difficult for one person in my group to get down to them. They do have a little "shortcut" to skip them. The Muddy Creek Falls were my favorite. Would definitely recommend a visit.

    Tyler C.

    More amazing waterfalls per step than any other park nearby. Flat, easy walk/"hike" with views that'll get you to forget the prickly people and focus on the beauty of prickly plants.

    Melissa B.

    Saturday May 19th, my hubby and I enjoyed hiking at this lovely State Park. There is a cost for this park. Maryland state residents $3 per person, out of state residents $5 but the fee also includes Herrington Manor State Park. One fee for both parks! Swallow Falls State Park on the Youghiogheny River. It is more like a rapid not a real fall but it is still flowing very rapidly and is lovely to look at. There are two main trails the upper trail takes you via the lovely Virgin Hemlock Tree grove forest thick canopy tops very dark and damp in here with ferns and moss everywhere!! Very lovely and very green. The lower trail takes you to the waters edge along the river to all four falls, Muddy Creek, Lower Falls, Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls. Be careful if you wade in anywhere, rocks are extremely slippery but you are allowed to get into the water but use Caution!! Watch your kids!!! You can also walk out to the top of these falls so be careful!!! THERE ARE NOT RAILINGS UP THERE ON THE TOP OF THE FALLS, YOU CAN HAVE A SEVERE ACCIDENT EASILY, ROCKS VERY SLIPPERY HERE!!! You will be on some really big rocks that can be wet and you definitely don't want to fall in here. There are many stairs on the lower trail so not really great for wheelchairs or strollers so use the upper trail. These lovely groves of Virgin Hemlocks are lovely and remind me of pine trees but super tall. The groves of Hemlocks are very tall and lovely! I have to admit, I used my off here because of the dense forest and wet like conditions with all the ferns and trees so thick that its like a dark canopy in there. I still got bit by a mosquito so be careful with any kids, make sure everyone is covered in OFF or some sort of Deet. WARNING: Rocks very slippery! There is no barriers at the tops of the falls so also take warning and be careful with any pets and kids. Rocks are slippery and you can go over. You are allowed to Wade in the river and the bottom of the falls but the water is strong and swift so be extra careful Since you are having to pay to enjoy God's backyard here, Be sure to see all four waterfalls in this lovely park!!!

    Signage
    Marissa C.

    Swallow Falls State Park is a beautiful area, and the main hike that is the major draw is wonderful. The Swallow Falls Canyon Trail is a loop trail that is a little over a mile long and takes you past three waterfalls when done in its entirety. When you first enter the woods, it is very impressive as it is old growth forest with a lot of hemlocks - they just tower above you and really inspire some awe. It's far enough away from the river that it is fairly quiet in this area, which helps to contribute to the overall atmosphere. We opted to head left, which means we saw Muddy Creek Falls first. It's a very impressive sight. It can be viewed from an overlook, as well as from water level if you opt to head down the stairs and follow the trail. The trail brings you along the river and to the Lower and Upper Swallow Falls, which are also very scenic, with some interesting rock formations and plants to see. The third waterfall is the Tolliver Falls, which is a smaller and quieter falls, both as a waterfall and as a location - most people we passed had flocked to the river and the larger falls, resulting in a louder, more crowded experience. Tolliver Falls, on the other hand, is a small, picturesque falls with a little pond-like area below it, and people seemed to be more relaxed when visiting it. It was very peaceful. The trail then led us back to the beautiful forest and the front of the loop. Wonderful hike with a lot of great scenery! Also a tip that a kind staff person shared with us - the entrance fee for Swallow Falls State Park also includes your entrance to nearby Herrington Manor State Park if visited on the same day.

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    2 years ago

    Easy walk to Falls both ways, quiet & beautiful scenery. A must if visiting Deep Creek

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Go there with my wife it's a beautiful walk n very beautiful experience waterfalls n trails gift shops n places to swim

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    6 years ago

    $3 to get in per person for in state people - $5 for out of state. Really nice state park and very pretty.

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    Ask the Community - Swallow Falls State Park

    Review Highlights - Swallow Falls State Park

    Both Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls are worth seeing, and not to difficult or strenuous to get there!

    Mentioned in 12 reviews

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    Penn's Scenic View - The lake at Penn's Scenic View.

    Penn's Scenic View

    5.0(3 reviews)
    34.3 mi

    I recently photographed a wedding at the Scenic View. The grounds are really beautiful and the…read morelookout trumps all. There's a tower up a long, winding road, but you don't even need to go up into the tower to see the gorgeous mountain view. The landscape is breathtaking, I'm sure, during any time of the day. But we went up at sunset after a storm and it was nothing short of spectacular. I cannot wait to get back to Penn's Scenic View for the view alone!

    Penn's Scenic View is such a beautiful place. My large family would go up every year and rent out…read morethe Stable Lodge there. Of course, I loved being with my family. However, I loved going for walks in the area. It's such an amazing experience. Peace, quiet, utter bliss... what more could you ask for? If you walk up this dirt road, you'll encounter a wooden tower on a hill. If you walk up the tower, you can take in the breathtaking view. A full 360° of trees. It's all picture-worthy. You truly won't be disappointed. You can continue to walk around to discover new things. There's a lake next to the Lakeside Lodge. I would always see weddings take place at the lake from the Stable Lodge. It was really nice to see something like that. Unfortunately, this place is private property. You can't just walk in willy-nilly. We rented out a cabin, that's the only reason we were granted access. The place is being sold. It's up for around $1.3 million dollars. Therefore, we can't rent out the Stable Lodge anymore. The whole place is gated off. I wish I could go back up there, just one last time. It's truly amazing. That place means a lot to me. My family has been going up there since I was a baby, and I'm 17. A lot of memories are kept there. It's also the place where I found myself. I would do whatever I could to go up there just one last time. I want to share the experience with my girlfriend. I would pay that $1.3 million to go back up there. If you're lucky enough to visit the 18 acres of pure scenery, you won't be disappointed for even a second.

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    Penn's Scenic View - Sunset portraits in the lookout tower, photo by http://veronicavaros.com

    Sunset portraits in the lookout tower, photo by http://veronicavaros.com

    Penn's Scenic View - Sunset portraits beside the lookout tower, photo by http://veronicavaros.com

    Sunset portraits beside the lookout tower, photo by http://veronicavaros.com

    Penn's Scenic View - A pathway at Penn's Scenic View.

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    A pathway at Penn's Scenic View.

    Herrington Manor State Park

    Herrington Manor State Park

    4.6(14 reviews)
    3.5 mi

    Located near the famous Swallow Falls, Herrington Manor is a state park in Maryland and a popular…read morehiking spot for people from Deep Creek Lake. We've never been here in other seasons; we came out on a windy, snowy and cold January weekend in 2024 to cross-country ski! The good: friendly staff (who was new and not knowledgeable though); they rent ski equipment in the lake house (we didn't go down there as we have our own skis); free. They do have some trails groomed, nice and well done given that they don't seem to be well staffed. They even offer cabins for people to stay in. The bad: Not as scenic and well organized as cross-country skiing at the New Germany State Park (about 30 minutes from here). We tried both places and prefer skiing at New Germany. Trails are not maintained at Herrington Manor so it's a bit tough to try to ski (so many branches, etc). Trails aren't well marked either, and that map is quite useless. So it took us quite a bit of time to figure everything out and trying GPS on our phone.

    This is a neat park and little beach to go swimming if you're in Garrett County. Parking is…read moreavailable, the lake water is good, there are picnic tables, changing facility, and even a little shade. Although I'd probably not go there if it was a busy holiday weekend and packed crowded, any other time is great. I've never rented one of the cabins, but I've heard people seem to enjoy them.

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    Herrington Manor State Park
    Herrington Manor State Park
    Herrington Manor State Park

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    Swallow Falls State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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