| Hiking | |
|---|---|
| Location | Herrington Manor State Park, 301-334-9180 Swallow Falls State Park, 301-334-9180 Potomac-Garrett State Forest, 301-334-2038 Garrett County |
| Trail Maps | Trail maps of Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls State Parks are available for sale at the Herrington Manor State Park office. |
| Trail Access | Trail can be accessed at Herrington Manor State Park trail head, located at the rear of the large parking lot near the lake. Trail can be accessed at Swallow Falls State Park trail head, located at the rear of youth group campsite #2 If possible, park a vehicle at both sites for convenience. |
| Distance | 5.5 miles one way |
| Time | 3 hours each way |
| Trail | Fairly level Rocky The trail is marked with white blazes |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Suitable For Families? | Yes |
| Hazards/Restrictions | Rocky High water problems |
| Potable Water | None |
| Natural Features | Hardwood forests Coniferous streamside Wildlife includes deer, wild turkey and black bear Look for signs of beaver activity |
| Historic/Cultural Features | Old tram road used for logging in the late 1800's |
| Camping | Swallow Falls State Park campground offers 65 wooded sites with modern bathhouses. Swallow Falls campground is closed from mid December through mid April. Potomac-Garrett State Forest offers 36 primitive campsites located in Snaggy Mountain Recreation Area. |
| Other Points of Interest | Approximately 8 miles of mountain biking trails marked with fluorescent green blazes in Potomac-Garrett State Forest Ten miles of color coded ski trails are available at Herrington Manor State Park. Four water falls are located in Swallow Falls State Park. Several watchable wildlife areas are located in Potomac-Garrett State Forest |
| Fees or Permits | Day Use Service Charge: Memorial Day-Labor Day $3/person in addition to weekends in May, September and up to the middle of October; Labor Day-Memorial Day $2/vehicle. Out-of-state residents add $2 to all day use service charges. |
| Description | Much of the trail is an easily navigable old logging road. Part of the trail is single track and rocky. Within one mile of Swallow Falls State Park the trail runs alongside a stream with hemlocks and rhododendron. Approximately one mile from the Swallow Falls State Park trail head, the trail crosses a stream that you may not be able to cross during periods of high water. |
Resources Recommended Gear and Safety Tips
- Small first aid kit
- Water and a snack
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Adequate footwear
- Compass
- Rainwear
- If possible, park a vehicle at both ends for convenience