Swallow Falls State Park

Swallow Falls State Park has re-opened after the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy with limited access to the falls. Not all areas of the park or the trails are accessible as storm cleanup efforts continue. For your safety, please adhere to signs indicating what areas are open and do not go beyond posted signs.

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.

The Youghiogheny River and Muddy Creek are white water rivers that contain severe natural hazards, such as waterfalls, violent rapids, swift currents, deep pools, underwater hydraulics, cold water, slippery rocks and rough terrain. Injuries and deaths have occurred in and around these waters. Visitors should be alert for these hazards and EXERCISE CAUTION to protect themselves and any children from potentially life threatening accidents.

Remember, you are responsible for having the necessary skills, knowledge and equipment for a safe and environmentally sensitive visit.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed in Swallow Falls State Park in the following areas:

• Pets are allowed on the 5 1/2 Mile Trail outside the day-use area. All other trails are restricted.
• Pets are allowed in the campground
• Pets allowed in all day-use areas after Labor Day to Memorial Day weekend

OPERATION: CAMPOUT!

It's never too late to discover the joys of sitting around a roaring campfire, roasting marshmallows or sleeping under the stars!

With the new OPERATION: CAMPOUT! Program, we can lend you gear free of charge (includes a tent, chairs, stove, lantern and more). This program is designed for military individuals and military families new to camping or experienced campers stationed or recovering in this area. OPERATION: CAMPOUT! is an opportunity for families to reconnect with each other and the great outdoors in a comfortable, safe and relaxing setting.

Campsites have picnic tables and fire pits. Some sites have electric hook-ups. Restrooms and shower facilities are nearby.

Contact the park office directly by phone to make your reservation. Be sure to let us know you are reserving through OPERATION: CAMPOUT!

Features

Camping: 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: Hiking trails through an old growth forest pass by several waterfalls including Muddy Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in Maryland.

Picnicking: 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.

Self-guided recreational activities

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking

Camping

To make reservations please call 1-888-432-2267.

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 are full hook-up which includes electric, water and sewer. There are also three camper cabins which include electric heat, one double bed, and a bunk bed.

Three youth group sites are available during the camping season. Site reservations are $15. There is an additional charge of $2 per person, per night for groups without a Maryland State Park Youth Group Pass. Information and an application for a youth group pass can be obtained at the park office.

Reservations:

1. Mid April until the Wednesday before Memorial – all sites are first-come, first-served. Two of the full hook-up sites can be reserved.
2. The Tuesday after Labor Day until mid October – all sites are first-come, first-served. Two of the full hook-up sites can be reserved.
3. Mid October until mid December – first-come, first-served. Two of the full hook-up sites can be reserved.
4. Wednesday before Memorial Day until Labor Day Monday reservations are strongly recommended and may be made by calling 1-888-432-2267. Walk-in’s are welcome depending on availability.
5. Camper Cabins – Reservations are required for all three camper cabins from mid April until mid December. Reservations can be made by calling 1-888-432-2267. Contact the park office, 301-334-9180, prior to arrival for the combination to the cabin.

** All dates and prices subject to change without notice.

Campground rules

There is a two night minimum stay for weekends and a three night minimum stay for holiday weekends.

Campsite occupancy is limited to a maximum of six people, at least one of which must be 18 years of age or older.

The number of tents/trailers permitted on each site depends on the size of the campsite pad. All camping equipment must remain on the campsite pad.

Each campsite is limited to no more than two vehicles. Overflow parking is available nearby. All vehicles must remain on the paved or gravel surface.

Check-in is 3 p.m. Check-in must be done before 10 p.m. Check-out is 12 p.m.

Quiet hours are enforced between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Only self-contained generators are allowed. They may not be operated after 11 p.m.

Visitors must pay the day use entrance service charge and vacate the campground by 11 p.m.

Campfires are permitted in the fire ring only. Please do not leave fires unattended. Firewood is sold at the park. Wood may not be removed from the sensitive management area.

Pets are permitted and must remain on a leash and under control at all times. They are not permitted in the day use area or on the trails between the Saturday before Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Campsite Information

• Site #1, 18', outer loop
• Site #2, 30', inner loop
• Site #3, 18', outer loop
• Site #4, 27', inner loop (disabled accessible site)
• Site #5, 30', outer loop
• Site #6, 36', outer loop
• Site #7, 30', outer loop
• Site #8, tent site (no trailers), outer loop
• Site #9, 30', outer loop
• Site #10, tent site (no trailers), outer loop
• Site #11, 30', outer loop
• Site #12, tent site (no trailers), outer loop
• Site #13, 30', outer loop
• Site #14, 16', outer loop
• Site #15, 30', inner loop
• Site #16, 16', outer loop
• Site #17, 12', inner loop
• Site #18, 16', outer loop
• Site #19, tent site (no trailers), inner loop
• Site #20, 16', outer loop
• Site #21, tent site (no trailers), inner loop
• Site #22, 20', outer loop
• Site #23, tent site (no trailers), inner loop
• Site #24, 20, outer loop
• Site #25, 20', inner loop
• Site #26, 16', outer loop
• Site #27, 30', inner loop
• Site #28, 16', outer loop
• Site #29, 16', inner loop
• Site #30, 16', outer loop
• Site #31, 16', inner loop
• Site #32, 20', outer loop
• Site #33, tent site (no trailers), outer loop
• Site #34, 16', outer loop
• Site #35, 30', outer loop
• Site #36, 12', outer loop
• Site #37, 24', outer loop
• Site #38, 12', outer loop
• Site #39, 16', outer loop
• Site #40, 24', electric/water/sewer, inner loop
• Site #41, 16', outer loop
• Site #42, 20', electric/water/sewer, inner loop
• Site #42A, 24', electric/water/sewer, inner loop
• Site #43, 20', outer loop
• Site #44, 16', inner loop
• Site #45, 12', outer loop
• Site #46, tent site (no trailers), inner loop
• Site #47, 12', outer loop
• Site #48, 16', inner loop
• Site #49, tent site (no trailers), outer loop
• Site #50, tent site (no trailers), inner loop
• Site #51, 12', outer loop
• Site #52, 12', inner loop
• Site #53, 12', outer loop
• Site #54, camper cabin
• Site #55, 20', outer loop
• Site #56, camper cabin
• Site #57, 12', outer loop
• Site #58, camper cabin
• Site #59, 24', outer loop
• Site #60, 24', inner loop (disabled accessible site)
• Site #61, 16', outer loop
• Site #62, 12', inner loop
• Site #63, 16', outer loop
• Site #64, 16', outer loop

16' = maximum length of trailer

Inner loop (closer to the bathhouse)

Maryland Conservation Corps

Swallow Falls State Park is supported by a Maryland Conservation Corps Program. The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an AmeriCorps program that engages young adults, ages 17-25, who want to dedicate a year of service to natural resource conservation. Over a ten to 11-month period, MCC members work as crews to complete 1,700 hours of service. Conservation service activities include: trail maintenance, environmental education, stream & wetland restoration, park facility improvements, invasive species removal and Bay grass planting. Extensive member training is provided, including: First Responder certification, Wildland Fire Fighting certification, Search and Rescue certification, Park Operations, Environmental Education and Interpretation, Chainsaw Safety, Leave No Trace and Canoe Trip Leading.

No minimum qualifications are required other than transportation to the designated job site and a desire to serve. Low-cost State Housing is available at certain crew sites. Benefits include a living allowance of $7.00/hour, health care benefits, child care assistance (if eligible) and a $4,725 education scholarship award for those members that complete $1,700 hours of service. MCC employs a Zero Tolerance Policy for any member who uses alcohol or illegal drugs while attending an MCC project, training or event.

For more information or to apply, contact the park manager or download an application from the Maryland Department of Natural Resource’s Maryland Conservation Corps website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/mcc/yearround.htm

Location

Swallow Falls State Park
c/o Herrington Manor State Park
222 Herrington Lane
Oakland, MD 21550

Contact Swallow Falls

Phone: 301-387-6938

Hours of Operation

8 a.m. to Sunset, March-October
10 a.m. to Sunset, November-February
Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to engage in an activity which requires you to be in the park before or after the posted hours.

Driving Directions to Herrington Manor/Swallow Falls State Parks

From Baltimore: 3 ½ hours
From Route 70 west to Hancock, Maryland and Rt. 68. Follow Rt. 68 west to exit 14 at Keysers Ridge and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 19.5 miles to Mayhew Inn Road (2 miles past Deep Creek). Turn right on Mayhew Inn Road, travel 4.5 miles to end of road. At the stop sign turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Road, travel 0.3 miles to first road on the right which will be Swallow Falls Road. Turn right onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.

From Washington: 3 ½ hours
Follow Rt. 270 west to Frederick and Rt. 70. From Route 70 west to Hancock, Maryland and Rt. 68. Follow Rt. 68 west to exit 14 at Keysers Ridge and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 19.5 miles to Mayhew Inn Road (2 miles past Deep Creek). Turn right on Mayhew Inn Road, travel 4.5 miles to end of road. At the stop sign turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Road, travel 0.3 miles to first road on the right which will be Swallow Falls Road. Turn right onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.

From Morgantown, West Virginia: 2 hours
Follow Rt. 68 east to exit 14 and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 19.5 miles to Mayhew Inn Road (2 miles past Deep Creek). Turn right on Mayhew Inn Road, travel 4.5 miles to end of road. At the stop sign turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Road, travel 0.3 miles to first road on the right which will be Swallow Falls Road. Turn right onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.

From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 2 ½ hours
Follow Rt. 79 south to Morgantown, West Virginia and Rt. 68. Follow Rt. 68 east to exit 14 and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 19.5 miles to Mayhew Inn Road (2 miles past Deep Creek). Turn right on Mayhew Inn Road, travel 4.5 miles to end of road. At the stop sign turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Road, travel 0.3 miles to first road on the right which will be Swallow Falls Road. Turn right onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.