SWALLOW FALLS STATE PARK

Old Growth Forest and an Ancient River

Best known for Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall, Swallow Falls State Park is home to Muddy Creek Falls, which is a towering 53 feet. Four breathtaking waterfalls can be seen from the 1 1/4-mile trail that meanders through the virgin hemlock and white pine forest. Some of the larger trees are over 330 years old. The Youghiogheny River gets its name from the American Indians, meaning river that flows the wrong way. The river flows north to Pittsburgh, Pa. Exercise extreme caution when around the river as fast currents, violent rapids, slippery rocks, and underwater hydraulics have caused injuries and deaths.

CAMPING IS “IN-TENTS”

Swallow Falls State Park has a campground with 65 sites, modern bath houses, fire rings, lantern posts, and stabilized pads. Three sites have sewer, water and electric, and three sites have water and electric. Each campsite can accommodate up to six people, and one person must be age 18 or older. Additionally, the campground has three camper cabins that have electric with one double bed and bunk bed, a mini-fridge, and a microwave.

Alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the park. Pets are permitted in the campground year round, as long as a registered camper accompanies them at all times. Pets are not allowed in the day-use area or on the 1 1/4-mile canyon trail from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. For reservations, call 888-432-2267 Monday–Friday, or visit parkreservations.maryland.gov. You may contact the park at 301-387-6938 during the sumer season, or 301-334-9180 year round.

At Your Leisure

Picnicking: There are several picnic tables and grills located on the hill just past the main parking area. A pavilion located beside the main parking lot can be rented as well.

Hiking: a 1 1/4-mile trail meanders through the sensitive management area along the Youghiogheny River. Muddy Creek Falls, Upper and Lower Swallow Falls, and Tolliver Falls can be seen on this loop trail. A 5.5-mile trail also connects Swallow Falls State park to Herrington Manor State Park.

301-334-9180

Managed jointly by Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park, Jennings Randolph Lake was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1981 as an emergency reservoir for metro Washington, D.C. More than five miles long, the lake flows along the North Branch of the Potomac River and divides Maryland and West Virginia. The Maryland Park Service, Freshwater Fisheries and Natural Resources Police manage a boat ramp on the lake, open April through October, weather permitting. A floating dock and parking lot that accommodates 50 boat trailers can be found onsite.

Jennings Randolph Lake offers wonderful fishing and boasts the state record for walleye caught in 1998. Bring plenty of rope for your anchor line, as much of the lake is over 100 feet deep. Many species of wildlife can be spotted in the lake area, including bears, eagles, beavers, and waterfowl, but remember to respect the wildlife, and give them plenty of room to do their thing.