Muddy Creek Falls
- Height
- 53 ft
- Hike
- 1.25 mi round trip
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
Muddy Creek Falls drops about 53 ft on Muddy Creek in Garrett County, Maryland. Reaching it is a 1.25 mi hike round trip.
Closures and warnings
Pets are not permitted in the day-use area, including the Canyon Trail, from May 23, 2026 through September 7, 2026 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 53 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | Maryland DNR: Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall; Youghiogheny River borders the park through rocky gorges |
Access
| Hike | 1.25 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland. 1 1/4-mile trail through the park guides hikers to canyon scenery including Muddy Creek Falls. |
| Parking | Swallow Falls day-use lots |
| Fee | Maryland state park vehicle / day-use fees; weekend and holiday day-use reservations required Memorial Day weekend. |
| Hours | 8 a.m. to sunset |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Reservation window | Weekend and holiday day-use reservations starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day via parkdayuse.maryland.gov |
| Managed by | Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Swallow Falls State Park) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
|---|---|
| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Camping, fishing, hiking, and pavilion picnic facilities |
Rules
| Dogs | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Muddy Creek Falls open?
Pets are not permitted in the day-use area, including the Canyon Trail, from May 23, 2026 through September 7, 2026 (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). As of September 28, 2026. Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset.
How tall is Muddy Creek Falls?
Muddy Creek Falls drops about 53 ft.
How long is the hike to Muddy Creek Falls?
It's a 1.25 mi hike round trip. The road in is paved. Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland. 1 1/4-mile trail through the park guides hikers to canyon scenery including Muddy Creek Falls. Parking: Swallow Falls day-use lots.
Do you need a reservation for Muddy Creek Falls?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required: Weekend and holiday day-use reservations starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day via parkdayuse.maryland.gov.
Is there a fee at Muddy Creek Falls?
The fee is Maryland state park vehicle / day-use fees; weekend and holiday day-use reservations required Memorial Day weekend.
When is Muddy Creek Falls flowing?
Maryland DNR: Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall; Youghiogheny River borders the park through rocky gorges.
What facilities are at Muddy Creek Falls?
Restrooms and picnic sites. Camping, fishing, hiking, and pavilion picnic facilities.
Nearby
Sources
1
- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/swallowfalls.aspx (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / waterfall.heightFt / waterfall.flowNote / access.hikeDistanceMi / access.hours / access.roadNote, access.fee / access.permitRequired / access.reservationWindow / rules.dogs / hazardNote, access.amenities / rules.camping / waterbodyName, access.parking / access.hikeDistanceBasis, waterfall.ephemeral, access.roadSurface)
More: Maryland waterfalls