Swallow Falls
- Hike
- 1.25 mi round trip
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Allowed
Swallow Falls is a waterfall on Youghiogheny River in Garrett County, Maryland. Reaching it is a 1.25 mi hike round trip. Flow season is not on file yet.
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). Rocky gorge and slippery wet rocks along the Youghiogheny. As of September 30, 2026.
The falls
| Flow note | Named falls on the Youghiogheny River gorge loop at Swallow Falls State Park; same 1 1/4-mile trail reaches Muddy Creek Falls (53 ft) and canyon scenery. |
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Access
| Hike | 1.25 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland, nine miles north of Oakland in Garrett County. |
| Parking | Swallow Falls State Park day-use lots |
| Fee | Peak: $3 MD / $5 out-of-state per person; off-peak weekdays $3/$5 per vehicle (plus day-use reservation when required). |
| Hours | 8 a.m. to sunset |
| Reservation or permit | Required |
| Reservation window | Day-use reservations required on weekends and holidays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day via parkdayuse.maryland.gov |
| Managed by | Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Swallow Falls State Park) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
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| Picnic sites | Yes |
| Note | Camping, fishing, hiking, and pavilion picnic facilities in the park. |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Camping | Allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Swallow 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). Rocky gorge and slippery wet rocks along the Youghiogheny. As of September 30, 2026. Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset.
How long is the hike to Swallow Falls?
It's a 1.25 mi hike round trip. The road in is paved. Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Road, Oakland, nine miles north of Oakland in Garrett County. Parking: Swallow Falls State Park day-use lots.
Do you need a reservation for Swallow Falls?
Yes. A reservation or permit is required: Day-use reservations required on weekends and holidays Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day via parkdayuse.maryland.gov.
Is there a fee at Swallow Falls?
The fee is Peak: $3 MD / $5 out-of-state per person; off-peak weekdays $3/$5 per vehicle (plus day-use reservation when required).
When is Swallow Falls flowing?
Named falls on the Youghiogheny River gorge loop at Swallow Falls State Park; same 1 1/4-mile trail reaches Muddy Creek Falls (53 ft) and canyon scenery.
What facilities are at Swallow Falls?
Restrooms and picnic sites. Camping, fishing, hiking, and pavilion picnic facilities in the park.
What are the rules at Swallow Falls?
Dogs are allowed and camping is allowed.
Nearby
Sources
2
- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/swallowfalls.aspx (accessed September 30, 2026; backs manager / waterbodyName / waterfall.flowNote / access.hikeDistanceMi / access.hours / access.roadNote, hazardNote / rules.dogs, access.parking / access.amenities / rules.camping / access.hikeDistanceBasis, waterfall.ephemeral / access.roadSurface)
- https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/oc.aspx (accessed September 30, 2026; backs access.fee / access.permitRequired / access.reservationWindow)
More: Maryland waterfalls