Swallow Falls State Park

Infobox_protected_area | name = Swallow Falls State Park, Maryland, USA
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caption = Forest in Swallow Falls State Park
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location = Garrett County, Maryland, USA
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governing_body = Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Swallow Falls State Park is a Maryland state park in Garrett County Maryland, in the United States. Swallow Falls State Park is located nine miles (14 km) 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. The park contains Maryland's highest waterfall, Muddy Creek Falls, a crashing convert|53|ft|m|sing=on waterfall that is 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.

History

In the early 20th century, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone would often camp at Muddy Creek Falls.

Facilities

65 wooded camp sites with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post on a stabilized pad. All camp sites are located near modern bathhouses with hot and cold water. Three of the sites have electric, water and sewer available. Hiking trails through an old growth forest pass by several waterfalls including Muddy Creek Falls. Take a trail map of the Garrett Trail System. 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 (6 km) south, offers a 53 acre lake with a swimming beach, boat rentals, fishing, and a snack bar during the summer season. Pets are not permitted in the day use area from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets are permitted in the surrounding areas of Potomac/Garrett State Forests. Pet campsites are available. During the off-season pets are permitted in the day use areas provided they are kept on a leash. Pet owners must clean up after their pets. Swallow Falls State Park offers accessible campsites, picnic areas and two camp loop bathhouses.

External links

* [http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/swallowfalls.html Swallow Falls State Park]
* [http://www.unep-wcmc.org/wdpa/sitedetails.cfm?siteid=21888 Swallow Falls State Park in World Database on Protected Areas]