Swallow Falls State Park and Deep Creek Lake State Park

Swallow Falls State Park

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 1 1/4 mile trail through Swallow Falls guides 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.

Muddy Creek is the largest and the most interesting of the three falls in the park.  It is believed to be one of the largest waterfalls in Maryland, not that it is terribly large.  It is still very pretty.  It’s also very easy to visit.  The waterfall is even handicapped accessible.  There is a boardwalk that leads to a relatively good view of the falls, but to get the full experience, head down the stairs/trail to get much closer.  If you keep following this trail, you can see the other waterfalls very easily.  It’s a very nice park, and it’s an added bonus to be allowed to explore around the falls. (Too often, waterfalls at state parks are blocked from better exploration…often with good reason.)

Swallow Falls is the namesake of Swallow Falls State Park, and it’s where most people get into the river to swim and cool off. They also like to jump off the falls into the deep water below.

Although Muddy Creek Falls and Swallow Falls are the main attractions at Swallow Falls State Park, Tolliver Falls is just as interesting as its larger relatives. Tolliver Falls is only a few feet tall, and yet its location in the park is very scenic. Tolliver Falls is on a side trail that’s very easily accessed. You may have to wander around a little to find it, though. There aren't any signs along the trails to guide you, so it can be confusing. Muddy Creek Flows in the opposite direction of the Youghiogheny River, so that can be confusing, as well, as you walk down the trail and the creek appears to change directions; however, you are coming coming from fhe confluence of Muddy Creek and the Youghiogheny River (the "Yawk").




Deep Creek Lake

This spot in Western Maryland is a true all-seasons destination. Snowboard, ski and even ice-fish or dogsled all winter, then come back for white water rapids, bass fishing, jet skiing and more in summer.

Visitor services at the state park at Deep Creek Lake are located on State Park Road along the waterfront of Deep Creek Lake. The park includes approximately 1 mile of shoreline on this, Maryland's largest man-made lake. Access is available for fishing, swimming, and boat launching. Several picnic areas offer excellent views of the lake with easy access to the beach and other facilities. For more information check out our park map. Park Headquarters is located at the intersection of Brant and State Park Roads.

The Discovery Center at the state park can be reached at 301-387-7067 during business hours.

Interpretive programs, consisting of evening campfire programs, and talks and hikes on the natural and cultural resources of the park, are led by a park naturalist and are available at various times throughout the year and by special request. Activity schedules are posted on bulletin boards throughout the park and at the Discovery Center.

Meadow Mountain offers opportunities for hiking. Trail difficulties range from moderate to difficult. A trail guide is available at Park Headquarters and at the Discovery Center or you may purchase one on-line. Pets are allowed on trails and must be kept on a leash. Four season opportunities exist for mountain biking, cross country skiing & snowmobiling.

Picnicking is available in the park's waterfront area (a service charge applies). Tables, grills, shelters, a bathhouse and restrooms are available to use by visitors. Shelters must be reserved in advance for a fee. Swimming is allowed in designated swimming areas which are adjacent to the sandy beaches. Lifeguards are on duty daily at the designated swimming area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Guarded beach hours are subject to change due to weather and staffing limitations.

Meadow Mountain campground has 112 campsites that are available by reservation from the spring through the fall.

Top Things to Do at Deep Creek Lake

Hit the Slopes at Wisp Resort

Wisp’s terrain park and 32 slopes, groomed to corduroy perfection, can challenge the serious skier or snowboarder or welcome a first-time newbie. If bombing down the slopes isn’t your thing, Wisp is still the perfect winter wonderland with ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and the thrilling Mountain Coaster open year-round.

Run the Rapids of the Youghiogheny River For hardcore river-runners, the names “Top Yough” and “Upper Yough” are the stuff of legend. Top Yough runs three miles from Swallow Falls to the infamous Suckhole and is some of the gnarliest class IV and V rapids around. “Upper Yough” is ten miles with some leisurely class IIIs, but the run from Wait Rock to the drop into the Gap Falls pool is classic class V insanity.

Learn to Fly Fish

When contemplating your ideal getaway, does a river run through it? If so, Streams & Dreams Retreat is the perfect getaway. Their expert guides have tips for the seasoned fly-caster and comprehensive lessons for beginners on the banks of the Youghiogheny. Lose yourself to the sound of rippling waters, the swish of line, and the splash of a monster trout.

Get Your Mush On at Husky Power Dogsledding

Get to know the happiest and hardest working dogs around with a paws-itively awesome tour of this working dogsled kennel. The canine athletes are eager to take you on your mini-Iditarod adventure by sled when it’s snowing or by cart summer through fall. Mush!

Go Boating on Deep Creek Lake

Feeling the need for speed? Rent a jetski or a speedboat for wakeboarding. Looking for an unusual spot for a picnic? Take the family out on a patio boat for 360-degree lake views. Craving serenity? Canoe, kayak or rent a sailboat to enjoy the lake's 3,900 acres of cool, clean water.

Hike or Bike the Eastern Continental Divide

Whether its rail trails or single-track, a family walk or an overland adventure you’re after, the beautiful trails of Garrett County have it all. Trace the Eastern Continental Divide where it splits Big Savage Mountain to the east and Meadow Mountain on the west in idyllic New Germany State Park, just one of the six state parks that cover a fifth of the county.

Experience the Extreme at Adventure Sports Center International

Home of the only mountaintop recirculating whitewater course in the world, Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) lets you dip a paddle in a controlled environment with rapids ranging from Class II to IV. Prefer to get vertical? Try rock climbing and rappelling on their natural formations.

See Where History Lives at Spruce Forest Artisan Village

Located on the historic National Road just a stone’s throw from the soaring stone Casselman River Bridge, old-world craftspeople still ply their trades in the Spruce Forest Artisan Village. The sound of hammers and anvils ring from centuries-old log cabins in this one of a kind place. After, try some good home cooking at the famous Penn Alps Restaurant & Craft Shop.

Celebrate Fall at the Autumn Glory Festival

Travel & Leisure named Oakland the number one spot in the country to see the fall foliage, and there’s no better time than during the Autumn Glory Festival, MSN.com’s number one fall festival. This five-day celebration combines parades, crafts, music and the dazzling riot of fall colors for a perfect getaway.