Activities to Enjoy at Swallow Falls State Park
Magnificent old-growth forests, breathtaking waterfalls and a wide variety of regional wildlife make Swallow Falls State Park an extraordinary destination to visit on your next trip to Grantsville, Maryland. Located 40 minutes from Grantsville in Oakland, Maryland, Swallow Falls State Park offers adventures for everyone. Whether you are taking a hike, having a relaxing picnic, enjoying some fishing or braving the Youghiogheny River, here are some of our favorite activities to enjoy when visiting Swallow Falls State Park.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Swallow Falls State Park is open from 8:00 am through sunset March through October and from 10:00 am through dusk November through February. There is a service charge of $3.00 per person for Maryland residents and $5.00 per person for out-of-state visitors if your visit occurs between the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day (or any weekend in May, September or October). All other times throughout the year are $3.00 per car for Maryland residents and $5.00 per car for out-of-state visitors.
Maryland State Parks waives day-use park entrance fees for all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Learn more here.
TAKE A HIKE
Swallow Falls Canyon Trail is a 1.25-mile foot traffic-only hiking loop enjoyed by any skill level. As you hike, take in the majestic old-growth forest that surrounds you — some of the hemlocks and pine trees are over 300 years old! Swallow Falls Canyon Trail also showcases several breathtaking waterfalls in the park, including Swallow Falls, Tolliver Falls and Muddy Creek Falls. Crashing down at 53 feet, Muddy Creek Falls is the highest free-falling waterfall in Maryland and a must-see on your next visit to Swallow Falls State Park.
If you prefer mountain biking, there is also a five-and-a-half-mile trail through the Garrett State Forest that connects Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park.
HAVE A PICNIC
Swallow Falls State Park is an ideal place to have a relaxing picnic lunch. Not sure what to pack? Make a short 15-minute drive over to The Casselman Bakery and Cafe. At The Casselman Bakery and Cafe, you can choose from deli sandwiches, pepperoni rolls and our famous homemade bread and apple butter. And do not forget to check out our fresh-baked desserts while you are there! Once you have filled your picnic basket with homemade goods, head to the picnic area at the park to enjoy the scenic view.
GO FISHING
Whether you are an avid fisherman or enjoy it as a hobby, Swallow Falls State Park offers many fishing opportunities. Rainbow and brown trout (stocked) and smallmouth bass can be found in the Youghiogheny Catch and Release Trout Fishing Area. This four-mile area begins at the Deep Creek Lake Power Plant and ends at the Sang Run Bridge. This stretch of the Youghiogheny River has a low to moderate gradient, shallow riffles, long runs and occasional deep pools. However, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recommends exercising caution when fishing in this area because the river flow rises rapidly during releases. Before fishing, call 315-413-2823 for flow release information.
To learn more about fishing regulations and restrictions in this area, visit the Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing.
NAVIGATE THE YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER
The Youghiogheny River begins peacefully, but on its journey to Swallow Falls State Park, the river deepens and narrows, dramatically changing its character. Waterfalls, rough rapids, swift currents and more make the Youghiogheny River popular with white water enthusiasts. However, these features also make parts of the river extremely difficult and dangerous to navigate, especially if you are unskilled or not careful.
If you want to brave the river rapids, book a guided trip with an experienced company like Precision Rafting. Depending on your desired experience and skill level, Precision Rafting offers beginner, floating tours on a mild stretch of the Youghiogheny up to expert, action-packed rafting trips at the top of the river.
READY TO RELAX? VISIT THE CASSELMAN IN GRANTSVILLE, MARYLAND
When you are ready for some downtime after a busy day of activities at Swallow Falls State Park, visit us at The Casselman located in nearby Grantsville, Maryland! The Casselman is a historic inn, motel, restaurant and bakery that originated in 1842. To this day, we continue our long, treasured history of serving travelers and the local community of Grantsville.
We would be delighted to have you stay with us at either The Casselman Inn or The Casselman Motel. Our staff aims to accommodate you with a clean and comfortable room and provide you with friendly, attentive service throughout your visit. You can book a room at The Casselman Inn or The Casselman Motel and view pictures of some of our rooms here.
We also invite travelers to stop in and enjoy a delicious country meal served in the relaxed atmosphere of our famous restaurant's dining room. Our restaurant’s cuisine is simple, country food, featuring a variety of favorite recipes reminiscent of the Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish background of the owners. If you are hungry for some delicious goodies, indulge with some fresh baked goods made daily in our bakery!
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 301-895-5055, or you can contact us online here. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you!