The Stunning Seasons at Swallow Falls State Park
One of the best Maryland State Parks is just a quick and scenic drive from our Deep Creek Lake Hotel
Travel just 15 minutes from Deep Creek Lake to experience some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. Swallow Falls State Park is a popular destination for its waterfalls, accessible trails, and towering hemlocks. The park offers a range of activities, such as visiting the waterfalls, hiking, fishing, and even cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in winter. It’s an ideal place to spend time outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The crowning jewel, Muddy Creek Falls, is a 53-foot cascade that brings a quarter million visitors annually.
Swallow Falls State Park also has a fascinating history, as the area had three very famous visitors walk its paths. In 1921, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone set up camp at this location. The visit by these three self-proclaimed “vagabonds” drove the area to public recognition and led the movement to protect and promote forest conservation and outdoor recreation in Maryland. Swallow Falls State Park is a beautiful retreat for both tourists and locals, reminding us of the privilege of enjoying public lands.
After a full adventure at Swallow Falls State Park chasing waterfalls, hiking in the lush forests, and taking in the beauty of the wild Youghiogheny River, relaxing at our Deep Creek Lake Hotel is the perfect way to unwind. Our luxury lakefront Inn is designed for couples and adults looking to escape from the city for a romantic or restful retreat. You’ll feel whisked away from the day-to-day with a long list of bed and breakfast-style amenities, an on-site massage room, and the ideal location. Check out our upcoming availability and book your room today!
Explore the Seasons at Swallow Falls State Park
Maryland offers visitors four seasons of adventure and activity! The summer brings warm weather for swimming and boating, the autumn colors are spectacular, winter offers excellent snow activities, and spring is a time of wildflowers and fresh beginnings. As a guest at our Deep Creek Lake Hotel, you’ll be a quick 15 minute drive to this beautiful state park.
Swallow Falls State Park is a perfect outing all year round. Here are the best things to experience in each season:
Summer at Swallow Falls State Park:
- Hike the Canyon Trail: This trail is the perfect 1.4-mile for hikers of all skill levels, and it hits the highlights of Swallow Falls State Park all in one go. Following this trail, you’ll pass several waterfalls (including Swallow Falls) and the impressive 54-foot Muddy Creek Falls. The trail meanders through a beautiful old-growth forest of Hemlocks and more hardwoods. Connector trails also lead to the Garrett State Forest and other state parks from here.
- Follow the Wild Youghiogheny River: As one of the only officially designated Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Youghiogheny starts from the western slope of the Appalachian Mountains and covers nearly 400 miles in Maryland. Within Swallow Falls State Park, the river is an integral part of the ecosystem and displays severe elevation changes, creating falls and rapids.
- Explore the Park by Bike: Rent a bike and navigate to Swallow Falls State Park from Herrington Manor State Park on the 5.5-mile-long connector trail. Fat tire bikes are available to rent year-round at the Herrington Manor State Park lake house, weather permitting. The cost is $14 per hour or $35 per day.
Autumn in Maryland:
- Soak up the Fall Colors: You’ll find one of the oldest groves of white pine and eastern hemlock in Maryland in Swallow Falls State Park. The tall hemlocks and hardwoods, some more than 300 years old, put on quite a show come fall. To fully experience these impressive fall colors, take the 5.5-mile trail from Swallow Falls State Park through Garrett State Forest to Herrington Manor State Park. Along the trails, keep your eyes and ears open for birds and wildlife that call the park home.
- Relax by the Falls: Tolliver Falls is the perfect place to relax in the fall! While the falls are only about five feet tall, it’s surrounded by beautiful foliage for fantastic photo opportunities.
- Pack a Picnic: Fall temperatures are often perfect for a romantic afternoon picnic. Ask us at our Deep Creek Lake hotel about our add-on packages, and we could even pack up a picnic for you to go. There are shelters at the park, or you’ll find plenty of great places to lay out a blanket.
Read more on our blog about Swallow Falls State Park
Winter Activities at the Park:
- Frozen Waterfalls: As the temperatures plunge in the Deep Creek Lake area, the waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park become a unique and unbelievable sight! The frozen cascades are beautiful and worth bundling up for photos. Dress accordingly for one of the best wintertime hikes in Maryland!
- Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing: As the trails at the park become blanketed with snow, these routes are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Gear up and take the Canyon Trail for an excellent snowy winter adventure at Deep Creek Lake.
- Snowmobile Trails: Bundle up and feel the cold wind in your hair via snowmobile at Swallow Falls State Park. The before-mentioned trail through the Garrett State Forest is the perfect place to experience this thrilling winter activity.
Springtime at Swallow Falls State Park:
- The Rushing Muddy Creek Falls: As the ice melts, the 53-foot Muddy Creek Falls will be at its peak of cascading water. This is a fantastic season for exploring the park as the trees begin to bud and the birds emerge for a beautiful spring day.
- Wildflower Walks: This area is stunning in the springtime, and you’ll especially love searching for wildflowers in Swallow Falls State Park.
- Fishing at Swallow Falls State Park: Pack your waders and head to Swallow Falls State Park for some trout fishing. There’s a four-mile stretch for catch and release along the Youghiogheny River. You’ll find Rainbow and Brown Trout varieties.
More Beautiful Maryland State Parks to Visit Near Deep Creek Lake
While Swallow Falls State Park is a must-visit as a guest at our Deep Creek Lake Hotel, there’s a beautiful selection of other nearby Maryland State Parks to explore during your stay as well. From fantastic hikes and bike trails to time on the water and beaches, you’ll love the selection of nature areas to discover.
Here are five other Maryland State Parks to check out:
- Deep Creek Lake State Park: You’ll find nine maintained and well-marked trails at this State Park, about 20 minutes from our Deep Creek Lake Bed and Breakfast. The 1,800 acres encompass two swimming beaches, twenty miles of wooded trails, and a 6,000-square-foot Discovery Center.
- New Germany State Park: This is one of the Maryland State Parks near Deep Creek Lake, with ten miles of multi-use trails and a small lake for a refreshing swim. You’ll be entirely off the grid here, as no cell service is available in this area—it’s always better to know in advance!
- Herrington Manor State Park: This nearby picturesque natural area in Garret County, Maryland, covers 365 acres of the Garret State Forest surrounding the park’s heart, the 53-acre Herrington Lake.
- Savage River State Forest: Covering over 55,000 acres in Garrett County, Maryland, this state forest is a four-season area for outdoor recreation. Summer is an excellent time for fishing and mountain biking along the forest trails. The shade from the old-growth and cool breezes from the elevation gain on these routes is such a treat.
Casselman River Bridge State Park: A leisurely day trip worth taking in the Deep Creek Lake area is to plan a picturesque picnic and enjoy a stroll at Casselman River Bridge State Park. The breathtaking countryside drive is worth exploring, and you’ll find several exciting spots worth checking out along the way. The park’s main attraction is the 1813 bridge structure, a national historic landmark that provides a perfect place for an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity.
One of the Most Luxurious Deep Creek Lake Hotels for Lodging
Our Deep Creek Lake Hotel is the perfect place to call home on your vacation in Maryland. You’ll be taken right away by the impressive architecture of our Inn, designed in the Arts and Crafts style made famous by the modernist movement. The stunning river rock grand fireplace in the shared living room is the ideal stop for a glass of wine in the evenings and friendly conversation. During the warmer months, our covered, wrap-around porch is perfect for a glass of lemonade and gazing out onto the lake.
Before heading out on your adventures to the nearby Maryland State Parks, start your day with us and our complimentary homemade breakfast. It’s the ultimate way to fuel up before your outdoor excursions. We offer many sweet and savory options, a fruit and baked bread course, and delicious coffee and beverages. The evenings at Lake Pointe Inn are just as decadent with home-baked treats and happy hour each day with snacks and wine. You’ll love exploring our beautiful garden grounds, lush lawns, fire pit, and dock on the lake—all ideal spaces for an adult beverage and lively conversation.
With only 12 luxurious and beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites, the Lake Pointe Inn is truly a magical retreat. Each of our rooms is stylishly designed for a restful and romantic getaway. Choice rooms offer en suite jacuzzi tubs many with stunning views of the lake. You’ll love our comfortable beds dressed in fine linens and have all the necessary amenities for comfort and relaxation. We can’t wait to host you at our Deep Creek Lake Hotel! Get your reservation on the books and start planning today!
