Maryland's tallest waterfall, a 53-foot drop on Muddy Creek within Swallow Falls State Park's river gorge.
Muddy Creek Falls drops 53 feet inside Swallow Falls State Park near Oakland in Garrett County - Maryland's tallest waterfall and the park's signature sight. The park takes its name from a smaller, separate waterfall called Swallow Falls a short distance away on the Youghiogheny River; the big, photogenic drop that draws most visitors is this one, on Muddy Creek, not the park's namesake falls. Both sit along the same loop of trail through hemlock forest and the river's rocky gorge.
Maryland DNR's park page describes a 1.25-mile trail that takes hikers past Muddy Creek Falls and the park's other falls and overlooks; park hours run 8 a.m. to sunset. Day-use reservations are required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and dogs are barred from day-use areas, including the Canyon Trail, from May 23 through September 7. A day-use service charge applies; check the park's current fee page before visiting, and verify accessibility arrangements directly with the park.
Know before you go
Swallow Falls State Park, near Oakland, Garrett County, MD (about 9 miles north of Oakland).
Park hours 8 a.m. to sunset; weekend/holiday day-use reservations required Memorial Day through Labor Day.
About a 1.25-mile trail through the gorge past Muddy Creek Falls and the park's other falls.
Day-use service charge applies; check the official park page for current rates.
Not detailed on the official page; confirm directly with the park.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
