LOCATION: Oakton MD
TRAIL DISTANCE: 1.5 Miles
TRAILHEAD/ PARKING: Main parking lot
TRAIL TYPE: Loop
TRAIL GRADE:   Moderate (2)
TRAIL PARKING: 40-50 Spaces 
KEY WORDS: Waterfalls, Family Friendly, Camping, Pet friendly
TRAIL INFO
What's to like about the trail:  ​ Towering pine & hemlock groves, easy access to rock hop on the Youghiogheny River and how could we forget, the 53 ft. waterfall!
Why go for a hike on this trail:​     Key word: stunning. This little wonder is a natural wonder of waterfalls, dense pines mixed. with a diverse trail topography. This little trail will astound you with its visual attractions. 
Best time to go for a hike on this trail: Spring, Summer & Fall

SUMMARY
Welcome to Swallow Falls State Park!  Your adventure begins just under the massive wooden trail head sign within the parking lot. Your experience begins by making a right onto this well maintained and manicured gravel trail. The trail quickly overloads your senses amongst a grove of towering pines and hearty hemlocks. As your saunter continues, remain straight headed towards Tolliver falls. You will come to a small descent leading to the falls, be mindful that the trail narrows and presents a few rock outcrop areas alongside this small waterfall.  The trail continues and the sounds of the nearby Youghiogheny River begins to blast louder on nature's boombox. Shortly, your adventure will deliver access to the river, with large boulder outcrops, towering cliffs amongst the forest backdrop. This area is the upper Swallow Falls, here you will find ample lunch spots near the roaring rapids, or just to practice your boulder hops. This picturesque trail continues alongside the river, presenting geological features, mountain laurel along this scenic area. The trail will mainly be comprised of compacted dirt, roots and small rocks with occasional wooden steps. Our adventure culminates at the 53 foot Muddy Creek Falls, take the wooden staircase up to multiple viewing platforms. At the top of the falls there is a large slab of rock that allows intimate access to the falls. once you have had your fill, return to the gravel trail and follow signs for the parking lot via a 0.2 mile walk. 
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HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS

LOCAL

  • THINGS TO KNOW
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  1. Park Entrance Fee: $3 for MD residents / $5 for out of towners 
  2. Restrooms available at parking lot
  3. Trail can be slippery near river and falls​
  4. ​Hike for all fitness levels
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