Swallow Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Oakland

This park is an awesome example of conservation and natural beauty of Western Maryland. There is camping,hiking,swimming, and plenty of spots to relax. The falls loop is a fairly easy hike/ walk and it winds past all 3 falls within the park. I would recommend packing a lunch as the hike is somewhat short and just finding a clearing or one of the many rock outcrops to have a rest. Make a day of it and enjoy the trails and maybe take a dip as swimming in some spots is very accessible. Onsite is a well stocked camp store with are your state park swag, some light gear, a few camping supplies,fishing gear,stickers,magnets,postcards and of course some trail maps. Restrooms are flush toilets and all have running water located just a bit from the parking lot. During the summer months there is also a small ice cream stand that has light refreshments. If you are feeling extra adventurous there is also cabins, and tent camping available at the very nearby campground. The price of admission to Swallow Falls Park also included admission to Herrington Manor State Park where my wife rented a kayak and I racked up some mileage on foot hiking around the nice lake. I would say bring the kids, a lunch, a nice picnic blanket and enjoy some of the best Western Maryland...

Yes it was about 3 hours from my house but it didn't disappoint us! The fall was a "mini" fall but the water was cool and fresh! The kids had a good time in the water and enjoyed the trails. The park was clean and not too crowded on a Sat afternoon. There are many "hidden" entrances to "hidden" spots where you can get in the water and swim or "cliff jump".

Items to take: light, multiple backpacks for water bottles, towels, extra clothes, sandals, etc. There are no trash cans other than the ones in the bathroom so make sure you have a plastic bag as well.

The park has some plain but mostly rocky and trails full of roots, foliage, trees and low hanging branches. So I wouldn't recommend doing there with a baby/toddler that requires strollers. Kids old enough to walk by themselves and light backpacks is the way to go. Oh and there is a small entrance...

This was a beautiful amazing experience. Great trails and steps leading to wonderful waterfalls. The best part was seeing that the biggest fall, Muddy Falls, was handicapped accessible. There was parkibg nice and close, with a wheelchair friendly path to a scenic overlook with benches. I was super impressed at how accessible they made this! There are also real working bathrooms there as well. Admission is $3 for residents, $5 for non, on the honor system, we deposited $ in a box when we arrived. I cannot wait to come back and see these falls in other seasons. We were there today in super cold temps and it was...