Updated July 2026
Swallow Falls
A low, river-wide waterfall (Upper and Lower Swallow Falls, each roughly 15 feet) on the powerful Youghiogheny River in Swallow Falls State Park, Garrett County. The Canyon Trail loops past it through an old-growth hemlock forest; swimming is discouraged due to strong currents.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Maryland DNR - Swallow Falls State Park for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Swallow Falls drops about 16 feet. That makes it the 629th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 7% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Swallow Falls Canyon Trail reaches it about 1.25 miles (loop), rated moderate. The nearest town is Oakland. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Maryland DNR - Swallow Falls State Park for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Maryland waterfalls
- Cascade Falls
- Cunningham Falls · 78 ft
- Great Falls of the Potomac · 76 ft
- Kilgore Falls · 17 ft
- Muddy Creek Falls · 53 ft
- Raven Rock Falls · 25 ft
- Tolliver Falls
Sources
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