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.
Its 16 ft drop is taller than about 8% of the 775 waterfalls we track.
Swallow Falls sits on Youghiogheny River. It lies in Garrett, Maryland. The site is on public land managed by Maryland DNR - Swallow Falls State Park.
This is a short hike waterfall: reached by a short trail, generally under about a mile each way. The walk in is brief — comfortable shoes are usually all you need. The walk to the main viewpoint runs about 1.25 miles round trip. The nearest town is Oakland.
When to go: spring. Water volume swings with the seasons here, strongest after snowmelt or rain and lowest in late summer, so check recent streamflow before you go.
