There are over 100 basic campsites available and around 30 campsites with electric access. It’s possible to camp at Cunningham Falls at the William Houck Area Campground, which is open from April to October. This way you’ll get to see more of the park, and you won’t have to hit the same trail twice.īoth trailheads are complete with a designated parking lot. The second choice is the Cliff trail, which is much more challenging as it’s covered in rocks and requires some climbing.īoth hikes have their endpoint at the falls, which is why I recommend picking Lower Trail on the way to the waterfalls and taking Cliff Trail on the way back to create a loop. It’s the shortest and most comfortable option as it directly leads to the fall. The most direct hiking trail is the Cunningham Falls State Park Lower Trail, which is just half a mile long and not too strenuous. There are two main ways to reach the falls. Boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and hiking are among the most popular activities.Īt Hunting Creek Lake it’s allowed to swim from Memorial Day to Labor Day, however, it is prohibited to swim at the falls for safety reasons. People love to visit the park and stay for a few days, as there are plenty of activities available, especially during the summer. While it’s worth exploring the whole park, if you’re on a time crunch I recommend checking out only the William Houch Area, which includes the Cunningham Falls as well as the lake and campgrounds. The state park is simply picturesque and covered in scenic hiking trails that run through it from side to side. Cunningham Falls State Park Photo Credit: John BrighentiĬunningham Falls is among the most popular waterfalls in Maryland and can be found within the same named state park, located just a 5-minute drive from Thurmont. The campground is fully equipped with a clean bathhouse, dishwashing station, picnic benches, fire rings, and more, while the store sells everything you might need for camping from firewood to snacks, camping gear, and ice. The cabins are spacious and perfect for families with children or groups of four or five people. There are campsites available for the more adventurous, but if you’re looking for some more comfort, you can rent a cabin. If you want to spend the weekend in a gorgeous location, camping at Swallow Falls State Park is possible. I recommend bringing walking sticks to facilitate the hike and make the trickiest passes easier.
While the hike is beginner-friendly, accessibility is not a strong point, as it’s very rocky and requires good mobility. On the trail, you’ll encounter four waterfalls, without having to walk more than 1.4 miles.
Muddy Creek Falls is the tallest in the park, boasting over 53 feet in height, and it’s also the easiest to reach since it’s located close to the main parking lot. With Youghiogheny River running through the park’s vertical cliffs and rock ledges, it’s not surprising that the park counts numerous small and large waterfalls. This is one of the most popular state parks in Maryland, and the waterfalls are the main draw. We travel down to Deep Creek at least once or twice per year and head to Swallow Falls State Park every trip. Swallow Falls State Park is blessed with natural scenery that will leave you speechless, and the main trail is fairly beginner friendly. Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Parkįor some nice and relaxing hiking, completely immersed in deep woods, you’ll love the trail to Swallow Falls. The 6 Most Picturesque Waterfalls in Maryland 1. Well, if you need some extra motivation, nothing beats a gorgeous waterfall at the end of the hike, and waterfalls in Maryland are worth it. My best friend on the other hand has to know that at the end of a strenuous trail there’s something truly breathtaking to look at or snap a photo at. I’m a passionate hiker and I just love to walk in nature, no matter the destination. Use: Caution: Rocks along river are slippery and the current is swift! Hiking only.ĭifficulty: Easy – Moderate (Some Rocky Terrain)ĭirections: 23 minutes, 13 miles from Visitor Center Drive Turn right onto RT-219 S 5.8 miles, turn right onto Mayhew Inn Rd 4.3 miles, slight left onto Oakland-Sang Run Rd 0.3 mile, turn right onto Swallow Falls Rd 1.3 miles, turn right into the state park.Among all wonders of nature, waterfalls in Maryland are among my favorites.
A side trip to Tolliver Falls offers a quieter side to the often crowded park trails. A handicap accessible trail to Muddy Creek Falls is also available. Frequent rock outcroppings with wild rhododendron and mountain laurel are found along the trail. The 1.5 mile Canyon Loop Trail takes hikers along Muddy Creek Falls, highest in Maryland, Swallow Tail and scenic Swallow Falls as you travel next to the Youghiogheny River. Description: With trails located within the Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area, this state park is regarded as having some of the most scenic hikes in the area.
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