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THE PARK
Early Americans were extremely
adept at clearing land for farms and stripping forests for building
houses. By 1900, out of five trees that stood east of the Mississippi
in Colonial days, only one survived. It was highly unusual to
see any big tree in Maryland that had escaped a logger's saw,
unless it was too costly to reach.
That was the case with the grove of white pines and hemlocks
at Swallow Falls. The giants are the oldest in Maryland - some
trees are estimated to be 360 years old. Philanthropist Henry
Krug refused to allow the trees to be logged in the gorge and
when a World War I plan to dam the Youghiogheny River fell through
their suvival was assured.
America's most famous car camp-ers of the early 20th century
- industrialists Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone
camped here at Muddy Creek Falls and during the Depression the
Civilian Conservation Corps created the campsite enjoyed by thousands
today.
WALKS
This is the best single-trail
park in Maryland. The Falls Trail is easy going for your dog
through the river canyon under cool, dark hemlocks. Muddy Creek
Falls, Maryland's highest single water plunge at 53 feet, arrives
quickly on your canine hike and shortly you arrive at the confluence
of Muddy Creek and the Youghiogheny River. Here you'll travel
past several more hydrospectaculars before turning for home.
This gorgeous loop covers about one mile.
If your dog is hankering for more trail time there is a 5.5-mile
out-and-back trail to Herrington Manor State Park (no dogs allowed).
You'll get more water views and more giant hemlocks - be advised
that this canine hike involves a stream crossing that may not
be doable in times of high water.
Dogs are not allowed in the day-use area the Saturday before
Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs are allowed in the surrounding
Potomac and Garrett State Forests anytime. Dogs are also allowed
in the campground.
THE PARK
At the Upper Falls on the Youghiogheny
River you will find the source of the park name: a rock pillar
where cliff swallows once nested by the hundreds.
DIRECTIONS
From I-68 take Exit 14 at Keysers Ridge and go south on Route
219 for 19.5 miles to Mayhew Inn Road (2 miles past Deep Creek).
Turn right on Mayhew Inn Road, travel 4.5 miles to end of road.
At the stop sign turn left onto Oakland Sang Run Road, travel
0.3 miles to first road on the right which will be Swallow Falls
Road. Turn right and travel 1.3 miles to the park.
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