Swallow Falls State Park
State park · Maryland
Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland's highest free-falling waterfall, drops 53 feet through this 257-acre Garrett County park near Deep Creek Lake, reached by an easy loop trail through one of the state's few stands of old-growth hemlock and white pine.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 13–October 17
Color builds from September 30 · mostly bare by November 6
Method: daily ERA5 temperatures drive a photoperiod + chilling phenology model, sampled at Swallow Falls State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (749 m) rather than a regional average. Estimates, not promises — check locally before you plan a trip around it.
Swallow Falls State Park on the map
More things to do in Maryland
Cunningham Falls State Park
State parkPeak October 29
Cunningham Falls tumbles 78 feet down a rock face in the Catoctin Mountains, the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland, reached by a short trail from the Houck day-use area of this roughly 6,000-acre park established in 1954 alongside the 43-acre Hunting Creek Lake.
Don’t miss: 78-ft Cunningham Falls · Catoctin Mountain fall color · Hunting Creek Lake
Butler's Orchard
OrchardColor nearby peaks November 2
Five generations of the Butler family have farmed this roughly 300-acre Germantown property since 1950; its Pumpkin Festival, running since 1980, fills fall weekends with pick-your-own pumpkins, hayrides, and a corn maze.
Don’t miss: Pumpkin Festival since 1980 · Pick-your-own pumpkins · Hayrides and corn maze
Field of Screams Maryland
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks November 3
A multi-haunt scream park on Olney Laytonsville Road, north of the Capital Beltway, known for its Trail of Terror, Haunted Trail and Slaughter Factory haunted house. The park sat out the 2025 season for a full rebuild of its trail and says it will return in 2026.
Don’t miss: Trail of Terror and Haunted Trail · Slaughter Factory haunted house · Returning in 2026 after a full rebuild
Original Fells Point Ghost Walk
Ghost tourColor nearby peaks November 4
An all-ages walking tour of Baltimore's waterfront Fells Point, run by Baltimore Ghost Tours since 2001 and departing from Broadway Square by Max's Taphouse. Guides tell haunting tales drawn from real events across the cobblestone district on Friday and Saturday nights, spring through November.
Don’t miss: Departs Broadway Square by Max's Taphouse · Running since 2001 · Fri & Sat nights, spring through November
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Swallow Falls State Park peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 13–October 17 (best estimate October 15). Color starts around September 30 and is mostly bare by November 6.
- What is Swallow Falls State Park best for?
- Maryland's tallest waterfall hike.
- How do I get to Swallow Falls State Park?
- The closest city is Pittsburgh, about 72 mi away. It's part of Maryland's fall lineup.
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