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 9–October 13
Color builds from October 2 · mostly bare by November 2
Sampled at Swallow Falls State Park’s own coordinates and elevation (749 m) rather than a regional average.
Maryland is sampled at 4 weather points, then moved 4 days later so the model agrees with 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. Maryland is running 5 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works
When to go to Swallow Falls State Park
Good color holds through about October 20, giving you roughly 18 days from the first turn to past peak. The elevation is 2,457 ft, which pulls the turn earlier.
Figure about 72 mi from Pittsburgh.
Swallow Falls State Park on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Maryland, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in Maryland
Leaves & views
Farms & harvest
Cider & donuts
Halloween
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Swallow Falls State Park peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 9–October 13 (best estimate October 11). Color starts around October 2 and is mostly bare by November 2.
- 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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