Let's Chase Waterfalls in Maryland
If you’re looking for a wonderful place to do some hiking, chase waterfalls, and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery this spring, summer, or fall, we can’t recommend Swallow Falls State Park enough. Swallow Falls State Park sits on the banks of the Youghiogheny River near the popular Deep Creek Lake area of Maryland.
Deep Creek Lake is a spectacular four-season destination filled with big adventures and relaxing days on the lake. The Deep Creek Lake Area is within easy driving distance from major metro areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and Baltimore. It also happens to be home to one of our excellent Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts in Maryland.
Though you’re free to do nothing but relax and unwind at our Maryland Bed and Breakfast, we’d be remiss not to mention the fantastic opportunities for recreation that are waiting for you in the Deep Creek Lake Area. Spend your days hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, boating, or lounging lakeside. There are more than 700 acres of State Parklands in the area, with one of our favorites being Swallow Falls State Park.
Summer is one of the most popular times of year to visit the Deep Creek Lake area, with the biggest draw being the cooling waters of the lake and the lush forests. It’s also spectacularly beautiful when mother nature’s grand transition puts on a colorful show in the fall. In winter, Maryland’s top-rated Wisp Resort opens for a whole new range of outdoor pursuits.
But first, let’s talk about spring in the Deep Creek Lake Area. It’s beautiful here and quiet in a way that’s uncommon. Why don’t you explore with us before the busy summer crowds arrive? Book your room at one of our Maryland Bed and Breakfasts today!
Enjoy Swallow Falls State Park
Though there are plenty of fabulous things to do in Deep Creek Lake, there’s no doubt that one of our favorites is a visit to Swallow Falls State Park. There are actually quite a few Maryland State Parks in the area, but this one is definitely one you don’t want to miss. It’s one of the most popular things to do in the Deep Creek Lake Area, and one visit here will show you why.
Whether you’re just there to enjoy the lush beauty of Swallow Falls State Park or want to tackle some of the hiking or biking trails in the area, you won’t be disappointed. The Youghiogheny River flows through the heart of the park, traveling through rocky gorges and over rocks, creating some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Maryland along the way.
Surrounding the waterfalls at Swallow Falls State Park is a lush forest that offers a great range of things to do. Here are some highlights of the park you don’t want to miss.
- Muddy Creek Falls is the most popular waterfall at Swallow Falls State Park. The river tumbles 53 feet, and it’s surrounded by tall hemlock trees, which means it’s green and beautiful even in the spring.
- Muddy Creek Falls isn’t the only waterfall worth seeing in Swallow Falls State Park. There are four of them here, including Lower and Upper Swallow Falls and Tolliver Falls, pictured above.
- If you want to hike at Swallow Falls State Park, we recommend the Canyon Trail. At just about 1 1/4 miles long, it’s a nice but short trail. The trail takes you past all four waterfalls and through a beautiful old-growth forest. There are also connector trails that lead to the Garrett State Forest and other state parks from here.
- Hiking and chasing waterfalls aren’t the only things you can do here. You can also enjoy some fishing. It’s a catch and release Trout Fishing Area supported by the trout fishery’s annual stockings of brown and rainbow trout.
- Biking is one of the most popular things to do in Deep Creek Lake, and you can do it right here at Swallow Falls State Park. In fact, there’s a great trail that connects this park to another popular one, Herrington Manor State Park.
- The Youghiogheny River is also popular for river kayaking and whitewater rafting, but it’s best with a guide or for experienced paddlers only. Watching kayakers practice in the rapids is a perk of visiting the park.
As beautiful as Swallow Falls State Park promises to be this spring, summer, and fall, it’s also a marvelous place to visit in the winter when the waterfalls freeze over. The trails can be used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing as well.
Fall Foliage Near Deep Creek Lake
With so many great things to do in the Deep Creek Lake area, it’s nearly impossible to choose a favorite season. They all offer their own bit of something special. If we had to choose one, though, it might be fall – thanks to the spectacular fall foliage that shows up in the lush forests. Swallow Falls State Park itself is a beautiful place to witness the colorful seasonal transition from summer to fall.
The diverse wooded forests surrounding Swallow Falls State Park put on quite the show of color in the fall, and it contrasts perfectly with the waterfalls and rushing river.
One of our favorite ways to experience fall at Swallow Falls State Park is to hike. It’s the best way to get up close and personal with the bright red, orange, and yellow hues of the season. Moreover, a lovely cool, crisp breeze keeps you comfortable throughout your hike.
If you want to enjoy even more fall foliage in the Deep Creek Lake area, here are a few more suggestions:
- Hike up to the Thayerville Fire Tower in Deep Creek Lake State Park, where you’ll find a stunning view of Deep Creek Lake and its surrounding area ablaze in the magnificent colors of fall.
- As great as Deep Creek Lake State Park is, even more wonderful leaf-peeping opportunities are available at the seven state parks surrounding Deep Creek Lake.
- Hoyes Crest, Maryland’s tallest point, is a great place to admire fall foliage in the area.
- Though the colors will zip by quickly, you’ll enjoy the scenery while mountain biking at Fork Run Recreation Area.
- The Deep Creek Lake area is also host to the popular Autumn Glory Festival, ranked the #1 fall festival in America by MSN.
- There are also plenty of scenic drives to take in the area for those days when you don’t feel like doing much, but you still want to admire the area’s beauty.
- Speaking of not doing much, you can enjoy fantastic views with a casual ride on the chairlift at Wisp Resort.
Whatever it is you do in Deep Creek Lake, we know you will have a great time. You’ll also have the exceptional accommodations and hospitality of a Select Registry Bed and Breakfast forming the foundation of your getaway. It’s hard to go wrong when you choose to Stay Select. If you’re ready to do some exploring this spring, it’s time to book a stay at one of our Maryland Bed and Breakfasts today!
Best Place to Stay on Deep Creek Lake
Lake Pointe Inn
The Inn dates back to 1890 and offers all the comforts of a fine lodge: all rooms have individually controlled heat, air conditioning, flat-screen HD televisions, private bath, and luxury linens. Located in Maryland our Inn’s award-winning appointments are in the Arts and Crafts tradition. The Deep Creek Hotel with B&B amenities is located just 13 feet from water’s edge where a relaxing hammock awaits you.
During the Spring, Summer, and Fall – roast marshmallows, stargaze and relax around the Inn’s outdoor fireplace. “Kindle” upon our wrap-around porch in a rocking chair and take in the Lake views as you enjoy a good read! During the Winter season, relax or read by our 9′ fireplace in the Great Room or in the privacy of your room with a gas fireplace.
Guests at the Deep Creek Lake bed and breakfast enjoy a full breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres which are included in the room rate. Your morning might begin with refreshing Brandied plums with orange yogurt, Scrambled Eggs with a Mushroom Tarragon Sauce served over puffed pastry with Spicy Chorizo Sausage or begin with a Fresh Berry Parfait, followed by Lemon/Ricotta pancakes with a Strawberry Glaze and Canadian Bacon. We serve ‘true’ daily freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade granolas, assorted cereals, and muffins– and all are always available!
There are many activities at this 4 season destination: hiking, biking, skiing, etc. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water and Kentucky Knob are nearby. Lake Pointe Inn is a perfect getaway in any season. If you are looking for the best getaway in Maryland, then think Lake Pointe Inn.
