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The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls State Park

The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls State Park

The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls State Park
The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls State Park

I never get tired of promoting this special park here in Garrett County. The spring thaw at Swallow falls State Park can be epic if you catch it after a cold winter season. Imagine the amount of precipitation that we get here at Deep Creek Lake that remains suspended as snow. Some years, we have periodic warm-ups that etch away at the snow mass throughout the season.  Some years, we have periodic warm-ups that etch away at the snow mass throughout the season. Some years, it stays cold for the entire winter which basically keeps the amount of precipitation on the ground increasing after each snowfall event. When the springtime blooms here with warm weather, we can see the rivers and creeks expand enormously when this buildup of snow starts to melt. When this massive amount of water starts pouring over our waterfalls in the area it can make you feel tiny with its thunderous power. Gravity becomes an astounding catalyst of force as the entire county releases flood gates of melting snow through vein after vein of branch creeks and streams until they explode into our river systems. The constant roar of the water echoes throughout the park and surrounding areas drowning out the subtle sounds of nature that you normally hear in the summer. Be warned that this power can be very dangerous and you should be advised to keep away from the water’s edge. One slip into the raging waters would certainly prove fatal. Thankfully, Swallow Falls State Park is laid out with very high and safe vantage points to enjoy the show safely. Dress in rain type gear because the park will be misty. Some days you can be transported back in time and wonder how it must have felt to live back when the things of the world weren’t so well defined. There had to have been an awesome range of emotions living in such a mystical rugged area of the country back in those days. I feel lucky to call this area my home. Put this on your list of things to share with your family and friends. You will not be disappointed. Continue reading The Spring Thaw at Swallow Falls State Park

Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County Waterfalls

Deep Creek Lake Waterfalls

 

Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake. Next time you are visiting Deep Creek Lake, be sure to visit Swallow Falls State Park and experience a trip back in time with three spectacular waterfalls. Only a short walk from the parking area is the breathtaking 53’ Muddy Creek Falls. It is the highest waterfall in the state ofMaryland and used to be a regular campsite for Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, and Henry Ford in the early twentieth century.  The park has towering ancient Hemlock trees and trails that will take you to two more waterfalls that both have unique personalities.SwallowFalls exists because of a huge bottleneck in the mightyYoughioghenyRiver that increases the water flow causing it to explode over an enormous rock outcropping. This is a great place to bring the kids during the summer to let them slide on the rocks and swim in the refreshing river. LittleTolliverFalls is a short walk upstream and is a favorite of mine to photograph. It is tucked a few footsteps from theYoughRiver and has a very peaceful setting that can keep you mesmerized for hours with its soothing calm. Make sure you enjoy this beautiful part of our great country on your next visit to the lake. Like me, you will become a regular at returning to these special places over and over again, each time blowing you away like the first time you laid eyes on these national treasures.

Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County Waterfalls- Deep Creek Lake
Garrett County Waterfalls

Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake Maryland

Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor
Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes Favorite Realtor

 There’s a story in ’em ‘er woods…or more like it, a whole lot of stories!  Swallow Falls State Park is just outside of Deep Creek Lake, Maryland and stretches to about 257 acres along the scenic Youghiogheny River.  Hiking trails will lead you to 2 large falls, Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls, as well as several smaller whitewaters.  Tall Hemlocks dominate the silent woods, which are estimated to be 300+ years old.

Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake Maryland
Muddy Creek Falls

As a native to Garrett County, Maryland I’ve walked these paths on many occasions but I learn something new about the historical park each time I visit.  On my most recent trip to Swallow Falls, I noticed a few things about the trees that adorn its forests.

Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake Maryland
Tolliver Falls

Youghiogheny Grove is a 37-acre area of virgin Hemlock and White Pine and is the last stand of its kind in Maryland.  Another grove of trees a little closer to the river is known as Towering Giants.  Because of their age, the trees’ root systems are shallow and particularly vulnerable to storm damage.  Some of the treetops and limbs have been stripped over the years, but to look up and see the sunlight glistening through them is a spectacle you’ll want to experience.

 

Swallow Falls State Park, Deep Creek Lake Maryland
Swallow Falls State Park