Conservation Through the Ages
Introduction to the Quest
This Quest will take you back in time as you visit buildings and areas where the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camped and worked. The CCC was a program put into effect by President Roosevelt in 1933. This emergency program was developed due to the abundance of unemployed men and women and the great need for conservation work across the country. Camp S-54 Company 307 was established at Swallow Falls in 1938. Through this quest yuu will learn about the work, education and recreational activities of the CCC here in Garrett County
Question Information
The Park Quest at Swallow Falls State Park will lead you through the day use area, the campground, as well as the canyon trail. The quest will be available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. To complete the quest, you will be walking about 2 miles and the quest will take families approximately 2 hours to complete. If you didn't print your quest materials, you can pick up a copy at the Ranger Station. Refer to the map in your packet to complete the quest. Once you have copleted the quest, return to the Ranger Station to have your passport stamped.
Your Park Quest Passport provides you and your team free admittance to the park the day of your quest. Please show your passport to the gate attendant on your way in. Pets are prohibited in the park from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The Youghiogheny river and Muddy Creek are white water rivers that contain severe natural hazards, such as waterfalls, violent rapids, swift currents, deep pools, underwater hydraulics, cold water, slippery rocks and rough terrain. Visitors should be alert for these hazards and exercise caution to protect themselves and any children from potentially life threatening accidents.
Park Information
This mountain park contains some of Maryland's most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park's borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall -- a spectacular sight. Tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. The 1.25 mile trail through Swallow Falls guides hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in Western Maryland. This park also features 65 campsites with three full hook up sites and three electric and water sites. Only three miles past Swallow Falls State Park is our sister park Herrington Manor. While you are in the area, take time to visit there as well. Herrington Manor offers 20 full service cabins as well as a 53 acre lake for swimming and boating (electric trolling motors only).
Swallow Falls State Park
2470 Maple Glade Road
Oakland MD 21550
301-334-9180
Directions to Swallow Falls State Park
From Baltimore: 3 ½ hours
From Route 70 west to Hancock, Maryland and Rt. 68. Follow Rt. 68 west to exit 14 at Keysers Ridge and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 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 onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.
From Washington: 3 ½ hours
Follow Rt. 270 west to Frederick and Rt. 70. From Route 70 west to Hancock, Maryland and Rt. 68. Follow Rt. 68 west to exit 14 at Keysers Ridge and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 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 onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.
From Morgantown, West Virginia: 1 hour
Follow Rt. 68 east to exit 14 and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 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 onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.
From Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 2 ½ hours
Follow Rt. 79 south to Morgantown, West Virginia and Rt. 68. Follow Rt. 68 east to exit 14 and Rt. 219. Follow Rt. 219 south 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 onto Swallow Falls Road and travel 1.3 miles to Swallow Falls State Park, or 4.5 miles further to Herrington Manor State Park.
