Maryland is home to several waterfalls, but Garrett and Frederick County have two that really make a splash.

At Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County, you can visit Muddy Creek Falls. This 53-foot-tall stunner is the highest free-falling waterfall in the state of Maryland and is surrounded by impressive hemlock trees that date back more than 300 years. Some well-known visitors include Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Harvey Firestone who camped there in the summer of 1918.

Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County is home to the state’s highest cascading waterfall at 78 feet high. Located in the Catoctin Mountains, the park is a great place to see Maryland wildlife. Visitors can explore the Cunningham Falls Aviary, which houses birds of prey and reptiles that can no longer live in the wild.

Both parks offer breathtaking scenery and are open year-round. Safety precautions due to the ongoing pandemic may affect the availability of park amenities. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ website for the latest updates.

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