There Herrington Manor / Swallow Falls Trail is a popular hike, yet not heavily worn. The trail begins near the Herrington Lake where plenty of parking is available. A small sign along the park road marks the trailhead. Much of the route is actually an old service road thereby providing hikers with a fairly level and easy to follow trail. Plant life and wildlife are abundant especially as the path ventures into the state forest. The terminus to the half-day hike is at the entrance to Swallow Falls' campground. Shuttle parking is located just below the campground.

Directions: From Washington, DC, Follow Rt. 270 west to Frederick and Rt. 70. Follow Rt. 70 west to Hancock, MD 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 4.5 miles to Herrington Manor State Park. Once inside the park, travel to the parking lot adjoining the boat launch. This trip will take you approximately 3.5 hours.

Elevation: 2,500 feet

Distance: 5.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Visitor Information