8+ Gorgeous Waterfalls In Maryland

Muddy Creek Falls Swallow Falls State Park

For a small state, Maryland is home to some truly breathtaking waterfalls! And the best part is all of them are fairly accessible with scenic views, natural rock formations, and other fun things to do in the immediate area for each of the falls. Use this guide to plan a fun day trip to one of these waterfalls in Maryland!

Related: The Best Maryland State Parks for Families!

Swallow Falls State Park- 4 Waterfalls in 1 hike!

Swallow Falls State Park is EPIC! Seriously, this is now my favorite Maryland State Park! There are 4 (!!!!) amazing waterfalls in a very kid friendly hike that is less than 2 miles long! If you plan to visit the Deep Creek area of Western Maryland (Garrett County), you have to make the time to visit this park!

canyon falls trail swallow falls state park

The Canyon Trail is the main trail. This trail follows the Youghiogheny river as it cascades over the rocks to form multiple waterfalls. Once you walk through the main gate sign, you can veer right or veer left.

Trust me… go to the right. Muddy Creek Falls is a quick walk to the left, but if you want to see all four waterfalls (you do), going right will not only take you to all of them (Tolliver Falls can be a little tricky to find), but for the most part you will be doing the hike all downhill instead of all uphill.

Also, you start with the shortest and end with the biggest falls.

Tolliver Falls

Tolliver Falls

Tolliver Falls is really gorgeous and the first waterfall you will reach on the Canyon Trail. Saying it’s a small waterfall is kind of dismissive. It’s beautiful and pours into a pool of water that would be great for splashing around in the summer.

tolliver falls swallow falls state park

If you do the Canyon Trail counter-clockwise you will hit Tolliver Falls, then Upper Swallow Falls. Continue your hike along the river.

There are spots you can walk up higher above the river, but we loved taking the river side trail. There are plenty of places to walk down to the river and see the falls, etc… from different angles.

Upper Swallow Falls

upper swallow falls

If you choose to start your Canyon Trail hike going counter-clockwise, you will come to Upper Swallow Falls next. This is a really powerful waterfall and you can get super close to it. Walk down the stairs and stand on the rock formations that overlook the waterfall. You can walk upstream a little too and let kids splash in the river.

If you walk down river just a tad, there is easy access to the river at the bottom of the falls too. This is a great place to for kids to explore, and even though you wouldn’t want to let your kids get too close to the edge at the top of the falls, it’s pretty safe to explore at the bottom of the falls.

swallow falls state park river

Lower Swallow Falls

lower swallow falls

Maybe the rain contributed to the impressiveness of the falls, but we loved Lower Swallow Falls as much as Upper Swallow Falls. The water was sooo powerful! Along the river there are numerous places to where the path veers to the river’s edge. You could spend hours exploring all of them if you wanted!

Once you pass the Lower Swallow Falls, keep going on the trail that hugs the river. Soon you will come to the coolest natural rock formations.

There are loads of opportunities for rock scrambling and just playing around the boulders along the trail.

swallow falls state park trail

Muddy Creek Falls

Finally, the piece de resistance! Muddy Creek Falls does not disappoint. Wow. It’s so powerful. Muddy Creek Falls has the distinction of the highest vertical drop waterfall in Maryland at 53 ft. Check it out from below and up top!

There are easy ways to climb to a rock ledge at the bottom of the falls and get great photos. You can walk up (or down) the staircase at the side of the falls and stop at various viewing platforms along the way.

muddy creek falls swallow falls state park

There is a wheelchair accessible viewing platform at the top of Muddy Creek Falls! This is super cool! If this applies to you, you can drive much further into the park, and take the nice boardwalk trail (wheelchair friendly) to the viewing platform. I was really impressed with this.

Muddy Creek Falls is named after the place where Muddy Creek dumps into the Youghiogheny river.

muddy creek falls during peak fall foliage

Day Trip Idea: Start your day at Englanders or Little Sandy’s Diner in Oakland. After the hike, head to McHenry where you can play some mini-golf and have a fantastic dinner at Brenda’s Pizzeria!

Cascade Falls

cascade falls

Cascade Falls Trail is probably one of easiest waterfalls to access, and very centrally located. To find this trail, head to Patapsco Valley State Park on the edge of Baltimore County and Howard County.

You specifically want to enter the park in the Orange Grove Area. Once you enter the park, veer left and then follow the road along the Patapsco River to the back of the park where the swinging bridge is. Next to the public restrooms is the very easy and quick trail to Cascade Falls.

The start of the Cascade Falls Trail makes it look like a doozy of a hike. However, that could not be further from the truth! This hike is amazing!

There is a small climb at first, but the reason why this hike is so awesome, is that within 10 minutes (yes, you read that right.. 10 minutes), you will be standing at the foot of Cascade Falls. The trail is such an easy hike. And wow, this waterfall hike is all bang, hardly any buck.

cascade falls patapsco valley state park

You could easily make a day trip out of a visit to Patapsco Valley State Park. There are walking paths and biking trails throughout the Avalon and Orange Grove area of the park.

Many people love to bring their dogs, plan a picnic, or just go down to the river and play in the water during the warmer months.

Day Trip Idea: The Guinness Brewery is literally 5 minutes from the entrance to Patapsco Valley State Park Avalon and Orange Grove area. You can also add a visit to the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park to your adventures!

Kilgore Falls

Kilgore Falls Rocks State Park

Rocks State Park in Harford County is one of the coolest state parks in Maryland. There are two main areas in Rocks State Park- King and Queen Seat and the Falling Branch Area, which is home to Kilgore Falls. Kilgore Falls has a 17-ft high vertical drop, making it the 2nd highest waterfall in Maryland.

This is a very popular trail during the summer because the hike is very short and super easy. Getting to the waterfall is doable for kids of all ages. I think it’s less than 1/2 mile from the parking lot. For reference, Kilgore Falls is also known as Falling Branch Falls.

Bring your water shoes!!! The best views of the falls are from the other side of the river but you have to actually walk across the river to get to it.

That’s not a hard river crossing.. even for little kids, but make sure you have water shoes. Better yet, put your kids in swimsuits and let them splash around!

Related: 100 Days of Summer Fun in Maryland With Kids!

kilgore falls creek stomping

For older kids— great climbing and bouldering opportunities.. just make sure you stay with your kids because there are hazards like getting to close to the top of the falls.. and even if your kids can physically do it, having an adult brain present to avoid recklessness is a good idea.

Day Trip Idea: Pair a Kilgore Falls visit with a stop at the Ladew Topiary Gardens and ice cream at a nearby creamery!

Cunningham Falls

cunningham falls

A fantastic hike for small children is the hike to Cunningham Falls in the William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls State Park. Cunningham Falls State Park is located in Northern Frederick County, in the Catoctin region. Many visitors park at the beach area and walk the the trailhead for a refreshing break from the heat.

But the trail is honestly gorgeous in every season. Our tip would be to visit outside of the warmer months so you can get the trail mostly to yourself!

There are actually two places you can park and easily access the trail. If there is space, definitely park in the lot at the trailhead. To get to this parking lot, drive past the beach entrance and the parking lot you want will be on your left. The hike to the waterfall is about 1 mile, so 2 miles round trip.

This is labeled the Lower Falls Trail. The hike is quite easy and the payoff is a gorgeous 78-ft waterfall that cascades into a deep pool.

There is a more strenuous hike that older kids will love as well because there are rocks they can scramble on. If you want to do this hike, follow the signs for the Cliff Trail from the Lower Falls Trail.

Day Trip Idea: There are so many family friendly ways to make a trip to Cunningham Falls into a day trip. You can visit a covered bridge, see the animals at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, or visit one of the many falls festivals and farms.

Great Falls

great falls

Great Falls, also known as Great Falls of the Potomac, is an 800-acre park that straddles the Maryland and Virginia side of the Potomac River. The Virginia side of the falls has a visitor center with a kid’s discovery room. On the Virginia side there are three overlooks that are easily accessible from the Visitor Center.

But really, the Maryland side is fantastic for exploring as well. This side, which is located in Montgomery County, is actually part of the C&O Canal National Historic Park. There are two overlooks near the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center and at the Washington Aqueduct Observation Deck. You can also see the falls at the Olmsted Island Bridges.

Great Falls really corners the market on breathtaking scenery and many visitors just come for the falls.

Related: Best Maryland Attractions for Families!

However, a lot of visitors like to combine a day trip to Great Falls with some exploring on the Billy Goat Trail. There are three sections of the Billy Goat Trail you can explore. Here is a quick guide:

  • Section C: The easiest section of the trail and appropriate for younger kids. It is a 1.7 mile loop trail with some rock scrambling involved. It has awesome views of Great Falls and the wildflowers are amazing in the Spring.
  • Section B: This is more challenging than section C but still doable for kids. There is a fair bit of rock scrambling. So kid adventurers will love it! It is about 3 miles round trip from the parking area.
  • Section A: By far the most demanding hike and only advised for kids and parents who are experienced hikers because it does involve some controlled rock climbing. But if you want to see the falls go through Mather Gorge, this is the hike to do that!

Day Trip Idea: You can really fill up your entire day with Great Falls, but if you want to add to your trip, consider visiting Glen Echo Park.

Gunpowder Falls State Park

Ok, let’s get this out of the way right off the bat: There are actually not any real waterfalls in Gunpowder Falls State Park. The name of the river is the Gunpowder Falls River, but other than some slightly elevated rapids (which I suppose you could call a waterfall), there isn’t really a waterfall in this park.

gunpowder falls state park sweet air area

Don’t let that fact dissuade you from visiting though! Like Patapsco Valley State Park, Gunpowder Falls State Park is a sprawling park that dips into both Baltimore County and Harford County. There are miles of trails in this park, many of them are kid friendly walks and easy paths along the river.

If you head to the Jerusalem Mills area of the park, you can get quick access to Little Gunpowder Falls (again, not a waterfall).

There are also fantastic spots to explore along the NCR Trail and in the Sweet Air Area of the park.

What is the largest waterfall in Maryland?

At 78-feet, Cunningham Falls is the tallest waterfall in Maryland.

Does Gunpowder Falls have a waterfall?

There are actually not any real waterfalls in Gunpowder Falls State Park. That being said, some people consider Raven Rock Falls to be a waterfall, but it’s a very gradual grade.

How long is the 4 waterfalls walk?

The Canyon Trail at Swallow Falls State Park is less than 2 miles long. And you can see 4 waterfalls on this kid friendly hike!

Is Cascade Falls Trail open?

Yes! Cascades Falls Trail is in the Orange Grove area of Patapsco Valley State Park and is open year round. However, in the winter (after a good snow), the road to the trailhead may not be open for cars.

Daniels Dam

daniels dam patapsco valley state park

Patapsco Valley State Park has a great area that is relatively less popular, but soooo cool! The Daniels Area of the park barely has any parking, but if you can score a spot you are in for a treat!

The Daniels Dam isn’t a waterfall per se, but your kids won’t know the difference. It’s very pretty and just a short walk from the parking area.

There is no swimming at this dam! But you can easily get to the water’s edge and just enjoy it.

The trail along the river is pretty short and very easy for younger kids.

daniels dam ruins

There are some spooky ruins on this side of the river from the old town of Daniels. The rest of the ruins are on the other side of the river.. accessible with the longer trail. However, if you want a quick trip, this is a great place to explore.

Liberty Reservoir Dam

There are loads of trails you can hike in this natural area, but for kids your best bet is to hike part of the Coot Peninsula. Parts of this park are in Carroll, Baltimore, and Howard County.. because it’s such a large area.

liberty reservoir dam

If you start from Carroll County, It’s a relatively 1.5 miles (round trip) hike to Liberty Dam. Enter the trail from the opposite side of the road from the parking area and at the first trail intersection, go straight. At the 2nd intersection take the left fork and walk downhill until you are basically at the dam.

Eden Mill Dam

The Eden Mill Nature Center and Historic Grist Mill Site has so much to offer families! They offer 117 acres of outdoor activities from short hikes to sensory hikes along the river. You can visit the dam (or the waterfall as your kids will call it), and have a lovely picnic! The 3+ miles of loop hiking trails are geared towards kids and families.

Related: 10 Best Maryland Nature Centers!

Eden Mill nature center

Don’t forget to stop into the nature center itself. Kids will love to explore the numerous fun, hands on nature exhibits, see some local animals, and everyone will enjoy taking a self guided tour of the old mill!

Maryland Waterfalls Near Me

Check out this Google Map with all the waterfall links. Also included area links to the best areas of Gunpowder Falls State Park to get close to the river!

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8 gorgeous waterfalls in maryland

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