Day trip from Pittsburgh
- Deep Creek Lake and Park
- Swallow Falls State Park
Deep Creek Lake is an artificial reservoir that was formed in 1925 when the Youghiogheny Hydro Electric Corporation built an earthen dam on Deep Creek for a hydroelectric generating station on Youghiogheny River, providing a new water source for power generation. The Lake has an area of 3,900 acres and a shoreline length of 69 miles and is home to a wide variety of aquatic life, such as freshwater fish and aquatic birds.
The best way to explore Deep Creek Lake is by boat. We rented a Pontoon boat for a couple of hours that had ample seating for 8 people and had a great time on the water.
Deep Creek Lake State Park – Located adjoining the lake, the park offers 20 miles of hiking/biking trails, swimming beaches, and campgrounds.
Multiple locations around Deep Creek Lake offer lawns and benches with lake views. The expansive lawn area offers a perfect spot for relaxation and you can bring your own blanket or chairs to enjoy the view and have a picnic with friends.
Swallow Falls State Park – Located 10 minutes south of Deep Creek Lake, and situated on the west bank of the Youghiogheny River, Swallow Falls State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The park is known for its natural beauty, including towering hemlock trees, waterfalls, and rocky outcroppings.
Swallow Falls State Park, Tolliver Falls – is a hidden gem in this park. The waterfall can be accessed via a short hiking trail that leads through a dense forest of hemlock trees and along igneous rocks. The water falls from a height of 15 ft cascading down a series of rocky ledges into a shallow pool creating a pleasing setting that is perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Swallow Falls State Park, Muddy Creek Falls & Swallow Falls – Muddy Creek Falls is Maryland’s highest free-falling waterfall. The height of the falls is approximately 55ft. On the day we visited the falls, the waterfall was not as heavy as I expected due to lack of rain and we were able to see the rocky ledges. It was still quite impressive. As you continue hiking, you will come across a smaller waterfall, the Swallow Falls.
