State Parks to Visit in Maryland and Pennsylvania this Spring

As spring ushers in warmer weather and sunnier days, outdoor enthusiasts are gearing up for adventures in nature. Whether you’re an avid hiker, cyclist, or kayaker, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes to explore. If you’re looking for the perfect day trip destination, consider visiting some of the stunning state parks in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Here are a few gems worth adding to your outdoor itinerary:

1. Swallow Falls State Park, MD

Located in Garrett County, Maryland, Swallow Falls State Park offers a picturesque escape into nature. As you make your way through the scenic Allegheny Mountains, you’ll be greeted by towering windmills and the pristine waters of Deep Creek Lake. The park entrance may require a nominal fee, but the experience is well worth it.

The highlight of Swallow Falls is undoubtedly Muddy Creek Falls, a majestic 60-foot waterfall that cascades into a tranquil pool below. While Swallow Falls itself is a charming 16-foot cascade, both waterfalls are awe-inspiring sights that shouldn’t be missed. Be sure to hike the Canyon Loop Trail, which winds its way through the park, offering stunning views of the waterfalls and ancient boulders.

After exploring Swallow Falls, consider extending your adventure by visiting nearby attractions like Deep Creek Lake or New Germany State Park. With its abundance of hiking trails and natural beauty, Garrett County is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Cunningham Falls State Park, MD

Cunningham Falls State Park beckons with its towering cascades and scenic trails. The crown jewel of the park is Cunningham Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in Maryland, standing at an impressive 78 feet. The best time to visit is after a heavy rain shower when the falls are at their most majestic.

For a memorable hike, trek along the lower trail to Cunningham Falls, which offers stunning views of the waterfall up close. You can also explore the cliff trail for a different perspective before looping back. With trails suitable for all skill levels, Cunningham Falls State Park is the perfect destination for a day of outdoor exploration.

3. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA

Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers a blend of history and natural beauty. Take a leisurely stroll along the Koppenhaver Trail, which meanders through the tranquil Pennsylvania woods, offering glimpses of a babbling stream along the way. This moderate loop trail spans approximately 1.6 miles and is perfect for a relaxing hike.

For those seeking a more challenging adventure, tackle the Pole Steeple Trail, which rewards hikers with sweeping views at the summit. Alternatively, explore Camp Michaux, an abandoned World War II POW camp that offers a fascinating glimpse into history.

Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned hiker, Pine Grove Furnace State Park has something for everyone. With its diverse trails and rich history, it’s the perfect destination for a day of exploration.

Plan Your Outdoor Adventure Today

With spring in full swing, now is the perfect time to embark on an outdoor adventure. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring historic sites, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, the state parks of Maryland and Pennsylvania offer endless opportunities for exploration. So lace up your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready to experience the great outdoors like never before. Happy exploring!

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Jay Ferguson

Who I Am My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service! Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well. I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’. Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you. Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about! Honesty. Integrity. Results. View all posts by Jay Ferguson