Swimming Holes in Maryland

Cunningham Falls in Catoctin Mountain Park has a designated swimming area at the base of Maryland's largest cascading waterfall — 78 feet over granite into a shallow pool, staffed in summer, free with park admission. Swallow Falls State Park near McHenry has the Muddy Creek Falls cascade in the upper Youghiogheny drainage — swimming is informal in the pools below the falls. The Potomac River has informal swimming at multiple points along the C&O Canal corridor in Washington and Frederick counties. Maryland's swimming hole geography connects to the richer Appalachian cave and river country just across the West Virginia and Pennsylvania borders.

Always check current conditions before visiting — water levels, algae advisories, and access roads change seasonally. Never swim alone in remote sites. Tell someone your plans. Explore all swimming holes on the Trek4Free map →