Tolliver Falls in October 2010

Muddy Creek Falls and Swallow Falls are the main attractions at Swallow Falls State Park, but I think that Tolliver Falls is just as interesting as its larger relatives. Tolliver Falls is only a few feet tall, and yet its location in the park is very scenic.

I visited the park in late October, and the trees were beginning to change colors. The fallen leaves created a blanket around the falls, which only enhanced the colors of the rock in the falls. It also helped that while the sun made it more difficult to photograph the other falls, the canopy above Tolliver Falls allowed for better photographs.

Directions:

1. There are multiple ways to get to the falls, but the clearest way might be to access the park from US-219 in Maryland.
2. In between McHenry and Oakland (two villages/towns) along US-219, you’ll find the road that leads to the park, Mayhew Inn Road. If headed south, you’d turn right onto this road.
3. The road twists and turns, veers a bit left and is called Oakland Sang Run Road, and then turns right and is called Swallow Falls Road. This road will lead you into the state park.
4. Tolliver Falls is on a side trail that’s very easily accessed. You may have to wander around a little to find it, though.

Accessibility: 10/10 (easy)
Height: 6′
Length of Hike: 0.5 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Tolliver Falls?