Betsy Spiker Holcomb Deep Creek Lakes favorite Realtor
Hurricane Sandy Damage Update-Swallow Falls State Park .I took my sister and her husband down to Swallow Falls this weekend to show them the amazing beauty of this Garrett County gem. One thing that stood out was the destruction left behind following Hurricane Sandy and the amount of trees down was staggering to say the least. The county has done a fantastic job clearing the trails so you can access the hike from Muddy Creek Falls – Swallow Falls – Tolliver Falls and back to the parking lot. Some trees that are down are flipped over like rows of dominoes while other huge ancient Hemlock trees are literally twisted and ripped in half from the brute force of the wind and heavy snow. I spoke with park officials today who have informed me that 50% of the trees were lost due to Sandy, which is hard to believe until you hike the park where it becomes much more apparent. Crews have logged in a total of 3000 hours cleaning up the park and trails to ensure safe hiking but due to sensitive management areas they will leave downed trees where they lay. They will of course use whatever resources necessary to keep the trails clear.
One area that I feel benefited from this colossal storm was the overlook to Swallow Falls. You know the one…the one about a little over half way from Muddy Creek going upstream that you used to have to peer through thick underbrush to see the falls. No More. It is a wide open view slot now great for a relaxing break or photographs.
Don’t fret, you can still enjoy all that this popular park has to offer but there has been a slight change in scenery over the winter that will become familiar as time heals our memories.
