5 Must-See Waterfalls in Maryland (2026)
If you only have time for five Maryland waterfalls, make it these: the state's most visited falls, spread out so the list covers the Potomac Fall Line and the Piedmont, Catoctin Mountain, and Allegheny Plateau.
How We Picked
These are the five most visited Maryland waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state. Every waterfall links to a full page with coordinates, maps and nearby falls.
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1. Great Falls
Potomac, MD · Montgomery County · Potomac Fall Line and the Piedmont
Why it is a must-see
With 623 Google reviews it is the single most visited waterfall in Maryland, and it holds 4.8 stars. In short: "Stretch of powerful rapids & waterfalls on the Potomac River, with hiking trails nearby." 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including The Spout and Yellow Falls. It is one of 8 named falls in the Potomac Fall Line and the Piedmont region. The nearest town is Potomac, about 2.8 miles to the northeast.
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2. Cunningham Falls
Thurmont, MD · Frederick County · Catoctin Mountain
Why it is a must-see
With 61 Google reviews it is the 2nd most visited waterfall in Maryland, and it holds 4.3 stars. Older records also call it McAfee Falls. 1 more named waterfall lies within 15 miles, including The Cascade. It is one of 2 named falls in the Catoctin Mountain region. The nearest town is Thurmont, about 3.3 miles to the east.
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3. Muddy Creek Falls
Oakland, MD · Garrett County · Allegheny Plateau
Why it is a must-see
With 43 Google reviews it is the 3rd most visited waterfall in Maryland, and it holds 5.0 stars. In short: "State's highest waterfall at 53 feet flowing through a river gorge in forested state park." 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Lower Swallow Falls and Upper Swallow Falls. It is one of 5 named falls in the Allegheny Plateau region. The nearest town is Oakland, about 6.5 miles to the south.
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4. Tolliver Falls
Oakland, MD · Garrett County · Allegheny Plateau
Why it is a must-see
With 15 Google reviews it is the 6th most visited waterfall in Maryland, and it holds 4.9 stars. In short: "Low, gentle waterfall in Swallow Falls State Park with a scenic forest setting & a swimming hole." 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Upper Swallow Falls and Lower Swallow Falls. It is one of 5 named falls in the Allegheny Plateau region. The nearest town is Oakland, about 6.0 miles to the south.
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5. Stubblefield Falls
Potomac, MD · Montgomery County · Potomac Fall Line and the Piedmont
Why it is a must-see
With 11 Google reviews it is the 7th most visited waterfall in Maryland, and it holds 4.4 stars. 4 more named waterfalls lie within 15 miles, including Yellow Falls and The Spout. It is one of 8 named falls in the Potomac Fall Line and the Piedmont region. The nearest town is Potomac, about 3.5 miles to the north.
A Route Linking All Five
Starting from the northernmost pick and always heading to the nearest remaining one, the five cover about 174 straight-line miles. Road distances are longer.
- Cunningham Falls (start, near Thurmont)
- Great Falls, about 45 mi south
- Stubblefield Falls, about 3.7 mi southeast
- Tolliver Falls, about 124 mi west
- Muddy Creek Falls, about 0.4 mi north
When to Visit Maryland's Waterfalls
Spring is generally the strongest season for Maryland's falls, when winter snowmelt in Garrett County and frequent spring rains raise every stream. The Great Falls of the Potomac reflects rainfall over a vast upstream basin, so it can roar after storms in any season and runs especially high in late winter and spring. Summer brings lower flows and hot, humid weather, although Garrett County stays noticeably cooler. October is a fine month across the state, with fall color usually arriving first on the Allegheny Plateau and later in the Piedmont. Winter can coat Swallow Falls and Muddy Creek Falls in ice, but snow and freezing spray make paths treacherous.
Before You Go
Nearly all of Maryland's well-known falls are on public land: state parks such as Swallow Falls and Cunningham Falls, and the C&O Canal National Historical Park at Great Falls, which charges an entrance fee on the Maryland side. Popular parks fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays, and some state parks close their gates once parking is full, so arriving early helps. The Potomac at Great Falls is one of the most dangerous stretches of river in the region, with powerful currents and hidden hazards; wading and climbing on riverside rocks have led to many drownings. In Garrett County, ledges are wet and slippery, and water is cold well into spring. Some Piedmont falls lie close to private property.
Read our waterfall safety rules and packing list before heading out.
Explore More Maryland Waterfalls
See all 15 waterfalls in the Maryland waterfall guide, or browse by town: Potomac, Thurmont, Oakland.
More Maryland Waterfall Lists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one must-see waterfall in Maryland?
Great Falls tops our 2026 list, with a 4.8-star rating from 623 Google reviews. It is near Potomac in Montgomery County.
How was this list made?
These are the five most visited Maryland waterfalls rated 4.2 stars or higher, measured by Google review count, with no two picks within 8 miles of each other so the list covers more of the state.
Can you see all five in one trip?
The five are about 174 straight-line miles apart in total when visited in the order suggested above. Most people split them across two or more days.
How many waterfalls are in Maryland?
Our directory lists 15 named waterfalls in Maryland. See them all, sorted by town, in the Maryland waterfall guide.
What is the tallest waterfall in Maryland?
Muddy Creek Falls in Swallow Falls State Park, Garrett County, is described as the state's highest waterfall at 53 feet. It drops over a sandstone ledge into a forested gorge.