Near Oakland in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Swallow Falls vs. Hurricane Sandy
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 30, 2023
1. Swallow Falls vs. Hurricane Sandy Marker
Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast in late October causing massive damage. Here in Garrett County, Maryland, we received over 30 inches of heavy, wet snow.
Much of the damage you see in the forest is from Hurricane Sandy. Over 3000 hours were invested in just this park clearing roads, trails, and campsites from some of the largest trees in Maryland.
The Hemlock's shallow root system could not hold the weight of the snow, therefore; snapping and up-rooting the trees, some being over 300 years old.
The woody debris you see on the forest floor will stay and serve as habitat for many species. Visitor safety will be the only reason for removing the damaged trees.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 39° 29.946′ N, 79° 25.096′ W. Marker is near Oakland, Maryland, in Garrett County. It can be reached from Maple Glade Road 0.4 miles north of Swallow Falls Road when traveling north. Marker is located at the trailhead at Swallow Falls State Park. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Youghiogheny Grove (a few steps from this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); Campsite (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station (approx. 1.8 miles away); Forestry Beginning (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Bridges of Deep Creek Lake (approx. 4.4 miles away); Whitewater Boating on the Upper Youghiogheny River (approx. 4.6 miles away); Sang Run Election House (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oakland.
Another
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 30, 2023
2. Swallow Falls vs. Hurricane Sandy Marker
Regarding Swallow Falls vs. Hurricane Sandy. Hurricane Sandy was an extremely destructive and strong Atlantic hurricane of late October 2012. It was the largest Atlantic hurricane on record as measured by diameter, with tropical-storm-force winds spanning 1,150 miles. The storm inflicted nearly $70 billion (2012 USD) in damage and killed 233 people across eight countries from the Caribbean to Canada.
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 30, 2023
3. Conservation Efforts
Swallow Falls State Park is a special and unique place. As you travel the trail today, you will pass through historic sites, you may wade in the wild and scenic Youghiogheny River and you will walk through the oldest stand of hemlock and white pine in Maryland.
Swallow Falls sees approximately 200,000 visitors, like yourselves, each year. The impact of this is being seen on the trail you will walk and the forest interior you will see.
You will also pass several displays and signs along your way, helping to explain our plan of action for further conservation of the sensitive management area. Please take a moment to stop and read our displays.
Together we can help to further preserve this environmentally sensitive area.
Swallow Falls sees approximately 200,000 visitors, like yourselves, each year. The impact of this is being seen on the trail you will walk and the forest interior you will see.
You will also pass several displays and signs along your way, helping to explain our plan of action for further conservation of the sensitive management area. Please take a moment to stop and read our displays.
Together we can help to further preserve this environmentally sensitive area.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 273 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 1, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
