The Swamp Trail is a .9 mile (1.5 km) trail that begins along
the Old Carriage Road Trail near the lower parking area. The trail involves
mostly flat walking with some rocky areas and small bridged stream crossings.
The trail follows the base of a hillside, slightly raised above the swamp
level. The swamp represents an old terrace of the Potomac River. Geologists
estimate that the river flowed here over 500 thousand years ago as a major
channel of the Potomac River. Evidence of ancient river deposits suggest that
the Potomac River flowed around Glade Hill (located adjacent and northeast
of the swa
mp) connecting with the main channel near today's Sandy Landing.
Look for large rounded bedrock formations that represent the ancient riverbed.
Many species of birds and numerous wildflowers are regularly
seen throughout the swamp. The trail is rocky in places as it crosses 3 streams
that feed the swamp. Careful observation may reveal tracks in the sand or
mud of animals that visit the swamp for food and water. Deer, fox and raccoons
are common visitors. Burowing crayfish leave mud pilings in the moist ground
in spring and summer. Further along the trail a large rock face on the right
side of the trail is the home of various mosses and lichens as well as several
species of ferns. At points the trail drops to the swamp, passing lowland
type plants and trees such as ferns, beech trees, skunk cabbage and may apple.
Spreading throughout the swampy terrain with sturdy root corms are the parks
first blooming wildflowers - the skunk 
cabbage,
so named for their pungent oder. This plant has been know to bloom as early
as January, pushing its early shoots directly up through the snow. This curious
leafy plant draws many wildflower enthusiasts out for their first catch of
Great Falls' ephemeral spring wildflower burst, which occurs in April. A walk
along the Swamp Trail offers solitude for those seeking less heavily trafficed
trails. One may spot red-shouldered hawks and see the pileated woodpeacker
swooping through the trees, and don't be surprised to see a snake lying on
top of exposed bedrock sunning itself. The trail ends at the Swamp-Ridge Connector
Trail. You have the choice of turning right, heading up to the Ridge Trail
or left returning to the Old Carriage Road Trail.
TRAILS
| River
Trail Patowmack Canal Trail Ridge Trail Old Carriage Road Trail Swamp Trail Difficult Run Trail |
Matildaville
Trail Mine Run Trail Trails to Riverbend Park Visitor Center Overlook 1 and 2 |
Great
Falls In-Depth
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