Prepare to fall off the map as you cross from Maryland into West Virginia along an unmarked dirt road (Lake Ford Rd) into an amazing arctic swamp. Owned by The Nature Conservancy, the swamp consists of a parking area, a path through the woods and low brush including wild blueberries and ferns, finally emerging onto a boardwalk that crosses the swamp allowing up-close viewing of wildlife without disturbance. It is said that nearby Muddy Creek Falls gets its color from the tannin in the swamp.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this unique climatic area where cold, moisture and geography combine to create this wonderful place.
Bring the kids, bug spray, water-safe shoes (it is muddy in places) a camera, and a sense of adventure.
Seraphim Dawn
Small parking lot. Only about 4~6 vehicles worth. Gravel road and lot. If that is not a worry for you however, i found this to be a nice change of scenery for this Appalachian area. One moment your strolling through a canopy of pines and the next it opens up to a peat bog. I also seem to have found blueberries along the path!
Phil Brown
A local told me about this place. I really enjoyed my time here. Sign going in to gravel descending toward preserve has been run over. Follow road down to right when it splits. Don't go up and left, it just heads into the hills.
CJ1 year ago
Cranesville Swamp Preserve is home to 43 plants and animal that are listed as rare or endangered. Sometimes finding the beauty in something that’s not quite beautiful can be a challenge. So, we were very surprised to come across a small forest of very old hemlock trees on our way to the swamp’s boardwalk.
This area is one of the first National Natural Landmarks to be designated by the National Park Service in 1965. The 1,500-foot boardwalk throughout the swamp provides a great way to explore the 1,774-acre wetlands.
I think it would quite interesting to explore this area at different times of the year.
Patrick Huber1 year ago
Extremely easy trail in a unique environment. Even when it's dry out you're likely to get your feet muddy or wet. Keep and eye out for the marker signs to learn something about the area. The deck walk is very unique and discussion way to observe up close this swamp.
Josh Lewis1 year ago
Pretty marsh trails. Lots of plant life and animals. Nice and quiet area. Definitely check out the boardwalk.
Ramona Ciorcila10 years ago
Awesome trail with no entrance fee? Yes, please! Do wear proper footwear, as certain areas are wet and muddy. Make sure your battery is full for picture taking, but you'll have to wait to post them because there is absolutely no signal there.
Kitchen Boy10 years ago
Remote nature preserve but worth the drive. Small parking lot, for maybe 4 or 5 cars. The park has well marked trails through the Swamp with information placards throughout. The trails are 1.2 maybe 1.5 miles depending on how you string them together. Beautiful vistas and scenery to be savored as you enjoy the hike.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this unique climatic area where cold, moisture and geography combine to create this wonderful place.
Bring the kids, bug spray, water-safe shoes (it is muddy in places) a camera, and a sense of adventure.
This area is one of the first National Natural Landmarks to be designated by the National Park Service in 1965. The 1,500-foot boardwalk throughout the swamp provides a great way to explore the 1,774-acre wetlands.
I think it would quite interesting to explore this area at different times of the year.