Natural swimming hole
Kendall Trail — Great Ledge Swimming Hole (Youghiogheny River)
River · Maryland
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
A two-mile rail-trail running south from Friendsville along the Youghiogheny Wild and Scenic River to the ruins of the Kendall logging town, with numerous places to reach the river's edge and swim, per the Town of Friendsville. The best-known pool is the Great Ledge Swimming Hole, the destination of guided riverwalks run by a local outfitter. Maryland DNR lists the Kendall Trail as one of the few public access points for the protected river corridor, most of which crosses private land.
Good to know
| Water type | River |
|---|---|
| Depth | Rocky river pools of varying depth between rapids; depth changes sharply on dam-release days |
| Best season | June–August (non-release days) |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Dawn to dusk |
| Parking | Limited parking at the town trailhead lot on Maple Street in Friendsville; cross the bridge and turn right on Morris Avenue to the trailhead |
| County | Garrett |
| Nearest town | Friendsville |
| Safety notes | CRITICAL: On Deep Creek Lake dam-release days the river can fill from low to full in about 15 minutes — check the release schedule before entering the water and never swim or cross the river on release days. No lifeguards, no facilities, and access points are primitive and rugged; much of the surrounding corridor is private land, so stay on the trail and posted public access. |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Kendall Trail — Great Ledge Swimming Hole (Youghiogheny River)?
Yes — Kendall Trail — Great Ledge Swimming Hole (Youghiogheny River) is listed as a natural swimming spot in Maryland. Heads-up: CRITICAL: On Deep Creek Lake dam-release days the river can fill from low to full in about 15 minutes — check the release schedule before entering the water and never swim or cross the river on release days. No lifeguards, no facilities, and access points are primitive and rugged; much of the surrounding corridor is private land, so stay on the trail and posted public access.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Kendall Trail — Great Ledge Swimming Hole (Youghiogheny River) require reservations?
No reservations are required at Kendall Trail — Great Ledge Swimming Hole (Youghiogheny River) based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Kendall Trail — Great Ledge Swimming Hole (Youghiogheny River)?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Kendall Trail — Great Ledge Swimming Hole (Youghiogheny River)?
The best season is typically June–August (non-release days).