Kilgore Falls Trail Hiking Guide
Kilgore Falls drops 17 feet into a shallow pool on a 67-acre parcel of Rocks State Park north of the main park. Maryland DNR calls it the state's second-highest vertical-drop waterfall. The walk in is short and easy; the hard part is getting one of the 28 parking spaces.
Permit: On weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, a day-use reservation (parkdayuse.maryland.gov) is required: $3 per person for Maryland residents, $5 for others, plus a processing fee. Outside those dates there is no reservation, but the 28-car lot still caps visitors.
The Walk
DNR describes a single-track trail of about half a mile from the lot to the falls. Hiking Project's map measures it shorter, about 0.3 miles each way with a little over 50 feet of total climbing on the round trip. From the trailhead sign at the back of the lot, the path crosses a small footbridge and reaches a fork: left goes down to the base, right climbs briefly to the top of the falls. It is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers or big coolers.
Parking and Reservations
The lot at 1026 Falling Branch Road holds 28 cars, roughly 75 people, and the park says there is no overflow parking nearby; do not park at the church or on neighbors' land. When the lot is full, the area is closed. On summer weekends and holidays you need a reservation from the state's day-use site; the park's pages give the season as Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so check the dates before you go. From November through February the lot opens at 10 a.m.
At the Falls
To reach the base you have to cross Falling Branch, so wear shoes that can get wet. Wading and swimming are allowed at your own risk with no lifeguard, and the park discourages jumping off the falls after serious injuries there. The Harford County Health Department tests the water for bacteria; results are posted on its recreational water page.
No Facilities
There are no restrooms, picnic tables or grills at Falling Branch, and portable grills and fires are not allowed. The park sends picnickers to the main section of Rocks State Park off Route 24 instead. Bring what you need and carry everything back out.
Dogs and Hunting Season
Leashed dogs are allowed at Falling Branch. Hiking Project's contributor warns of brambles and poison ivy beside the path. The neighboring Cameron Area off Falling Branch Road is open to archery deer hunting Monday through Saturday, with no hunting on Sundays.
Hiking tips for Kilgore Falls Trail
- Book a reservation for any summer weekend or holiday visit.
- Visit on a weekday in spring or fall for the best chance at a parking space.
- Pack water shoes for the stream crossing to the base of the falls.
- Use a restroom before you arrive; there is none on site.
- If the lot is full, drive to the main park and hike to the King and Queen Seat.
Nearby trails to explore
- King and Queen Seat Loop (Rocks State Park)
- Prettyboy Dam Loop (Gunpowder Falls State Park)
- Cascade Falls Trail (Patapsco Valley State Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Kilgore Falls has room for only 28 cars, so a carpool makes all the difference. Gather a group on TrailMates, book the reservation and share rides in the event's group chat, and walk in together from the Falling Branch lot. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.