Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls is a 1.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Pylesville, Maryland that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail.
Reservations are required on weekends and holidays between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day. More information here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/rocks.aspx Kilgore falls is a great family-friendly short hike to Maryland's second-highest vertical waterfall located in Rocks State Park in the Falling Branch area. Rocks State Park remains environmentally sensitive and this area in particular, the Falling Brach area, is very well maintained. This area was once a meeting place for Susquehannock Indians. The trailhead can be accessed off of Falling Branch Road of northern Harford County. You will take the singletrack trail all the way to falls. The drop waterfall is created by large rock formations and is breathtaking. This is an easy hike for almost all ages and is great for kids, however there are tree roots on the trail and a stepping stone bridge to get the best view of the falls so use caution in this area or bring water shoes. If you are visiting on a hot summer day, make sure to to bring a bathing suit to take a dip in or wade in the swimming holes at the base of the waterfall, however use caution as there are no lifeguards on site. Because this is a popular trail and there is a small parking area, arrive early to secure a spot. The park rangers will turn you away unless a car has already left the lot. They do not allow you to wait for a spot or wait on the road for a car to leave. You can park at the Eden Mill Nature Center, which is about 1 mile from the trailhead.
Parking is limited but available at the trailhead only.
Rocks State Park 3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road Jarrettsville, MD 21084 410-557-7994
Be sure to take along a swim suite in the hot weather as there is plenty of space to take a nice dip in the cool water. Water shoes are advised as the botto of the pool is most rocky. You can even stand beneath the falls and enjoy this hidden gem tucked away from the nearby city.
Located 5 miles north of Rocks State Park. Trail access: Route 24 north through Rocks State Park, turn left on St. Mary's Rd., turn right on Falling Branch Rd. for parking lot on right.
February 28, 2021Amazon rainy day hike. Part of the trail still has ice and snow. But if you dressed appropriately, it wasn't difficult.
February 25, 2021Snow on the ground icy and muddy but what are waterproof hiking boots for? Great hike I’ll be be back throughout the spring and the summer to take a plung
February 21, 2021A lot of dog turds chilling on the trail. Pick up after your pets, slobs!
February 20, 2021Always a p
February 14, 2021February 10, 2021Nice trail and beautiful day. Ground still has snow and is icy and slippery in some parts. Wear hiking or snow boots and bring hiking sticks. To get to the waterfall you need to cross a small stream but there are rocks that help.
February 9, 2021The falls are gorgeous! The trail is a bit confusing as to how to get down to the falls at the end, I ended up crossing the river.
February 5, 2021January 24, 2021January 2, 2021January 2, 2021nice easy trail, beautiful rock outcroppings and climbing
January 2, 2021Great!
December 29, 2020I love this trail. Went for my 40th birthday celebration. I want to check this out again for the frozen waterfall.
December 27, 2020Good trail, great views. Quick trail that my young kids did not get bored with! Busier than I prefer, but it’s because it’s such a nice little gem.
December 27, 2020Loved it!
December 1, 2020A lot was closed off
November 25, 2020November 22, 2020Nice little hike with a great view. Not overly busy for a sunday afternoon which was a pleasant surprise. I will be returning to take my kids in the next few weeks.
November 22, 2020November 22, 2020November 22, 2020November 22, 2020November 14, 2020November 11, 2020November 8, 2020Pretty views but busier than expected on a Thursday early afternoon. It was fun to explore behind the waterfall (before the trail closed signs). Not many of the other hikers we’re wearing masks even when standing close to other groups trying to take pictures of the falls. I would also recommend waterproof boots.
October 27, 2020October 26, 20205 stars for the falls but good luck finding a time when it isn’t absolutely mobbed. Avoid at all costs on weekends even in the fall and spring. Back in the early 2000s hardly anyone knew about it and you could go whenever and maybe see 1 or 2 other people there. Just have to go on a weekday in the off-season now if you’re trying to avoid the larger crowds. Wish the hike was a bit longer as well.
October 24, 2020Short hike to the actual falls. Small exciting rock scramble to go around the falls. Really short loop. We paired this hike with the King & Queen Seat hike nearby for a full day trip.
October 22, 2020Absolutely gorgeous! Just too short of a hike.
October 20, 2020
