Kilgore Falls

Worth a detour

Is it plungeworthy?

17feet tall

A block on Falling Branch.

Scale30/60

Documentation20/20

Character14/20

The details

Type: Block
Watercourse: Falling Branch
Coordinates: 39.69291, -76.427

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About Kilgore Falls

Kilgore Falls is a 17-foot block in Maryland, on Falling Branch.

It's fullest after rain, and flow can drop off during dry spells — plan around recent weather.

Plungeworthy rates Kilgore Falls 6.4/10 — worth a detour. The score weighs its scale, how confidently it's mapped, and its character.

What you'll find

Harford County's 17-foot free-faller over Prettyboy Schist — Maryland's second-tallest, a Tuck Everlasting filming location, and a preserve kept deliberately wild: no restrooms, no picnic tables, 28 parking spots, wade the creek to reach the base.

Getting there

Trailhead: Falling Branch Area of Rocks State Park, 1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville
Parking: 28-vehicle lot; summer weekends and holidays require a reservation
Road: Paved country roads
Hike: 1 mi round trip (easy trail; a creek wade to the base)
Heads up: Water shoes make the crossing a pleasure instead of a penalty.

When to go

Spring for flow; summer weekends sell out the tiny lot — book or come midweek.

Rules & fees

Fee / pass: Free off-peak; $3/$5 per person reservation on summer weekends
Dogs: Leashed
Hours: 8am (10am Nov–Feb) to sunset
Warnings: Jumping from the falls has caused serious injuries — the park asks you not to, and the shallow pool agrees.

Researched from Maryland DNR — Rocks State Park, Falling Branch · Maryland Geological Survey — Falling Branch. Conditions change — verify before you drive. Been to Kilgore Falls recently? Post a conditions report below.

Where it is

Before you go

The pin marks the feature, not a trailhead or a legal route in. Some sit on private land or need a real hike, and conditions change with season and rain. Check local access, don't trespass, and never enter water — hot or cold — where it isn't safe.