Right now
Right now as of Nov 3, 2026
- Permit Summer weekend reservations.
Status note (Nov 3, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell: on Nov 2, 2026 the MD DNR Park Status Dashboard listed Rocks State Park as open. On Nov 3, 2026 the Maryland DNR Falling Branch page listed no closure. Reservations apply only on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. From November to February the lot opens at 10 a.m. What the status labels mean
Kilgore Falls is a 17-foot waterfall in the Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park, run by Maryland DNR. DNR calls it Maryland's second highest vertical drop waterfall. A half-mile single-track trail leads from a 28-car lot in Pylesville. Reservations are required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. When the lot is full, the area is at capacity, and there is no other parking nearby.
About Kilgore Falls
Kilgore Falls drops 17 feet, according to Maryland DNR. DNR calls it Maryland's second highest vertical drop waterfall. You may also see it called Falling Branch Falls, after the stream it sits on.
The falls are in the Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park. DNR says this is a separate 67-acre parcel, about five miles north of the main park. The Maryland Geological Survey (MGS) places the falls on the Falling Branch of Deer Creek in northern Harford County.
DNR describes the area as non-developed and environmentally sensitive. There are no picnic tables, grills or restrooms. Portable grills and fires are not permitted, so plan to eat somewhere else.
For a picnic, DNR points you to the main part of Rocks State Park or to Eden Mill Nature Center & Park.
The Harford County Health Department monitors indicator bacteria at Kilgore Falls. DNR links to the county's water sampling results, which are worth checking before you wade.
Getting there and parking
Set your navigation to the lot: 1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville, MD 21132. Maryland DNR maintains a 28-car lot there, which it says holds about 75 people.
There is no other parking. DNR says off-site parking is no longer available nearby, and when the lot is full, the area is at capacity. Don't park at the church or on neighboring properties.
DNR says the area is very popular in late spring, summer and early fall, even on weekdays. It asks you to carpool and arrive early. If the lot is full, DNR suggests visiting the main part of Rocks State Park instead.
On weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, you need a reservation from parkdayuse.maryland.gov. In November there is no reservation season, but the lot is just as small, and it opens at 10 a.m.
Questions go to the Rocks State Park office at 410-557-7994.
The map pin is near the parking area, not at the falls. Use the street address for directions.
In Garrett County, Swallow Falls State Park has Muddy Creek Falls, and Cunningham Falls is near Thurmont. Across the Potomac, see Great Falls Park in Virginia. Our Maryland waterfalls guide lists the state's falls.
Map and nearby falls
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The half-mile trail to Kilgore Falls
A single-track trail runs ½ mile from the parking lot to the falls, per Maryland DNR. That's a half-mile walk each way. MGS calls it the Kilgore Falls Trail and says it starts at the lot on the right side of Falling Branch Road.
DNR says the trail is not handicapped accessible. It is not appropriate for wheelchairs, baby strollers or large coolers.
To reach the base of the falls, you have to cross the Falling Branch stream. DNR says to plan on getting your feet wet, or to wear waterproof shoes.
DNR gives no difficulty rating, elevation gain or walking time. Leave the big cooler in the car, and carry what you need, since the area has no facilities.
When to visit
DNR's fee and hours table lists 9 a.m. to sunset from March to October, and 10 a.m. to sunset from November to February. The Falling Branch page says the lot opens at 8 a.m. from March to October, so check before an early start.
Crowds peak from late spring to early fall, DNR says, even on weekdays. Reservations cover the busiest days: weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
A November visit falls outside the reservation season. DNR's fee table lists no separate off-season fee for the Falling Branch area; call the park office (410-557-7994) to confirm.
Neither DNR nor MGS names a best month for water flow.
| Height | 17 ftNote: per Maryland DNR, which calls it Maryland's second highest vertical drop waterfall |
|---|---|
| Trail | Single-track trail ½ mi from the parking lot to the falls, so a half-mile walk each way. Reaching the base means crossing the Falling Branch stream (MD DNR) |
| Difficulty | MD DNR gives no rating: a single-track trail, not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, with a stream crossing to reach the base |
| Entry fee | Weekends and holidays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: reservation required, $3 per person (MD resident) or $5 per person (non-resident) plus a processing fee. DNR's fee table lists no separate off-season fee for the Falling Branch area; call the park office (410-557-7994) to confirm (MD DNR) |
| Permit / reservation | Reservations required on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, at parkdayuse.maryland.gov |
| Parking | 28-car lot; when full, the area is at capacity |
| Hours / season | 9 a.m. to sunset March-October; 10 a.m. to sunset November-February (MD DNR) |
| Dogs | Pets are allowed at Falling Branch but must be leashed at all times (MD DNR) |
| Swimming | Wading and swimming are permitted at your own risk, with no lifeguards. DNR discourages leaping from the falls into the creek, as serious injuries have occurred |
| Wheelchair / stroller | No. MD DNR says the trail is not handicapped accessible and is not appropriate for wheelchairs, baby strollers or large coolers |
| Walk behind the falls | No |
| Restrooms | None: MD DNR says there are no restrooms, picnic tables or grills in the Falling Branch area |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; DNR says the area is very popular in late spring, summer and early fall, even on weekdays |
| Crowds | High from late spring to early fall, even on weekdays (MD DNR). The 28-car lot is the only parking |
| Managed by | Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Rocks State Park) |
Safety and swimming
Maryland DNR permits wading and swimming at your own risk, and there are no lifeguards. DNR discourages leaping from the falls into the creek, as serious injuries have occurred.
Rocks in and beside the stream can be slippery, especially at the crossing to the base. Watch your footing and keep children close.
Check the water results first. The Harford County Health Department monitors indicator bacteria at Kilgore Falls, and DNR links to its sampling page.
Keep dogs leashed at all times, as DNR requires.
Our waterfall safety guide has more on slick rock and cold water.
Conditions change: confirm with Maryland DNR before you go.
Where to stay near Kilgore Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Pylesville.
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Photos
Kilgore Falls FAQ
Do you need a reservation or ticket for Kilgore Falls?
Only on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, per Maryland DNR. Book at parkdayuse.maryland.gov. The fee is $3 per person for Maryland residents or $5 for non-residents, plus a processing fee, per DNR's Falling Branch page. DNR's fee table also says an additional surcharge applies.
Is there a fee for Kilgore Falls?
In the summer reservation season, yes: $3 or $5 per person plus a processing fee. DNR's fee table lists no separate off-season fee for the Falling Branch area; call the park office (410-557-7994) to confirm. US veterans have day-use entrance charges waived, DNR says.
Where do you park for Kilgore Falls?
At the 28-car lot at 1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville, MD 21132. DNR says there is no off-site parking nearby. When the lot is full, the area is at capacity, and you should not park at the church or on neighboring properties.
How long is the hike to Kilgore Falls?
A single-track trail runs ½ mile from the parking lot to the falls, so it's a half-mile walk each way. To reach the base, you cross the Falling Branch stream, so DNR suggests waterproof shoes.
Can you swim at Kilgore Falls?
Maryland DNR permits wading and swimming at your own risk, with no lifeguards. It discourages leaping from the falls into the creek, as serious injuries have occurred. The Harford County Health Department posts bacteria results for the site.
How tall is Kilgore Falls?
17 feet, according to Maryland DNR, which calls it Maryland's second highest vertical drop waterfall.
Are dogs allowed at Kilgore Falls?
Yes. DNR says pets are allowed at Falling Branch but must be leashed at all times.
Where is Kilgore Falls?
In the Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park, in northern Harford County near Pylesville. DNR says the area is a separate 67-acre parcel about five miles north of the main park.
Nearby waterfalls
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On these lists: Dog-friendly waterfalls · Waterfalls you can swim in
Sources
- Maryland DNR: Falling Branch/Kilgore Falls, Rocks State Park (read Nov 3, 2026)
- Maryland DNR: Park Status Dashboard (read Nov 3, 2026)
- Maryland DNR: Park fees and hours, Rocks State Park (read Nov 3, 2026)
- Maryland Geological Survey: Falling Branch geology tour
- Harford County Health Department: Recreational water sampling
Last verified Nov 3, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Rocks State Park) before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.