Kilgore is a lovely place for an easy to moderate hiking trail. It's open daily but you need a permit on the weekends from Memorial day to Labor Day I believe. To get to the waterfall you have to walk a path that's about 10-15 minutes. You will have to climb over some rocks in the water in your travels, but once you get to the waterfall you will absolutely love it. *Please note* Wear comfortable shoes because there are some areas that could be potentially dangerous if you don't take your time. read more

Kilgore Falls - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

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[Coronavirus review] This is a small site auxiliary to Rocks State Park. Notably, the parking lot requires an advance reservation on peak dates, and this policy has been expanded to cover more dates due to the pandemic lockdown pushing people to spend their days outdoors. The trail is a short loop to the falls. Great Falls this isn't, but it's significant enough to generate a nice spray. A rather upset-looking fish flopped down shallow water as I approached. Upstream of the falls was a challenge. Few fords were viable, perhaps owing to heavy rain, and signs suggesting the area was blocked off were ignored by expeditions looking for better crossings. I made it across the stream and back, but I did get a little wet. The scenery isn't worth a long drive on its own, but paired with the other local park sites, it makes for good viewing, and in particular this space with its parking limitations can't get too crowded. read more

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Be warned-don't go at a time it's likely to be crowded-like a summer weekend or a holiday! We went on a summer Monday during COVID for reference. They say this is the second largest waterfall in Maryland ( the first is in the Deep Creek area). It's not a marvel to behold ( I've been to Niagara Falls and other waterfalls in upstate NY so I'm biased), but it is a cool, pleasant one in a tranquil setting. Let me provide a few more tips: 1) As I mentioned, it gets very crowded during peak times and there is a Modestly sized parking area. Large enough for the capacity that should be at the falls, but still on the small side. There are rangers waiting as you enter the parking area, if they have no available parking spaces, they WILL turn you away. No waiting in line or anything. We almost got turned away( early PM) but someone popped in their car and pulled out, so we were good. 2) There is a .5 mile trail to get to the falls. It's not super difficult, but if you have some physical challenges, be aware. Not wheelchair accesible. 3) the stream area was beautiful, the water beneath the falls was cool and perfect for swimming if you wish. Other places were good for wading without being deep. 4)There is a challenging path to get to the top area of the falls. It's kinda dangerous, so I don't recommend especially for little ones or most 50+. 5) Only porta potties at the lot. Drink light, so you don't have to go (ladies especially)-lol! All in all a pleasant experience. Although we would have been PO'ed if we were turned away! read more

Kilgore Falls - Swimmers enjoying a cool dip beneath the falls. - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

A lovely, hiking area with easy to navigate trails and a beautiful waterfall. The walk to the falls doesn't take very long and the area is pretty clean. Took maternity pictures there when I was 6 months pregnant and had no trouble getting around. read more

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Great place -- they have a new rule starting this summer that you have to make an appointment beforehand. This works best since the parking lot is really small and fills up fast. They WILL turn you away if you don't have an appointment! I went with a group of ten people and we had a small kid (4 years old) who had no trouble walking on the path to the waterfall. However, the waterfall has a shallow end (like a creek) and is about 5.5' deep at the deepest point. As others say, it is a 1/2 mile path from the parking lot to the falls, and it gets a bit muddy. There doesn't seem to be any place to picnic. Only one outhouse which is not convenient. read more

Saw a reel on instagram and decided to take a trip. It's not really a hike. More so a short trail to see the falls. Some get in the water but be mindful if it's a dry month, the water won't be high. read more

Lovely hike - relatively flat trails. Great waterfall views from several spots. Parking available at trailhead.

A solid 4! Could have been 5 if the hiking trail was better kept. Parking was tough! The lot was full so we had to line up at the entrance and waited for someone to leave so we can come in to park. There was a ranger directing parking. Either come really early or come later when people are about to leave, don't come in the middle of the day because the wait might be long since it would take at least 2 hours to enjoy this hike/waterfall. The waterfall was just a few minutes walk from the trail head. The water was cool but can be cold even on a summer day! What's good about this place is that the sun gets through the trees so it helps to stay warm. There's a trail pass the waterfall, it's an easy walk but there were lots of thorned rose vines blocking the way which can be painful if wearing shorts. I would come here again for the waterfall but not for the hike! read more

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This is a little hidden gem in Maryland. It's one of my favorite "parks" in MD and even though I live far away from here, the almost one hour trip is worth it. The waterfall is beautiful and so are the woods around it. The trails that lead to the waterfall are scenic and there are a few different ones and they intersect but the main one is the easiest as it's not as steep as the others and is clearer. There are also trails that leads to the top of the waterfall. Just be careful on certain trails as the path can be very uneven and rocky and make sure to wear sneakers (trust me, it'll make things much easier). The waterfall itself is absolutely gorgeous. The water is just cold enough that it relieves you from the sweltering heat in the summer but not so cold that you'll be freezing. And even if you don't want to fully go into the water, there are rocks along the stream and on the side, if you just want to sit but be careful of the submerged large rocks, they are incredibly slippery. The only problem I have which unfortunately cannot be solved is limited parking spots. If you come here during the weekends, be prepared to wait for a parking spot for a long time (at least until another visitor leaves). There are also no road signs that will show you the way so you're depending on your own knowledge or a GPS. But otherwise, it's a great place to get away from the heat during the summer. read more

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This is a great place to hike and enjoy the natural falls. Make sure you get there early. There are 28 parking spots and reservations are needed during weekends and holidays. Pack water shoes too! You'll need them! read more

Kilgore Falls - On top of the waterfall. - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

This specific trail located within Rocks State Park was listed as an "easy" hike. I suppose if you stay on the main trail, it would be. If you're more on the adventurous side and you feel like climbing all over the falls (lots of slippery rock after it rains -- be careful!), I would definitely categorize it as moderate. Some of the lesser traveled paths within this trail are marked with a pink ties and silver bars stapled to trees to signify that you've reached the end. Kilgore Falls was beautiful. As the second highest water fall in Maryland, it's worth the drive from the city (Baltimore). It took us a little over an hour to get there and it was very easy to find. I would suggest going when the weather is tolerable, but not perfect. This trail is rather popular and the parking lot isn't exactly huge. My experience was wonderful, aside from the random guy in the parking lot flying his loud drone all over the place. That's the last thing I want to see/hear when going on a hike. read more

Kilgore Falls - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

A lot of folks list this as a hidden gem, but there's nothing hidden about it anymore. This popular spot tends to be pretty crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Despite the crowds, the parking lot is pretty small and park rangers help facilitate parking and keep the crowds smaller during peak hours. If the lot is full, they allow a couple cars at a time to wait for the next space. If no waiting space is available you can usually drive around the loop or return a little later to get in. It doesn't usually take long. On extremely busy days they close the road and turn away car and foot traffic until the crowds die down. The walk to the falls is short and relatively easy and beyond the falls and a small trail there isn't much to do so the turnover is pretty quick. Great place to take a picnic and spend some time swimming or climbing around. Great for families. Leashed dogs welcome. Recommend an early arrival or a weekday visit to avoid crowds. read more

If it's in driving distance you gotta do it. free swimming holes, nice water fall, free, 10 min stroll from the parking lot. hike is so easy people even carry beach coolers check out the king and queen chair in the main park a little ways south if you want a more legit hike before relaxing in the water here 1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville, MD 21132 as stated in the yelp - don't get confused with other addresses floating around the googles. read more

I loved it. Parking is limited but free so arrive early. It's an easy hike from the pa king lot to the waterfall. If you're a little more adventurous there are more smaller trails around the falls you can take :) I did. It is the second highest waterfall in Maryland. It has a shallow pool area and it's quite deep around the waterfall. Although there are some rocks to watch for. You can also climb large rocks and yes it is pet friendly. It is about an hour away from the city so if you don't mind driving there... it's pretty cool :) read more

Went to Kilgore Water Falls on Saturday. Used GPS to find it as there was no signs around the area to locate it. This place was beautiful. A reservation was required to visit. It was easy to make the reservation by phone. You need to print a car decal. The park rangers were nice and helpful. We first walked up the trail to the top of the water fall and then visited below. The hike from the parking lot to the waterfall is about one mile. read more

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Talk about a hidden gem! People who live and grew up in Harford county don't even know about these falls. It is the second highest free falling waterfall in Maryland (17 feet)....second to Muddy Creek Falls in Garrett County. To get there the falls, here are the precise directions: Falling Branch is located five miles north of Rocks. Continue north on Route 24, turn left on St. Mary's Road then right onto Falling Branch Road and proceed to parking area on the right. There is no parking on the grass or along the road. There are no picnic tables, grills or restrooms in the area. ADDRESS for GPS - 1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville, MD 21132 (not McFadden Road as indicated on some online sites). Once in the parking lot, you will see two trails...one is readily marked and one is not. Take the one that is marked. Once on the path, you will follow it about 3/4 mile....pretty flat and an easy walk. You will soon see a boardwalk and then shortly there after the path will part. If you want a view from the bottom of the falls, take the path to the left. If you want a view from the top, take the path to the right. Some tips: I sprayed skeeter spray before I went and I was perfectly fine...no bites. Dogs can visit but must be on a leash. My dog loved it! The parking lot does not open until 9am.....wayyyy to late. But, if you get there before 9, there is no legal place to park. The grass in front of the parking has boulders to discourage parking. I parked there anyway b/c I got there at 5:30 am. (Don't turn me in) Bring water shoes. Your feet will get wet. You will walk across the water on nicely laid out rocks and your feet will get wet. Bring towels and a change of clothes as the falls are so inviting, even if you didn't plan to get in, you will. Ask me how I know that?! If you are there to photograph the falls, go early b/c it is a hot spot for kids to swim and play. Getting there at 5:30, just before sunrise allowed us to walk to the falls and get there in time for sun up and absolutely not a single other person. The trail is relatively flat (until you walk up to the top of the falls obviously), but lots of roots. There are no bathrooms or picnic areas. The falls are very shady so it's not very hot (We went in July). Have a great trip and bring the camera! read more

Kilgore Falls - At 17', Kilgore Falls is the second highest freefalling waterfall in MD.  Bring your bathing suit to swim in the colddddd water! - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

Only 45 min drive from my home so we packed a picnic and went this past Sunday. Arrived before noon and the lot was full, not to mention people driving aimlessly around the perimeter (making the locals mad, there were angry signs posted everywhere not in support of the park), people walking around, it was a crowded mess! There were 2 rangers at the entrance handing out slips of paper telling all drivers the lot was full and suggesting drivers go to the other parks listed on the papers. The rangers also refused walk-ons if you parked elsewhere to limit the number of people at the falls at one time. Understandable but not the case when we finally reached the falls. People who couldn't park were just dropping their passengers off who were walking onto the property and no one was following the no smoking or no drinking alcohol rules that were posted everywhere. Adults and children were using the bathroom in the woods (I only saw one porta-potty in the parking lot when you first enter the property). We lucked out getting a parking spot our 2nd time driving around the perimeter because someone was leaving when we pulled back up. It's about a 20 min hike from the parking lot to the falls. You can hear the screaming of people before you even reach the water. Once you get there it's madness! Cross a small creek to get to the other side to access swimming hole or stay on that side and keep hiking to the top to be on top of the fall. I've included photos... The water was freezing and I didn't swim or get in the falls only because of the number of people all on one place and witnessing people defecating in and near the water. We snapped a few photos and left. I would think this would be a different experience if no one was around and there was some silence. Didn't notice any trash bins anywhere even in the parking lot either. This place won't last for long, unfortunately. read more

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I visited Kilgore Falls on a Monday afternoon in late October. I had this 17 foot beauty all to myself, which was such a pleasant change from Great Falls the precious day. The trail is well marked, and fairly easy. Crossing the stream below the falls and staying dry was fairly easy. It was a beautiful waterfall and a very nice change after a busy morning in Baltimore. read more

Kilgore Falls - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

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Great to view and photograph from the shore in the off season when it's too cold to get into the water. During the summer months though, this spot is overrun with kids (of all ages) above, on, and below in the wading pool under the falls. You also might want to think twice about getting into the water, especially if it's been within 48 hours of a rainfall. Kilgore was one of six swimming holes in Harford County in the summer of 2015 that were tested and found to have bacteria levels that were through the roof (BAD). "The EPA's standard for safe swimming in fresh water is 61 colony forming units (cfu) of bacteria per 100 milliliter of water. Kilgore Falls, after had it rained overnight, showed 13,800 cfu, 226 times higher than the EPA's safety standard." http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/harford/forest-hill/ph-ag-kilgore-falls-0717-20150716-story.html read more

Came here on a Tuesday evening. Wear a bathing suit, wear sandals, bring a bag with food and towel and be prepared to stay all day taking in the nature and enjoying the water. read more

Kilgore Falls - First time here and i fell in love - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

Always incredibly crowded. For good reason though. It's a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. It's just way too crowded for me. Like a public swimming pool on the weekends. read more

I am obsessed with waterfalls and have been to quite a few, both on the east coast and the west coast. I was so excited to go to Kilgore falls. I went on a Tuesday morning in the summer and it was PACKED. If I had to guess I would say maybe 75+ people were there in or around the falls/river. People were eating chips in the water, there were kids everywhere, and it was really not any fun at all. I tried to walk around but it was too packed so I left. We paid $5 for parking too because the regular lot was full. I can't imagine a weekend. I gave it two stars because it is probably nice if it isn't swimming season and you just want to look at the falls. Don't go. It used to be cool and now it is basically a small, dirty, crowded water park. read more

I love this waterfall, however the parking situation is ridiculous. Because of the limited parking you would think that other people would be courteous/speedy when leaving the park...NOT! Some people do their hair and makeup on the parking lot before leaving. You already know there's a line of people waiting to get in. So if you decide to take a trip here...plan to come early, be patient when parking and courteous to others when leaving. Enjoy. Its a great experience once you get in. read more

This is a really cool spot to just go adventure and take your dog. A lot of the news articles make it out to be much more but it's simply just a small waterfall. Cannot really swim and is more of playing in a small creek read more

Beautiful place for a family day out. It is about half a mile walk from the parking to the fall. The water is clean and crispy cold even in summer. Only problem is that there is very limited parking, it probably fits only about 40 cars. I had to wait 45 minutes for a spot to be available. I suggest you go there early in the morning. If you go later, the wait time might be higher. I made it in the second time, when I reached there at 9am. The first time I went, I had reached around 2/30ish in the afternoon and they just turned me around because the parking was full. read more

Unfortunately we were not able to get in. There is a small parking lot and nowhere else to park and walk to the trail. There where two park rangers stopping cars, and then they suggested we go swim in a nearby river. read more

very nice area; can't wait to go back once the weather starts to change. I want to see these falls after a heavier rain, after the leaves start to change, and after it snows. Parking was bitch. I had to wait for someone to leave. I would have given it a 5 if it hadn't been for that. read more

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We didn't get to see the falls or even get out of the car, turned away by a park ranger because parking was full. I guess I missed the info that said limited parking. read more

The trail is only a half mile one way but you will see a beautiful waterfall at the end of trail. I have see people swimming and just having fun in the water. read more

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Loved the short walk, help the anticipation build. Don't forget your water shoes, camera, and a snack.

Beautiful! Fun. A great spot to hang out, have a picnic, or just hike along the trails. And the best part is it's free!!!

Great place to swim and relax. We came on our motorcycles, so we weren't dressed right but can't wait to go back.

After years of wanting to come visit Kilgore Falls, I finally did and was not disappointed. My friend and I choose a hot and picturesque day to come see the falls and that made all the difference. We arrived at the parking lot at about 10:45am and the lot was already full. In fact, when we were leaving, cars were lined up to park; as parking is limited and tight, so definitely come early. It is a small hike from the parking lot to the falls-about 1/3 of a mile. Follow this guide, like I did, and you will have no problem getting there- http://www.everytrail.com/guide/falling-branch-trail-to-kilgore-falls. The trail is manageable, even for kids. I definitely recommend water shoes because some spots can get a bit rocky. There were lots of kids and families. I expect that, so that doesn't bother me at all. In fact, everyone was really friendly and nice. The water is not very deep. I'd say about 3-4 feet deep. I absolutely loved the falls. Bring some snacks, drinks and water shoes and you'll be good to go! Can't say enough good things about the fall, just make sure you come when the weather is nice!! read more

Kilgore Falls - Kilgore Falls - Parks Near Me - Pylesville, Maryland

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I've visited Kilgore Falls several times now and I've enjoyed myself each time. Today 8/6/19, was the fist time I ended my visit early. Of course this is a dog friendly park but YOU ARE REQUIRED TO CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR ANIMAL!! There was this lady with her dog there today and while my fiancee and I were enjoying the nice water, we looked over and seen the lady's dog urinating in the water. I immediately got irritated. She's looked at us and laughed. Right after that, her dog began to make a BOWEL MOVEMENT!! DISGUSTED WAS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!! This lady had no care in the world. She didn't even attempt to clean up after her dog. Honestly, she didn't even look like she was prepared to clean up after her animal AT ALL!! As much as I love this place, today was my LAST TIME here. This was very inconveniencing. I spoke with a guy that worked for the park and told him what happened so hopefully something was said to her. This was my experience today. But overall this is an amazing place. read more

Beautiful, we had lot of fun, but......! Be cautious while you are swimming by the falling water. Went to hike at around 5 pm on Saturday the 19th August 2017. The hike was very nice and relaxing. My cousin and I were enjoying the hike and got sweaty - perfect for getting in the water. The water was so crisp and bit cold for summers of August. I know how to float and swim on the back side but I never go close to the falls if I find the water too deep. I admit I am not a swimmer, I am more of a swimming pool swimmer. The river water's not too deep for most of parts, however there was a deep hole right besides the fall when you walk about five steps towards the big rock. Long story short my cousin and I, after getting underneath the falling water, were walking towards this big rock and suddenly we felt no river ground beneath us and we started sinking in the water. Yes, we should have avoided doing this... lessons learned since I have a life now. We were almost drowning and tried coming up, there were two girls sitting just four feet away from where we were drowning. God bless them both they hands to hold onto and we survived. I am so grateful that I am alive! I admit we should have been more cautious! I am writing this review not to say anything bad about this place. We talked to few other people and there was this one lady who had kinda the same experience, but she could swim so was fine. I am a nature lover and I go for lot of hikes. But I strongly feel that there should be a sign or some notice besides the Kilgore falls for people to be cautious while they are there to enjoy the water fall. It was so much fun, I loved it and would like to go back. I just want people to be aware and encourage them to visit this beauty nature has to offer. read more

The hike itself is relatively easy. There's no map so remember the way you came. Parking on weekdays is easy but on the weekends I can imagine how the place would fill up. The waterfall at the end of the trail is wonderful and massive. You have to cross wet rocks to get a good look at and to be able to tell that there's 3 falls and not just one big one. I unfortunately ran into some kids who decided to smoke and drink on the waterfall which overall really ruined my experience there. The trail is so close to a school that it's not even surprising that I encountered that. Just some food for thought. read more

This place is really cool and beautiful. It's a great place to hike and stuff. the waterfall Is the best part though and its like a swimming pool. Make sure you arrive early though cause it can be really hard to park especially during the weekends so you should probably go during a week day if you dont wanna be shoulder to shoulder with the other people. I highly suggest going at least once in your life. read more

Overflow parking for Kilgore Falls may no longer be available. If you would like to continue visiting Kilgore Falls, please consider reading this, signing it and sharing it. Thank you! https://www.change.org/p/harford-county-council-chad-shrodes-212-s-bond-st-bel-air-md-21014-allow-overflow-parking-for-kilgore-falls-on-falling-branch-rd?recruiter=45685080&utm_source=share_for_starters&utm_medium=copyLink read more

Hard to get to with small kids. Water was cold. Pets were allowed in the water smokers really ruined the nature scenery feeling. No place lto lie down or eat. Nice hike to the top of the falls. No trash by falls. Parking limited read more

The one time we went there we were not allowed to park as the lot was full. A neighbor house offered parking for $10. The fall hike was pretty easy - once it splits the left-side goes to the bottom of the waterfall and the righr goes to the top overlook. We mostly stayed ontop of the rock overlooking the waterfall as the bottom was crowded with people. We did cross the river to go check out the bottom half and you have to be careful as some of the rocks are not steady. read more