Kilgore Falls: Maryland’s Hidden Gem and Second-Highest Waterfall

Tucked away in the rolling hills of northern Harford County, Maryland, Kilgore Falls draws visitors with its raw, unspoiled beauty. Sometimes called Falling Branch Falls, this 17-foot vertical cascade is more than just a waterfall. It serves as a meeting point of history, geology, nature, and even Hollywood magic. Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a weekend family adventurer, or a movie buff chasing filming locations, Kilgore Falls delivers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Kilgore Falls?
2. The History Behind the Name
3. Geology: Nature’s Handiwork
4. Famous on the Big Screen: Tuck Everlasting
5. The Trail: Getting to the Falls
6. Swimming at Kilgore Falls
7. Practical Visitor Information
8. Best Times to Visit
9. Nearby Attractions
10. Leave No Trace: Protecting Kilgore Falls
11. Frequently Asked Questions
12. Final Thoughts

What Is Kilgore Falls?

Kilgore Falls ranks as Maryland’s second-highest free-falling vertical waterfall. It sits within the Falling Branch Area of Rocks State Park, near Pylesville in Harford County. The Falling Branch stream — a tributary of Deer Creek — plunges dramatically off a ledge of ancient rock formations and lands in a clear, shallow swimming hole below.

At just 17 feet tall, the waterfall does not rival the towering cascades of the American West. However, its dramatic near-vertical drop and the striking 90-degree turn the creek makes at the base set it apart from most waterfalls in the region. Furthermore, the entire scene — framed by hardwood forests, moss-draped boulders, and hemlock trees — creates an atmosphere that feels almost surreal.

The Falling Branch Area covers 67 acres of land. It sits about five miles north of the main section of Rocks State Park. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages this parcel and treats it as an environmentally sensitive, non-developed area. As a result, it retains a sense of wildness and purity that few day-trip destinations can match.

The History Behind the Name

The name “Kilgore” traces back to Joseph D. Kilgore, one of the early owners of the property. He lived just across the Pennsylvania state line in Delta, PA. For much of its history, private ownership kept the land — and its spectacular waterfall — hidden from the general public. Only the landowners and a small circle of locals knew about this natural wonder.

That changed in March 1993. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources purchased the property and added it to Rocks State Park. Consequently, the wider public gained access to Kilgore Falls for the first time. Since then, the site has grown steadily in popularity, attracting visitors from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and well beyond.

Long before European settlers arrived, however, the Susquehannock people already knew this land well. They used the Deer Creek corridor as a meeting place and hunting ground. The dramatic rock formations of northern Harford County served as natural landmarks in an era long before hiking trails and parking lots existed.

Geology: Nature’s Handiwork

The beauty of Kilgore Falls did not happen by chance. Instead, millions of years of geological activity shaped every stone and channel you see today. During the Precambrian era, massive tectonic shifts caused tremendous upheaval across what is now the eastern seaboard of North America. Those events left behind enormous rock formations. Over thousands of years, the Falling Branch stream carved through these formations and created the cliff ledge that now sends water plunging into the pool below.

Moreover, the rocks surrounding the falls connect to the same geological story as the famous King and Queen’s Seat formation in the main section of Rocks State Park. Towering outcroppings of metamorphic rock rise high above Deer Creek Valley there. Together, these formations represent one of Maryland’s most remarkable geological legacies — a powerful reminder of the ancient forces that built the landscape we enjoy today.

Famous on the Big Screen: Tuck Everlasting

Beyond its natural beauty, Kilgore Falls holds a unique place in pop culture history. In 2002, the Disney fantasy film Tuck Everlasting used Kilgore Falls as a key filming location. The movie, based on Natalie Babbitt’s beloved 1975 children’s novel, starred Alexis Bledel, Jonathan Jackson, Sissy Spacek, William Hurt, Ben Kingsley, and Amy Irving.

Specifically, the falls appear as the backdrop for a romantic swimming scene between Winnie Foster (Bledel) and Jesse Tuck (Jackson). The clear pool, the ancient forest, and the magical light filtering through the trees made Kilgore Falls a perfect visual stand-in for a world suspended outside of time. That choice made complete sense for a story about a family that stopped aging after drinking from a magical spring.

Additionally, the King and Queen’s Seat rock formation nearby also featured in the film. For fans of Tuck Everlasting, visiting Kilgore Falls today offers the rare chance to stand in the very spot where that iconic scene unfolded. Remarkably, the area looks almost identical to how it appeared on screen — which only deepens the sense of stepping into something timeless and magical.

The Trail: Getting to the Falls

One of Kilgore Falls’ greatest strengths is its accessibility. The hike is short, easy, and family-friendly, making it suitable for nearly all ages and fitness levels.

Trailhead and Directions

The parking area sits at 1026 Falling Branch Road, Pylesville, MD 21132. To reach it, take Route 24 north through Rocks State Park, turn left onto St. Mary’s Road, then turn right onto Falling Branch Road. The lot appears on the right side. Note that some older websites list McFadden Road as the address — that information is outdated and incorrect.

The Hike

From the parking lot, find the trailhead sign in the back right corner. The trail — also called the Falling Branch Trail — runs half a mile out and back through a beautiful hardwood forest. It follows the Falling Branch stream on the right side. Watch for tree roots and rocky patches along the way, so wear sturdy shoes.

Soon, the trail reaches a small wooden stepping-stone bridge. Shortly after, a fork appears. Bearing left brings you down to the base of the waterfall, where you can wade in the swimming hole and feel the mist on your face. Taking the right fork leads you uphill to a scenic overlook at the top — a short climb that rewards you with a completely different perspective. Visit both spots for the full experience.

In total, the round trip takes between 20 and 40 minutes of active walking. That said, most visitors stay much longer once they reach the falls.

Swimming at Kilgore Falls

The swimming hole at the base of Kilgore Falls ranks among the most beloved features of the entire park. The Falling Branch stream collects in a clear, cool pool roughly three to four feet deep. It is shallow enough for families with young children, yet refreshing enough to draw crowds on hot summer days. You can wade right up to the waterfall’s base, and standing beneath the cascade on a warm afternoon feels genuinely exhilarating.

Before you jump in, however, keep these key tips in mind:

• Wear water shoes. The stream bed is rocky and slippery in many spots.
• Swim at your own risk. The park posts no lifeguards at this location.
• Avoid jumping from rocks. Serious injuries have occurred from leaping off the surrounding ledges into the pool. The park actively discourages this behavior.
• Arrive early on summer weekends. The swimming hole fills quickly, especially from June through August. Early morning visits give you the best chance of finding a calm, uncrowded spot.

Practical Visitor Information

Reservations and Parking

The parking lot holds only 28 vehicles. This small capacity is intentional — it limits foot traffic and protects the sensitive ecosystem. When the lot fills, the area closes to new arrivals. No overflow parking exists, and the park strictly prohibits parking at nearby churches or along the road.

From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, you must book a parking pass in advance for weekend and holiday visits. Reserve your pass through the Maryland DNR at yourpassnow.com. Passes open for booking on the Monday before the desired visit date. Weekday visits need no reservation, but the lot still fills fast — so arrive early.

Hours

• March through October: 9 AM to sunset
• November through February: 10 AM to sunset

Facilities

Because the Falling Branch Area remains non-developed, amenities are limited. There are no restrooms near the falls, no picnic tables, no grills, and no drinking water. A portable restroom sits in the parking lot for basic needs. Also, the park enforces a Trash Free policy, so carry out everything you bring in.

The trail does not accommodate wheelchairs, baby strollers, or large coolers. Large group picnics and campfires are also off-limits in this section of the park.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome at Kilgore Falls. However, all pets must stay on a leash at all times.

Best Times to Visit

Kilgore Falls rewards visitors in every season. Each time of year brings a different mood and a different kind of beauty:

• Spring delivers the most powerful waterfall experience. Snowmelt and heavy rains swell the Falling Branch stream, sending a thick curtain of water over the falls. Meanwhile, wildflowers bloom along the trail and birdsong fills the forest.
• Summer draws the largest crowds, mainly because of the swimming hole. The cool water offers welcome relief from Maryland’s heat and humidity. For a quieter visit, choose a weekday morning over a weekend afternoon.
• Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of orange, red, and gold. The softer light creates ideal conditions for photography. Additionally, crowds thin considerably after Labor Day, so fall visits feel more peaceful.
• Winter offers a completely different kind of magic. On cold days, ice formations cling to the rocks near the falls, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene. The bare trees also open up new sightlines through the woods that summer foliage hides.

Nearby Attractions

Kilgore Falls is undoubtedly the star of the show. Nevertheless, the surrounding area offers plenty of other reasons to extend your day trip.

The main section of Rocks State Park — five miles south on Route 24 — features the famous King and Queen’s Seat overlook. This towering rock formation offers sweeping views of Deer Creek Valley and remains one of the most dramatic natural vistas in all of Maryland. The park also provides additional hiking trails, fishing spots along Deer Creek, and seasonal tubing opportunities.

Further afield, Susquehanna State Park sits about 35 minutes away. It offers over 2,800 acres of trails, the historic Rock Run Grist Mill, and scenic riverside scenery along the Susquehanna River. For those who enjoy craft beverages, the local area also hosts Fiore Winery and Falling Branch Brewery, both worth a visit after a day outdoors.

Leave No Trace: Protecting Kilgore Falls

Kilgore Falls is a fragile, environmentally sensitive area. Large numbers of visitors can trample vegetation and accelerate soil erosion — two problems that park managers actively monitor. Therefore, every visitor carries a responsibility to protect this landscape.

Follow these simple principles during your visit:

• Stay on designated trails at all times.
• Pack out all trash, including food scraps.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife or picking plants.
• Do not climb on unstable rock faces near the falls.
• Keep noise levels reasonable so others can enjoy the natural sounds of the waterfall.

These falls have survived millions of years of geological change. With careful stewardship from every visitor, Kilgore Falls will remain a jewel of the Maryland landscape for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kilgore Falls free to visit? 

Weekday visits to Kilgore Falls carry no entrance fee. However, during the summer season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day), weekend and holiday visitors must purchase a parking pass through the Maryland DNR reservation system at yourpassnow.com. A small fee applies for these passes.

Can you swim at Kilgore Falls? 

Yes, swimming is allowed at Kilgore Falls. The pool at the base of the waterfall reaches about three to four feet deep. However, there are no lifeguards on duty. Visitors swim entirely at their own risk. The park also strongly discourages jumping from rocks, as injuries have occurred. Water shoes are highly recommended for navigating the rocky stream bed.

How long is the hike to Kilgore Falls? 

The Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls is approximately half a mile each way, making the full round trip about one mile. Most hikers complete the walk in 20 to 40 minutes. However, many visitors spend additional time at the falls swimming, photographing, or simply relaxing by the water.

Was Kilgore Falls in a movie? 

Yes. Kilgore Falls served as a filming location for Disney’s 2002 fantasy film Tuck Everlasting, starring Alexis Bledel and Jonathan Jackson. The waterfall appears in a romantic swimming scene between the two lead characters. The King and Queen’s Seat formation in nearby Rocks State Park also featured in the same film.

What should I bring to Kilgore Falls? 

Pack water shoes for the rocky stream bed, plenty of drinking water (no water is available on-site), snacks, sunscreen, and a swimsuit if you plan to cool off in the pool. Bring a trash bag to carry out any waste, as the park enforces a strict Leave No Trace policy. Sturdy hiking shoes work well for the trail itself. In summer, arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Final Thoughts

Kilgore Falls may not be the tallest waterfall in America or the most thunderous. But it possesses something rarer — a genuine sense of magic. Its story stretches from ancient Precambrian geology to centuries of Native American history, from quiet private ownership to a starring role in a Disney film about immortality. Each layer adds depth to the experience of standing beside those falling waters.

Whether you visit to swim, hike, photograph, or simply breathe in the forest air, Kilgore Falls will not disappoint. It stands as one of Maryland’s finest natural gifts — and one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most deserving hidden gems.