Updated July 2026
Kilgore Falls
Also known as Falling Branch, Kilgore Falls is a roughly 17-foot waterfall on Falling Branch and is Maryland's second-highest free-falling waterfall, in the Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park near Pylesville. A short trail of about a half mile leads from the parking lot to the base of the falls, with a stream crossing required to reach it.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Maryland DNR (Rocks State Park) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kilgore Falls drops about 17 feet. That makes it the 628th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 8% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Falling Branch Trail to Kilgore Falls reaches it about 0.8 miles (out-and-back), rated easy. The nearest town is Pylesville. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Maryland DNR (Rocks State Park) for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More Maryland waterfalls
- Cascade Falls
- Cunningham Falls · 78 ft
- Great Falls of the Potomac · 76 ft
- Muddy Creek Falls · 53 ft
- Raven Rock Falls · 25 ft
- Swallow Falls · 16 ft
- Tolliver Falls
Sources
Get trip conditions by email
Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.