Kilgore Falls, Waterfall in Rocks State Park, Maryland
Kilgore Falls is a waterfall in Rocks State Park that drops vertically into a pool surrounded by dense forest and rocky terrain. The cascade creates white water as it descends, forming a natural swimming area in the warmer months.
The waterfall and surrounding lands were established as a protected natural area within the Maryland park system to maintain ecological diversity. This designation has helped preserve the site from development and excessive use over time.
The waterfall appeared in the 2002 film adaptation of Natalie Babbitt's novel Tuck Everlasting, which brought it recognition beyond the region. This connection to popular culture draws visitors who recognize it from the movie.
Visitors should arrive early on summer weekends, as advance reservations are needed during peak months. The walk to the falls takes about 20 to 30 minutes along marked trails through the forest.
This is Maryland's second-highest vertical waterfall drop, a distinction that sets it apart among the state's natural falls. The exposed rock formations surrounding the cascade create a stark landscape that visitors often find more striking than its height alone might suggest.
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