Tips:  Many areas of the main section of the park fill to capacity during summer weekends and holidays; arrive early or visit on weekdays. ◾ Parts of the park are open for public hunting; be aware of hunting seasons and plan your visit accordingly. ◾ Some of the parking areas may be closed in winter. Call the park to check.

Best Seasons: Spring and fall during songbird migration are best.

Over 125 species of birds have been reported on eBird at Rocks State Park. There are five eBird hotspots covering the park:

• Rocks State Park overall (127+ species; https://ebird.org/hotspot/L752517)
• Rocks State Park–Falling Branch/Kilgore Falls (70+ species; https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1160120)
• Rocks State Park–Hidden Valley (112+ species; https://ebird.org/hotspot/L724877)
• Rocks State Park–King and Queen Seat Trail (37+ species; https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2458484)
• Rocks State Park–Ridge Picnic Area (69+ species; https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4789104)

Rocks State Park is generally under-birded and additional visits and eBird reports would give a fuller picture of the bird life. In general, the birds at Rocks State Park are the normal inhabitants of the wooded stream valleys in the Piedmont. Year-round residents include Black and Turkey Vultures; Red-tailed Hawks; Mourning Dove; Belted Kingfisher; Red-bellied, Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpeckers; Northern Flicker; Blue Jay; American Crow; Carolina Chickadee; Tufted Titmouse; White-breasted Nuthatch; Carolina Wren; Eastern Bluebird; American Robin; and Northern Cardinal.

Notable birds in the warm months include Osprey; Chimney Swift; Ruby-throated Hummingbird; House Wren; Blue-gray Gnatcatcher; Wood Thrush; Gray Catbird; Brown Thrasher; Cedar Waxwing; Scarlet Tanager; Indigo Bunting; Blue Grosbeak; Baltimore Oriole; and a variety of flycatchers, vireos, swallows, and breeding warblers such as Ovenbird and Common Yellowthroat. Chipping and Song Sparrows are present from April through October.

Wintering species include Yellow-bellied Sapsucker; both kinglets; White-throated Sparrow; and Dark-eyed Junco. Birds commonly found in migration include  a variety of vireos, thrushes, and warblers. Try hawk (or nighthawk) watching in early fall from King and Queen Seat.

Hours:

• General park hours: March through October, 9 am-sunset; November through February, 10 am-sunset.
• Wilsons, Hill Grove, & Rock Ridge Picnic Areas: March-October: 9 am to sunset; November-February: 10 am to sunset.
• Kilgore Falls: March-October: 8 am to sunset; November-February: 10 am to sunset.
• Certain activities are permitted outside of the regular park hours (e.g. fishing, boat launch, hunting where permitted). Please check with the park before your visit if you plan to be in the park before or after the posted hours.

Cost:

• Free for most areas, including Falling Branch, Rapids, and Ma and Pa parking areas.
• Entry fees for Wilson’s, Hills Grove, & Rock Ridge Picnic Areas: Weekends & Holidays: $3/person in-state; $5/person out-of-state; Weekdays: $2/vehicle in-state; $4/vehicle out-of-state.
• As of summer 2020, reservations and a free parking permit are required to visit Kilgore Falls and the Falling Branch area on weekends and holidays from May 1st until Labor Day. For reservations, go to the YourPassNow website. Passes become available on the Monday prior to the desired visit.

Rocks State Park features 855 acres of rocky forest land nestled in rural northern Harford County. Primary attractions at Rocks include the King and Queen Seat and Kilgore Falls. The main section of the park includes three picnic areas, 3.5-miles of hiking trails and access to Deer Creek, which is ideal for fishing, wading and tubing. The park’s two satellite properties, Falling Branch (home to Kilgore Falls) and Hidden Valley, are a short drive from the main park.

Rocks State Park is located in the Deer Creek watershed near Pylesville in Harford County. It is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The park consists of four non-contiguous areas totaling 1,060 acres. The main area, 855 acres in size, consists primarily of dense forest characteristic of the Piedmont. Its most notable feature is a 190-foot rock outcrop, known as the King and Queen Seat, which overlooks Deer Creek to the east. In fact, the park was created to protect this spectacular natural resource. A visit to Rocks State Park presents the opportunity for a quiet ramble through the forested slopes.

The Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park is located about five miles north of the main park on a separate 67-acre parcel of land. It is home to the 17-foot high Kilgore Falls, which is Maryland’s second highest vertical drop waterfall.

Just southwest of the Falling Branch area is the Cameron Hunting Area of Rocks State Park, a 77-acre forested tract along Falling Branch which is a tributary of Deer Creek. The Cameron area has a small parking area on the north side of Falling Branch Road, with a short foot-trail heading north. There are no marked trails here, and the area is seldom birded.

The Hidden Valley tract of Rocks State Park is located five miles northwest of the main part of Rocks State Park at the intersection of Madonna, Telegraph, and Carea Roads. This undeveloped area offers a beautiful hiking trail and fishing spot along Deer Creek. Parking is available for 8 to 10 cars. Parking along roadways is not permitted. There are no picnic tables, grills or restroom facilities.

The main part of the park has over 3.5 miles of trails that connect various points of interest and three picnic areas. Most trails are steep and rocky, so plan ahead and wear appropriate footwear. Parking is only permitted in parking lots and authorized pull-offs.

The King and Queen Seat provides an excellent vantage point for hawk watching. The face of the outcrop is popular with skilled rock climbers, but is considered too difficult for novices. The King and Queen Seat can be reached from the Rock Ridge Picnic Area, the park’s main office via the White Trail, or from the Rapids parking area on MD Route 24 (see Directions below) via the Purple Trail. See trail map at link at left.

Rocks State Park features three developed picnic areas in the main tract: Hills Grove, Wilson’s and Rock Ridge. These areas include tables, grills, restroom facilities, and playground equipment. The Hills Grove and Wilson’s Areas are wheelchair accessible. Pets on a leash are permitted in any of the picnic areas, as in the rest of the park. There is also a children’s nature exploration area featuring miniature rock-climbing opportunities.

Fishing, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and wading are all available in Deer Creek, but the Deer Creek Rapids should only be attempted by expert paddlers.

The park offers interpretive programs throughout the summer, and upon request (pending staff availability). Interpretive activities include nature and history hikes, talks, crafts and demonstrations for children, adults and school groups. Fees may apply. For the current schedule, check http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Documents/Events_Rocks.pdf

Special Features:

The King and Queen Seat overlook provides a spectacular view and is the iconic feature of the park. ◾ The Falling Branch/Kilgore Falls area became part of the park after being purchased by the Harford Land Trust. ◾ Rocks State Park offers interpretive programs in the summer. ◾ There is a children’s nature exploration area  in the Rock Ridge Picnic Area, featuring miniature rock-climbing opportunities for children. ◾ The local chapter of the Maryland Ornithological Society is the Harford Bird Club, which offers field trips and meetings with informative programs, all free and open to the public.