Rocks State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rocks State Park |
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 Rocks State Park
Location in Maryland
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| Location | Harford County, Maryland, United States |
| Nearest town | Pylesville, Maryland |
| Area | 1,060 acres (4.3 km2) |
| Elevation | 285 ft (87 m) |
| Designation | Maryland state park |
| Established | 1949 |
| Administrator | Maryland Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Rocks State Park |
Rocks State Park is a fun place to visit in Harford County, Maryland. It's a public park located near Pylesville, Maryland. The park covers about 1,060 acres, which is like 800 football fields!
This state park protects cool rock formations, especially one called the King and Queen's Seat. The park is split into three different areas. It's managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Contents
Park History and Legends
People have been visiting the "Rocks of Deer Creek" for a long time. Back in the 1800s, it was already a popular spot for tourists. A train line, the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad, even had a stop nearby until 1958.
In 1880, a book by Thomas Wysong, The Rocks of Deer Creek: Their Legends and History, was published. It talked about the King and Queen's Seat. The book suggested that Native Americans might have used this rock for special ceremonies.
The state of Maryland bought 82 acres of land here in 1949. The park officially opened in 1953. It was first called Deer Creek State Park.
Exploring Park Areas
Rocks State Park has three main sections. They are not connected to each other, but they are all in the Deer Creek Valley.
Main Park Section
This is the biggest part of the park. It's where the park headquarters are located. You'll find the famous King and Queen's Seat here. This is a huge rock that stands about 190 feet tall. It looks out over the Deer Creek.
Falling Branch Area
The Falling Branch area is about 67 acres. It's located about 5 miles north of the main park section. This area is home to Kilgore Falls, which is the second-highest waterfall in Maryland!
Hidden Valley Section
The Hidden Valley section is about 5 miles west of the Falling Branch area. This part of the park is not very developed. It's mostly used for fishing along the banks of Deer Creek.
Fun Activities at the Park
Rocks State Park offers many ways to enjoy nature.
- Hiking: There are about 3.5 miles of hiking trails. You can enjoy amazing views from these trails.
- Tubing: You can go tubing on Deer Creek, which is a fun way to float down the water.
- Picnicking: The park has places for picnics, including pavilions where you can gather with friends and family.
- Hunting and Fishing: If you enjoy these activities, they are also allowed in certain areas of the park.
