Originally published by Only in your State.
Spring is finally here, and now is the time to chase some waterfalls! From the tallest waterfall in Maryland to a hidden gem tucked within a local city park, these 12 local falls are a beautiful sight to see! If you are looking to view some stunning cascades, read on to find out more about the best waterfalls in Maryland.
Tallest Waterfalls In Maryland
The tallest waterfalls in Maryland offer stunning views and picture-perfect photo opportunities. Whether you observe them from the start of the cascade or watch from the pools below, you are guaranteed amazing views.
1. Cunningham Falls, Thurmont
- Location: Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. There is an entrance fee to enter the park. Please note that parts of the park will be temporarily closed during the spring and summer of 2024.
If you want to visit the biggest waterfall in Maryland, head to Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont. At 78 feet tall, Cunningham Falls is truly breathtaking! This Frederick County natural wonder is located within the William Houck area of the park and is hidden within the Catoctin Mountains. To access the cascading waterfall, hikers can take the scenic Cunningham Falls Nature Trail (about five miles) or the shorter one-mile Lower Falls Trail which leads to the base of the fall. While you are visiting the state park, stop for a swim at Hunting Creek Lake.
2. Great Falls of the Potomac, Williamsport
- Location: Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Williamsport, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. There is an entrance fee and reservation required to enter the park. The trail to the falls is easily accessible.
Great Falls of the Potomac offers a particularly unique experience because the falls can be viewed from both Maryland and Virginia. The multi-series cascade through the Potomac River with a total 76-foot drop, is located within the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park. A short, accessible trail leads from the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center to the scenic overlook. Great Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state.
3. Muddy Creek Falls, Oakland
- Location: Swallow Falls State Park, Oakland, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. There is a fee to enter the park.
If you are looking to witness a magnificent waterfall in Western Maryland, you must visit Muddy Creek Falls in the Swallow Falls State Park. At 53 feet tall, Muddy Creek Falls is the highest free-falling waterfall in the state. The breathtaking fall was formed when a creek flowing into the Youghiogheny River was formed into a gorge. It is quite a sight to see any time of year. A short but scenic walk among the beautiful hemlock trees will lead you to the falls.
Best Waterfall Hikes In Maryland
I can’t think of a more beautiful way to spend the day than a hike to see a gorgeous cascade. These waterfall hikes in Maryland are perfect for a quick day trip or an epic waterfall road trip adventure.
4. Tolliver Falls, Oakland
- Location: Swallow Falls State Park, Oakland, Maryland.
- Popularity: Hidden Gem.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. There is a fee to enter the park.
Tolliver Falls is another pretty fall that is located within the Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County. Although not as grand as the nearby Muddy Creek Falls, this lesser-known wonder is definitely worth seeing. A short but very scenic trail takes you to the fall where you will be met with picturesque views and a peaceful spot to stop and relax.
5. Kilgore Falls, Pylesville
- Location: Rocks State Park, Pylesville, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular. Busy on weekends.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. Weekend and holiday reservations are required to enter the park during the summer season.
For a unique waterfall adventure, you will want to visit Kilgore Falls at Rock Creek Park/Falling Branch Falls in Harford County. You can actually stand under the 17-foot fall and take a dip in the natural swimming hole into which it feeds. Kilgore is the second-highest free-falling waterfall in the state. A 1.2-mile hike along the Falling Branch Trail will take you to the fall. Please note, there is no lifeguard on duty and swimming is at your own risk.
6. Gilpin’s Falls, North East
- Location: North East, Maryland.
- Popularity: Hidden gem.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. The hike can be challenging and the trail is not well-marked.
Gilpin Falls is another lesser-known Maryland waterfall. It is located in Northeast Maryland near Cecil College. It can be accessed by taking a short trail. The beautiful area is also home to Gilpin’s Falls Covered Bridge, a historic covered bridge that dates back to 1860. You can also start your hike here if you wish. Please use caution and refer to the map on AllTrails+ as many sections of the trail are not well-marked. Due to overgrowth, boulders, and potentially slippery conditions, the trail is also not highly recommended for children.
7. Rock Run Waterfall, Havre De Grace
- Location: Susquehanna State Park, Havre de Grace, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. Reservations are required and there is a fee to park.
You can view a pretty waterfall when you visit Susquehanna State Park in Harford County. The Rock Run and Land of Promise Trail Loop is a short but scenic hike that offers great views of the falls. While you are visiting the park, be sure to check out the historic Rock Run Grist Mill.
Accessible Waterfalls In Maryland (Little Or No Hiking Required)
Looking for waterfalls that don’t entail a lot of hiking? Well, you are in luck! Magnificent views are just a short walk away at these two Maryland falls.
8. Daniels Dam, Ellicott City
- Location: Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. There is an entrance fee and reservation required to enter the park.
Daniels Dam is one of the most accessible falls in the state of Maryland. A short walk from the parking lot will take you straight to the beautiful manmade fall. Located in the Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City, this fall is a must-see when in the area.
9. Cascade Falls, Halethorpe
- Location: Patapsco Valley State Park, Halethorpe, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. There is a fee and reservation required to enter the park.
Cascade Falls is another Patapsco Valley State Park waterfall hike that is great for families. Although the trail is not stroller-friendly, it is an easy ¼ walk to the falls. Located in the Avalon section of the park, this Central Maryland Fall is definitely worth a visit.
Best Waterfalls Near Baltimore
Are there waterfalls near me? If you live in the Baltimore area, the answer is yes. There are several beautiful falls located in or near the city.
10. Round Falls, Baltimore
- Location: Baltimore, Maryland.
- Popularity: Hidden gem.
- Need To Know: Open year-round.
Round Falls (also known as Horseshoe Falls) is one of the most hidden waterfalls in Maryland. This man-made fall can be found near Druid Hill Park. A short path takes you to a viewing platform where you can take in pretty views of the cascade.
11. Gunpowder Falls, Middle River
- Location: Gunpowder Falls State Park, Middle River, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round. There is an entrance fee and reservation required to enter the park.
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Maryland’s biggest state park, is located in both Baltimore County and Harford County. A visit here makes a wonderful day trip for waterfall chasers and lovers of nature. The park is full of hiking trails, swimming holes, a beach, and several waterfalls. The scenic Waterfall Trail along the Little Gunpowder trail system can be found in the central area of the park.
12. Lake Roland, Baltimore
- Location: Lake Roland, Baltimore, Maryland.
- Popularity: Popular.
- Need To Know: Open year-round.
You can find another beautiful hidden cascade at Lake Roland in Baltimore. Created from a dam and a stream, this fall is a pretty spot to visit. While you are at the park, be sure to check out the numerous hiking trails, nature center, and boating opportunities. There is also a playground for the kiddos.
Have you visited any of these Maryland Waterfalls? Which one was your favorite? For some great hiking gear and accessories, don’t forget to check out the Only In Your State Ultimate Hiking Packing List.
