Rocks State Park

The Maryland Park service has launched Miles for Maryland for 2026, and as someone that loves our state parks and hiking, I signed up.

I could really use the exercise anyway.

This does mean that I get to spend a lot more time out and about in nature and I’d be a fool to not have my camera with me.

warning sign at the start of the purple trail at Rocks State park advising of the dangers of rocks and cliffs.

A turkey vulture sitting at the edge of the rock outcropping at King and Queen seat at Rocks state park.

Another photo of the turkey vulture sitting on the edge of the King and Queen seat with another flying just overhead.

A turkey vulture in flight against a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

A long exposure photo of Kilgore Falls at Rocks State park, framed between two trees on the edge of the shot.

Choosing the purple trail was a challenge, as it’s a steep trail. Fitting as the alternative way of climbing up to the King and Queen seat from that direction is to literally climb the rocks. Next time I might opt for the red or white trails, especially considering the camera bag and tripod I’ll likely have with me again. I did love the vultures hanging out at the edge, but I really didn’t love most of my shots and think I’ll come back in the spring for a better view.

Kilgore Falls is a nice and short trail from the lot to the falls, not much in the way of steep elevation changes. You do have to cross Deer Creek at one point, which is mostly a shallow hop across some rocks. I spent my time out there experimenting with long exposures and my new ND filter. I did really like the resulting picture above best out of what I took.

I’m looking forward to hitting up more parks as I try to complete the hiking challenge, including my old haunts at North Point in Baltimore.