By Zach Carver

In Adventures for Your Weekend, we’ll be giving readers local adventure spots and weekend ideas that offer more than your average weekend hangout. This week’s spot is Kilgore Falls.

The basics

Kilgore Falls, located within Falling Branch Park in Pylesville, is one of Maryland’s largest free-falling waterfalls. Leaving early in the morning is crucial to enjoying a day at the Falls, because it ensures you both a good spot and a full day. The drive is a little over an hour depending on traffic, but the drive is well worth it. More on transportation later.

The hike

Hiking the 1.3 mile loop breaks a short sweat.  You’ll notice a small stream beside you, with vast forest on both sides. Arriving at the falls, you’ll begin to hear flowing water. the falls drop water from an above stream into a semi-deep pool, surrounded with big rocks to explore and jump off. The water is always cool.

Getting there

Not the easiest drive in the world, but it’s all worth it once you hit the cool water. Whichever route you choose, you’ve got to make it around Baltimore. Early morning weekend traffic is usually light. Some routes may have tolls, so if there’s no EZPass setup in your car, bring some one dollar bills. If a parent or friend is driving, hook them up with some toll money. Consult GMaps for the best timing/route.

What to bring

• Bathing suit and towels
• Sturdy shoes
• Sunscreen
• Lightweight cooler or bag with snacks and drinks