| Rocks State Park | |
|---|---|
 | |
  Rocks State Park Location in Maryland Show map of Maryland Rocks State Park Rocks State Park (the United States) Show map of the United States | |
| Location | Harford County, Maryland, United States |
| Nearest town | Pylesville, Maryland |
| Coordinates | 39°38′16″N76°24′39″W / 39.63778°N 76.41083°W /39.63778; -76.41083[1] |
| Area | 1,060 acres (430 ha)[2] |
| Elevation | 308 ft (94 m)[1] |
| Established | 1949 |
| Administered by | Maryland Department of Natural Resources |
| Designation | Maryland state park |
| Website | Official website |
Rocks State Park is a public recreation area located in and aroundDeer Creek Valley nearPylesville,Harford County,Maryland. Thestate park's 1,060 acres (430 ha) preserve the geologic formation known as the King and Queen's Seat and other features in three non-contiguous areas near the junction ofMaryland Route 24 andMaryland Route 165. It is managed by theMaryland Department of Natural Resources.[3]
The belief that the King and Queen's Seat rock formation was used by Native Americans for ceremonial purposes stems from a book published in 1880 by Thomas Wysong entitledThe Rocks of Deer Creek: Their Legends and History.[4] Wysong's account was written for "the young people especially,... mingling fact and fancy."[5] An archaeological investigation by the Maryland State Highway Administration begun in 2005 failed to find evidence that the site had significance to modern Indians as a “traditional cultural property.” The “Rocks of Deer Creek” were already a tourist attraction in the 19th century, served by theMaryland and Pennsylvania Railroad at milepost 35.3 until 1958.[4] The state purchased 82 acres at the site in 1949, opening it under the nameDeer Creek State Park in 1953.[6][7]
The park offers scenic views on 3.5 miles (5.6 km) of hiking trails as well as tubing on Deer Creek and picnicking facilities with pavilions. Hunting and fishing are also available.[3]
Kilgore Falls and the King and Queen's Seat rock formation were featured in the movieTuck Everlasting.[9][10]
