Rocks State Park Hike (PQ)

Another Park Quest on Saturday -- this time way up North to Rocks State Park! This quest had three hike options, ranging from moderate to steep/strenuous -- both of which A. was able to hike up on his own -- the moderate hike was recommended for ages 5+, and the strenuous for ages 8+! (Rather than carry M. up and down the rocks in the pack, she and I sat this one out)The hike was short but steep -- and D. & A. had the opportunity to see and learn about some neat rock formations & their history.

@ King & Queen's seat

Gator Rock

The first one was the King and Queen seat -- oddly enough this outcrop has a history of graffiti! A history of graffiti carvings that date back to the 19th century. The outcrop got it's name because it is said that before the area was a state park, it was a small village. The large boulder served as a backrest for the king and queen. Unfortunately, graffiti is still a problem in the area, and it takes away from the natural beauty.

Finally, Gator rock -- a natural rock formation that is also found in other parks across the state & in Massachusetts and Newfoundland. It is believed that the large stone may have been part of a natural dam that was eroded by Deer Creek -- a process that likely took over 1000 years of constant erosion.

Below, our PQ Passport stamp

And for our memories, the original PQ posting:

Meet The Rocks Stars

Introduction To Quest 

Come meet some of our famous rock stars. Some of you have seen them on screen, television, in print or in photographs all over Facebook. People come from all over the world to get up close to them; from the famous like kings and queens, movie stars, television personalities and writers, to the infamous like John Wilkes Booth, to just plain folks. This Quest will allow teams to enjoy a hike witnessing some of Mother Nature’s best sculptures that run through Rocks State Park.

Quest Information

This quest is self-guided. Please be sure to print and bring a copy of the Rocks Quest Passport Worksheet. You will also need a pencil or crayon in order to complete your rubbings. There are three access points to start your quest.

1. “Park Quest” - Designed for children age 5 and older. Approximately .51 mile hike. From the Rock Ridge Picnic Area (located .7 miles on the left-hand side of St. Clair Bridge Road off of Route 24).
2. “Bonus Quest” – Designed for children 8 and holder. Approximately 1 mile hike. From the Park Office or Kelloggs pull-off (located on the right- hand side of Rocks Chrome Hill Road off Route 24)
3. “Extreme Quest” – Designed for adults and children age 10 or older. Approximately .59 mile hike. The Rapids Parking Area (Located on the left-hand side of Route 24 north of Rocks Chrome Hill Road)

Due to the rocky nature and inclines of Rocks State Park, this quest is not recommended for young children in strollers. The Quest is available 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset, except from the “Less strenuous” (Rock Ridge Picnic Area). Access from Rock Ridge Picnic Area is 9 a.m. to sunset. Please Note: The Park may fill to capacity on weekends and Holidays. There is no parking along the roads or on the grass.

Pets are allowed on trails, except at the King and Queen Seat due to the large boulders which make up this rock cropping. Please be respectful: There may be church ceremonies/weddings being held at the King and Queen Seat on the weekends. Also, climbers may tie off their ropes near the King and Queen Seat itself. Please use caution and do not touch the ropes.

Park Information

Rocks State Park, originally slated to be called, Deer Creek State Park, began in 1951. Rocks consist of 855 acres of forests and massive boulders rising 190 feet above Deer Creek, a designated Natural Trout Stream, which is popular for fishing and tubing. The King and Queen Seat was a ceremonial gathering place of the Susquehannock Indians. It also affords a view of the rolling hills and farmland of Harford County. Also preserved on park property are remains of the Maryland and Pennsylvania (Ma and Pa) Railroad, farms and quarries of Northern Harford County.