Clifty Falls State Park

State: Indiana. Type: state park in Jefferson County, near Madison, roughly 46 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky. Citizens of Madison donated 570 acres to the state on October 27, 1920; the park has since grown to 1,416 acres. One of the first four Indiana state parks to establish a naturalist program, in 1927. Known for four named waterfalls: Big Clifty Falls (60 ft), Little Clifty Falls (60 ft), Hoffman Falls (78 ft), and Tunnel Falls (83 ft). Attracts roughly 370,000 visitors a year.

Clifty Falls State Park sits above the Ohio River near Madison, Indiana, centered on a deep canyon cut by Clifty Creek that runs the length of the park from north to south. Citizens of Madison raised the funds and donated 570 acres to the State of Indiana on October 27, 1920, and the park has since grown to 1,416 acres, becoming known for four named waterfalls, Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls and Tunnel Falls, ranging from 60 to 83 feet in height. Elevations inside the park drop from about 800 feet at the canyon's northern rim down to roughly 500 feet at the Ohio River valley, and two smaller canyons, Deans Branch and Hoffman Branch, feed into the main gorge. The park was one of the first four in the Indiana state park system to establish a naturalist program, in 1927, reflecting a long history of interpretive nature programming alongside its rugged trail network. Ten trails of varying difficulty wind through the canyon, including the notoriously rugged Trail Two, now closed to visitors to prevent injury from falling rock. A nature center, camping, cabins and picnic areas round out the park's amenities for both day-trippers and overnight visitors.

The park is in Jefferson County, Indiana, near Madison, roughly 46 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky, along the Ohio River. As of research, the park's South Entrance was closed through May 1, 2026 for bridge work, so all visitors were directed to enter through the North Entrance off State Road 62; confirm current entrance status before visiting.

Southern Indiana has a humid continental to humid subtropical transition climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters; the park's deep canyon topography means parts of it, described locally as receiving sun only at midday, stay noticeably cooler and shadier than the surrounding uplands. Specific temperature averages were not independently confirmed from the sources used for this entry.

Spring brings the fullest waterfall flow after winter and spring rains, while fall offers cooler hiking temperatures and foliage color along the canyon trails. Summer is the most popular season for camping and swimming-adjacent activities but brings heat and humidity along with lower water flow over the falls; winter can bring ice on trails, requiring extra caution near the canyon rim.

Citizens of Madison, Indiana raised support over roughly a year and donated 570 acres of canyon land to the State of Indiana on October 27, 1920, establishing what became Clifty Falls State Park. In 1927 it was named one of the first four parks in the Indiana state park system to implement a formal naturalist program, an early marker of the state's investment in nature interpretation. The park has since expanded to its current 1,416 acres. Trail Two, historically the park's most rugged route, has been closed to protect visitors after rockfall hazards were identified, and Brough's Tunnel, a historic feature within the park, has similarly been closed due to rockslide risk as of research.

Hiking is the central activity, with ten trails ranging from easy to very difficult winding through Clifty Creek Canyon past the park's four named waterfalls. The park's nature center runs interpretive programs, and camping, picnicking and cabin stays are available for overnight visitors. Birdwatching is popular given the park's varied canyon and upland habitats.

The park's four named waterfalls, Big Clifty Falls (60 ft), Little Clifty Falls (60 ft), Hoffman Falls (78 ft) and Tunnel Falls (83 ft), are the main draws, along with the Clifty Creek Canyon itself and the smaller Deans Branch and Hoffman Branch canyons that feed into it. The park nature center offers exhibits and programs on the area's geology and wildlife.

The park is roughly 46 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky, making it accessible by car from the Louisville metro area or from Indianapolis via state highways. As of research, the South Entrance was closed through May 1, 2026 due to bridge work, with all visitors directed to the North Entrance off State Road 62; confirm current entrance access before visiting.

As of research, the park's overall hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The Nature Center's hours are 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily through October. Confirm current hours on in.gov before visiting, since seasonal schedules can change.

As of research (per Indiana DNR fees): in-state vehicles $7 per day, out-of-state vehicles $15 per day (both cover driver and passengers), and pedestrians/cyclists aged 5 and up $2 per day. A resident annual entrance pass is $50, a non-resident annual pass $120, and discounted passes ($25) are available for Golden Hoosier (65+ Indiana resident), disabled veteran, and Social Security disability categories. Confirm current fees on in.gov before visiting.

A half-day is enough to see one or two of the main waterfalls via an easier trail, while a full day allows time for multiple trails, the nature center, and a picnic; overnight camping or cabin stays extend a visit further.

The park itself offers camping and cabin accommodations on-site. Nearby Madison, Indiana, a historic Ohio River town, offers additional bed-and-breakfast and small hotel options for visitors preferring to stay in town rather than camp.

The park has picnic areas for visitors bringing their own food; a wider range of restaurants, including options reflecting Madison's historic river-town character, is available a short drive away in Madison itself.

Historic downtown Madison, Indiana, known for its well-preserved 19th-century riverfront architecture, sits a short drive from the park. The Ohio River itself offers additional recreational access nearby.

The nearest major airport is Louisville International Airport in Kentucky, roughly 46 miles (an hour or so drive) away; a personal vehicle or rental car is the practical way to reach and get around the park, since public transit does not serve the site directly.

Trail Two, historically the park's most rugged route, is closed to protect visitors from falling rocks, and Brough's Tunnel was closed as of research due to rockslide risk; heed all posted trail closures. Canyon trails can be steep, narrow and slippery, especially near waterfalls, so sturdy footwear and caution are essential, particularly after rain or in icy winter conditions. For any emergency, dial 911.

Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for steep, sometimes slick canyon trails, plenty of water, and a trail map (available from the park or in.gov) given the varying difficulty of the ten trails. A light jacket is useful since parts of the canyon stay shaded and cooler than surrounding areas.

Check current entrance status before visiting, since the South Entrance was closed through May 1, 2026 for bridge work, requiring use of the North Entrance off State Road 62. Confirm which trails are open, since Trail Two and Brough's Tunnel were both closed as of research due to rockfall risk. Spring generally offers the fullest waterfalls after seasonal rains, while summer favors camping but brings reduced water flow.

Dial 911 for any emergency. For park administration questions, contact the Indiana DNR through the park's official in.gov page.

Clifty Falls State Park (Indiana DNR) - https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/clifty-falls-state-park/

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.

This section is being updated and will be available shortly.