Clifty Falls State Park trails

Clifty Falls State Park is an Indiana DNR park at 1501 Green Rd in Madison, Indiana, on bluffs above the Ohio River about 55 miles (89 km) northeast of Louisville, Kentucky. The drive takes about 1 hour 5 minutes via I-71 and Indiana highways, and access is by car only. The entrance fee was listed at about $7 USD per vehicle for Indiana residents and $9 USD for out-of-state vehicles, so visitors should confirm current rates at in.gov/dnr or by calling the park at 812-265-1331.

The park has several miles of trails leading to waterfalls and canyon overlooks, and a visit usually takes one to three hours. The terrain is a steep canyon landscape, with stairs, rocky sections and descents into the gorge followed by climbs back out, so the elevation change is meaningful even over short distances and the hike is rated moderate. Surfaces are dirt, rock and constructed steps, and the creek-bed sections can be wet or slippery, particularly in spring. Tree cover is heavy in the canyon, while the overlooks along the rim are open.

The main landmarks are the waterfalls, including Clifty Falls and Little Clifty Falls, and the canyon overlooks above the Ohio River. Waterfalls are strongest in March to May after rain and snowmelt and can shrink to a trickle in late summer, so timing matters for the visit. Hikers can shorten the outing by turning back at an overlook or waterfall, and the park's trailheads and facilities provide convenient bail-out points. Water and restrooms are available near the main areas but not along the canyon trails, so hikers carry water. Boots with good grip and a rain jacket are advisable, and visitors should stay on marked trails and away from cliff edges and stream banks. October offers autumn color with lower water flow.