Clifty Falls State Park, located just west of Madison, Indiana, covers over 1,400 acres and features rugged terrain, deep gorges, and notable waterfalls. Established in 1920, the park is known for its striking geology, fossil beds, and scenic views. Visitors can hike, observe wildlife, and explore a landscape shaped over millions of years by Clifty Creek.
The park’s four main waterfalls—Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls—offer unique views that vary with the seasons. In spring and after heavy rain, the falls are at their most powerful, cascading with force and creating dramatic water displays. Clifty Falls, the largest, drops 60 feet and is a popular sight, especially when the water flow is at its peak. Little Clifty Falls and Hoffman Falls are smaller but equally beautiful, offering quieter, more intimate experiences. Tunnel Falls, located near an old railroad tunnel, is a hidden gem that adds an element of exploration to the hike.
The park’s extensive trail system provides access to these waterfalls and a range of environments, from rocky creek beds to dense forest. Trails vary in difficulty. Trail 2, for example, is one of the most rugged and takes visitors deep into the canyon, where they walk along rocky creek beds and pass by towering sandstone and slate cliffs. These bluffs, rich in fossils from the Devonian period, create a dramatic backdrop to the landscape and offer glimpses of the park’s ancient geological history.
The park is home to an old railroad tunnel, a remnant of a 19th-century attempt to build a rail line through the cliffs. Though the project was never completed, the tunnel remains a unique feature of the park’s landscape. It is accessible to visitors from May through October, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s history and engineering ambitions. The tunnel is closed during the winter months, from November through April, to protect the bat populations that hibernate there. During the open season, visitors can walk through the tunnel, experiencing its historical significance and role in the park’s ecosystem.
Clifty Falls State Park is open year-round, providing visitors with a variety of amenities, including a nature center, campground, and picnic areas. The park’s location just outside downtown Madison makes it easy to combine outdoor activities with a visit to the town’s historic district, which sits along the Ohio River. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and waterfalls and then enjoy the charming shops, restaurants, and historic architecture of Madison, making for a well-rounded experience.
