Clifty Falls State Park sits along the Ohio River bluffs near historic Madison, Indiana, where 1,416 acres of rugged canyon terrain reward visitors with some of the most dramatic waterfall scenery in the Midwest. Established in 1920, the park centers on Clifty Creek and its tributaries, which have carved deep gorges through layers of fossil-rich limestone, creating a series of stunning waterfalls — including the 60-foot Clifty Falls and the towering 83-foot Tunnel Falls.

The trail system here is genuinely challenging. Unlike the flat, paved paths at many Indiana state parks, Clifty’s ten trails wind along narrow canyon rims, descend steep wooden staircases, and cross rocky creek beds. The Canyon Trail and Trail 2 deliver the best waterfall views, though expect uneven footing and real elevation changes. Birders and wildflower enthusiasts will find the spring canopy spectacular, with trillium, Virginia bluebells, and migrating warblers filling the hollows.

Spring is the prime season — snowmelt and rain push the falls to their fullest, and the forest floor erupts with color. Summer brings lush green canopy but reduced water flow. Fall foliage along the canyon walls is exceptional.

Beyond hiking, the park offers a swimming pool (seasonal), nature center with fossil displays, and an Civilian Conservation Corps-era shelter house worth visiting. The nearby town of Madison, with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, adds a worthwhile stop for dining and browsing.

Rated 4.7 out of 5 by over 5,000 visitors, Clifty Falls consistently ranks among Indiana’s most beloved state parks.

Explore Nearby

• the Historic Pathways Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in Indiana
• Big Bone Lick Scenic Highway — Scenic Byway in Kentucky
• Switzer Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky
• Hoosier National Forest — National Forest in Indiana
• Mount Zion Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Kentucky