Smith Falls State Park sits along the Niobrara River in Cherry County, Nebraska, and is home to the state’s tallest waterfall — a 63-foot cascade that drops over a moss-covered rock face into a cool, shaded canyon. At 265.5 acres, the park is compact but delivers one of Nebraska’s most rewarding short hikes: a boardwalk trail leads from the river up to the falls in under half a mile, making it accessible for families with young kids.

The real draw here is the Niobrara River itself. Most visitors pair a trip to the falls with a day of tubing, kayaking, or canoeing through the river’s scenic corridor, where spring-fed waterfalls pour off the canyon walls and bald eagles circle overhead. Several outfitters near Valentine rent tubes and offer shuttle service, so you can float a 4- to 6-mile stretch and end right at the park.

Smith Falls offers campsites along the river, including both pad sites and more primitive options. Spots fill fast on summer weekends, so reserve early through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. A valid Nebraska park entry permit is required for all vehicles.

The best time to visit is June through August, when river levels are ideal for floating and the falls are at their most photogenic. Spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds; fall offers golden cottonwoods but cooler water temperatures.

Come for the waterfall, stay for the river. Smith Falls is one of the Sandhills’ genuine surprises.

Explore Nearby

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• Nebraska National Forest — National Forest in Nebraska
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