Clifty Falls State Park

My hike was amazing, despite picking a day with slippery, frozen ice trails that kept my hike to just 2 miles. Gorgeous views along the canyon, exhilarating sharp climbs up and down. I hope to return one day and hike the other 13 miles of trails and reach the Ohio River. I can only imagine the beauty in summer and autumn.

Our visit was mid-week while the autumn display of leaves was nearing peak color, yet the park was scantily populated. The trails can be rugged as the central terrain feature is the ancient creek gorge, but you can probably find one that suits you. A dry period preceded our visit so the many waterfalls were empty, but be prepared for wet-going on some of the trails if you visit during rainy periods. Our limited hiking occurred on a well-marked trail. There appeared to be ample picnicking tables to manage more crowded weekends. We found the grounds to be in far better condition than many state parks in Indiana and other regions.

Clifty Falls State Park is a hidden gem in southern Indiana! I recently visited and was blown away by the natural beauty of this park. The park features stunning waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Clifty Creek river runs through the park, creating a series of picturesque waterfalls and rapids. I hiked the Clifty Falls Trail, which took me through a lush forest and along the creek. The trail was well-marked and maintained, and offered stunning views of the falls and surrounding cliffs. The park also offers picnic areas, a nature center, and a campground for those who want to spend more time exploring. Pros: •⁠ ⁠Stunning waterfalls and scenic hiking trails •⁠ ⁠Breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape •⁠ ⁠Well-marked and maintained trails •⁠ ⁠Picnic areas and nature center •⁠ ⁠Campground for extended stays Cons: None! Tips: •⁠ ⁠Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the trails can be challenging •⁠ ⁠Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and waterfalls •⁠ ⁠Visit during the spring or fall for the best foliage •⁠ ⁠Check out the nature center for information on the park's history and wildlife Overall, Clifty Falls State Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its natural beauty and scenic trails make it a perfect destination for a day trip or extended stay.

We have driven past and never stopped , so we made a special trip to visit (we live 2 hours away). Beautiful setting, paved roads, rest rooms available, marked trails and some pullover spots for viewing. We are older and decided not to take any trails down the 500 feet drop for a better view. We went down a few places, but decided not to continue to the bottom. Maybe another day we will try to get a better view. There is a viewing area at top for wheelchair viewing, but it is limited views.

Not my favorite Indiana State Park but up toward the top. It's always beautiful. Depending on the time of year and the amount of rainfall it will determine how much water is going over the falls. A few of the trails are challenging which I love.