clifty falls state park

Clifty Falls State Park is a jewel of a destination. The hotel is outstanding and the food in the restaurant is excellent. Hiking and just driving through the park is a treat to all the senses!!

Located a short 5 minute drive west of Madison, IN, on route 56, is this very beautiful state park that sits high up on the hills overlooking the Ohio River. After you enter the park, a drive up the hill first takes you to the Clifty Inn and Restaurant. From there you can take a scenic winding drive thru the park and enjoy numerous waterfalls, cliffs, steep gorges, and lots of well established trails for exploring. There are several places along the route where you can pull off and check out the scenery. There are numerous good spots for photo enthusiasts. Even in the winter when we toured the park, it was pretty and I am sure the scenery would be terrific in the summer and especially the fall. From mid March to early November, there is a $5 vehicle admission fee for cars with Indiana plates and $7 for out-of-state vehicles. Other times of the year there is no admission fee.

We have visited the park in the other seasons and our first winter visit was neat, too. We visited the weekend of January 17 when the temperatures went into the high 40s. While there was no snow on the ground, there were icicles--sheets of them--flowing off and out of the rocks and cliffs throughout the park. Beautiful. Very few visitors in the park, but those walking, hiking and visiting the sites seemed to really be enjoying the park in winter. There was no entry fee during this time, either.

I spent a couple of hours driving, stopping and doing short walks in the park. It was chilly but sunny and the views in winter, although not as colorful as in summer made me want to return in the spring. The cliffs and falls are very scenic. I've lived in Indiana for more than 30 years and I'm always amazed at some of the beautiful places the state parks feature.

My wife & I have traveled to Madison to go into Clifty Falls State Park over the years & we have been there every month & stayed at Clifty Fall Inn each time we go: Great Room. Pool & delicious food as well... Highly recommend this as a destination any month of the year... For 35 years our Boy Scout Troop also held Winter Camp in the Park - Great Hikes, etc...Ron WilsonNoblesville, IN

Clifty Falls has a variety of trails - all beautiful! The waterfalls were plentiful enough for my taste but even if they weren't flowing, the woods and cliffs are enough for this nature lover. Whether you just have a couple hours, or a whole day, you can find some enjoyment in the park. Outside of hiking, they have playgrounds, swimming pool in season, camping, and a lodge with a gorgeous river view. The smokestacks from the power plant are right there, but for me it just added to the uniqueness of the park. Plenty of road in the park to bike on as well.

The park is pretty, especially in the fall. If you live close by, it would be a nice place to go for picnics and outdoor parties. There are also some good trails for hiking. If you are coming just for the waterfalls, I think you will be disappointed. It is hard to get a good view of any of them and depending on the time of year/rainfall, there won't be much to see anyway. There is a short walk from the nature center (where you can pick up a map and use the facilities) to a "lookout" tower. This will be disappointing as well. The tower isn't very high and it "looks out" over some kind of plant bulit next to the river with huge smoke stacks. Needless to say, it totally ruins the view. We live an hour away and I doubt I'll ever go back. Fee is $5 per car for Indiana residents.

Clifty Falls State Park is gorgeous! It is one of our favorite places to go geocaching. I'm so glad to have such a lovely place in our town.

Loved the variety of trails, and the views. Many waterfalls to be scene, but at times treacherous parts of the trails for kids. Creek bed trail would be great if we'd brought our mud boots. Can't wait to go back.

A hawk soaring overhead and the fall colors added to the incredible views of the falls. Excellent variety of plants and animals to see. For people who cannot hike there are easy trails and wonderful scenery from the car. We did not have time for the nature center or the Inn. I hope we can return and spend a weekend.

This park has a lot to offer campers, hikers and nature-lovers. It's much bigger than you realize and the vistas and natural surroundings are worth the visit, even if you just drive through.

This park is one of our favorite's. From the lodge, to the campground, the trails, the staff, the maintenance, and the beauty.. it is ALL incredible! We have gone back for years. We absolutely love it here! Don't miss it.

What an incredible place of beauty! Paths were well marked & the scenery is breathtaking! Can't wait to return!

We have visited many state park lodges and the food here is always hot (or cold) and of very good quality. You just can't beat it!

This was our first visit back since hurricane strength storms took out trees and trails a number of years ago. We were impressed with the trail upgrades near big and little Clifty Falls. However, we were disappointed with the dead end block wall and lack of fall views due to summer foliage. Loved the bridge across Tunnel Fall. Really wish we were there for the spring snow melt. This is a must do trail while visiting Clifty Falls. Another must do is the creek hike from the south end lookout to Clifty Falls. River rock and fallen water soaked limbs add to the rugged fun of a creek walk. While visiting plan on eating a meal at the Inn, getting a birds eye view from a vintage plane, and strolling through the shops and eateries in downtown Madison.