State Park · Indiana
A dramatic limestone canyon park in Madison where four waterfalls cascade into a 425-million-year-old gorge above the Ohio River, offering 15 miles of rugged trails, a full campground, and one of Indiana's best canyon hiking experiences.
Field briefing
Clifty Falls State Park changes fast with season and elevation.
Before you go
The four main waterfalls are the draw, and spring is the prime window when flows peak. The trails are rated challenging for good reason: steep grades, creek crossings, and uneven limestone. Note that as of spring 2026, the South Entrance remains closed for bridge work, so all visitors must enter through the North Entrance off State Road 62. The campground and inn provide solid on-site lodging, making a two-night stay the right format for hiking all the major falls.
Weather, crowds, and what the season changes about the trip.
55-65F
Cool and wet, highs 55 to 65 F. Peak waterfall season as snowmelt and spring rains swell the creeks.
Pack Waterproof boots, trekking poles for muddy canyon trails, and rain layer.
85-90F
Hot and humid, highs 85 to 90 F. The canyon provides some shade but the climbs are sweaty. Waterfalls slow but remain scenic.
Pack Plenty of water, moisture-wicking layers, and bug repellent in the gorge.
55-70F
Crisp and colorful with deciduous color peaking in October. Highs 55 to 70 F.
Pack Camera, light layers, and sturdy footwear for rocky terrain.
25-40F
Cold with highs 25 to 40 F. Frozen waterfalls create dramatic ice curtains but trails become hazardous.
Pack Traction devices (microspikes), insulation, and extra caution on canyon rim trails.
Tunnel Falls (Trail 8 Access)
The park's tallest waterfall at 83 feet, reached via rugged Trail 8 (4.5 miles from the north gatehouse). The waterfall plunges through a natural tunnel in the limestone and is the most dramatic single feature in the park.
Three Falls Loop (Trails 5, 2, and 8)
The most popular combination route, linking Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, and Tunnel Falls in a 3.8-mile loop with 646 feet of elevation gain. The park's signature hike for visitors who want to see multiple waterfalls in one outing.
Ohio River Canyon Overlook
Clifton Gorge's limestone walls rise above the Ohio River floodplain at the park's eastern boundary, providing long views into Kentucky across the river. Best reached via the canyon rim spur off Trail 8.
Put the access rule first: shuttle, parking, timed-entry, or reservation windows should decide the order of the day. For one day in Clifty Falls State Park, make Tunnel Falls (Trail 8 Access) the non-negotiable, add Three Falls Loop (Trails 5, 2, and 8) only if the first stop runs clean, and keep Ohio River Canyon Overlook as the flexible finish.
Turn Clifty Falls's conditions into water, pack, and sleep-system decisions.
Build around conditions
Let season, elevation, and weather set the plan.
Plan your trip
4 quick tools, already seeded for Clifty Falls State Park. Tune the numbers around temperature swings, footing, layers, and how much margin the route needs.
Start with the gear decisions this park changes: footing, weather, camping, and water.
Kit Authority
Clifty Falls State Park packing list
0 of 24 packed. Check items as you pack, then take this list to the store, trailhead, or campsite.
Pack planning
Use this as a constraint check while you are still shaping the trip. The active checklist becomes useful once your route, dates, and sleep plan are set.
Checklist mode
24 items, grouped for the trip you are actually taking.
The buying guides that match what Clifty Falls asks of your kit, with our current top picks across budget and use case.
The park campground has 165 sites ranging from primitive tent areas to full-hookup RV sites, all reservable through ReserveAmerica. Clifty Inn, inside the park, offers a historic lodge option with rooms overlooking the canyon and an on-site restaurant, bookable directly through Indiana state parks. Madison, about 1 mile from the park, is a well-preserved 19th-century river town with additional B&Bs and restaurants.
Camping reservations
The 165-site campground ranges from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV pads. Clifty Inn inside the park provides a lodge alternative. Spring weekend sites for waterfall season book quickly.
Reviewed June 11, 2026
Booking window
Sites reservable up to 6 months in advance through ReserveAmerica at indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by calling 1-866-622-6746. Spring weekends (April and May) fill fast for peak waterfall conditions.
Where to book or verify
Official booking portal for the Clifty Falls campground.
Trail status, conditions, entrance alerts, and inn reservations.
Check for federal campground, backcountry, tour, and permit inventory tied to this park.
Campgrounds to know
Treat the vehicle plan as part of the itinerary.
Road distance, road surface, fuel, and daylight can matter as much as the final trail or viewpoint.
Getting there
Arrival note
Clifty Falls State Park is adjacent to Madison, Indiana, on the Ohio River, about 90 miles southeast of Indianapolis and 55 miles west of Cincinnati via I-275 and US 421.
Car strategy
From Indianapolis, take I-65 south to Exit 55 (Scottsburg), then US 31 and State Road 56 west into Madison.
Car strategy
The North Entrance (currently the only open entrance as of 2026) is off State Road 62 west of Madison.
Pair this with lodging: the closest bed is not always the simplest one if road time, road quality, or fuel stops dominate.
April and May are peak waterfall season when spring rains and snowmelt keep the creeks running full. By midsummer, flows slow significantly during dry spells, though the falls rarely go completely dry. Winter ice formations on the falls are spectacular but the trails become dangerous.
Most of the park's 15 miles of trails are moderately rugged to challenging, with steep grades, uneven limestone, and creek crossings. The Three Falls Loop (3.8 miles, 646 feet of gain) is the signature hike and is rated difficult. Trail 8 to Tunnel Falls is 4.5 miles one way and also rated rugged. Bring trekking poles and sturdy footwear.
As of spring 2026, the South Entrance is closed for bridge repairs. All visitors must use the North Entrance off State Road 62. Check the Indiana DNR website for current status before visiting.
Yes. Clifty Inn, a historic lodge inside the park, offers rooms with canyon views and an on-site restaurant. Book directly through Indiana State Parks at in.gov/dnr. The campground also has 165 sites for tent and RV camping.