Clifty Falls State Park

About

Clifty Falls State Park sits on 1,416 acres of rugged terrain along the Ohio River in Madison, Indiana. The park is home to four stunning waterfalls that cascade through deep limestone canyons, creating some of the most dramatic scenery in the state. Whether you're here for a day trip or an overnight stay, the park offers a memorable mix of natural beauty and comfortable amenities.

The waterfalls are the main attraction, and they're at their most impressive after heavy rains or during spring snowmelt. Clifty Falls, the park's namesake, drops roughly 60 feet into a narrow canyon. Tunnel Falls, Big Clifty Falls, and Little Clifty Falls each have their own character and can be reached via a network of trails that wind through the gorges.

For those who prefer a gentler experience, the park features a paved walking loop near the Trail 7 trailhead by Clifty Shelter. A StoryWalk created in partnership with the Jefferson County Library lines this path, making it a great option for families with young children. If you enter from the north gate, a short accessible walk leads to views of the first waterfall, so you don't need to tackle rugged terrain to enjoy the falls.

The Clifty Inn provides a comfortable base for longer visits. This full-service lodge offers dining at The Falls Restaurant, which serves home-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The inn also has a private indoor swimming pool and hot tub for overnight guests.

Beyond waterfalls, the park is a rewarding spot for birdwatching. Lookout Point offers sweeping views and even provides colorblind viewers for birding. The park sits along the Indiana Birding Trail, drawing a variety of species throughout the year.

Clifty Falls State Park is open year-round, though trail conditions vary by season. Spring and early winter bring the best waterfall flows, while fall offers brilliant foliage throughout the canyons. The nearby town of Madison, a charming river community with historic architecture and local shops, makes a perfect complement to your park visit.

Accessibility

Clifty Falls State Park offers several accessible features for visitors with mobility needs. The paved walking loop near the Trail 7 trailhead at Clifty Shelter is wheelchair accessible and features a StoryWalk, making it a smooth, easy path suitable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Visitors entering from the north gate can park and take a short wheelchair-accessible walk to view the first of the park's four waterfalls.

The Clifty Inn is wheelchair accessible and includes accessible dining at The Falls Restaurant, lodging, and restrooms. The inn's indoor swimming pool and hot tub are ADA accessible and available to overnight guests.

At Lookout Point, accessible parking is available along with colorblind viewers for birdwatching. However, restrooms are not available at this location. Restroom facilities can be found at the Clifty Inn and other developed areas of the park.

It's important to note that much of the park's trail system follows rugged canyon terrain with steep grades, uneven surfaces, and stairs. The backcountry trails to some of the waterfalls may not be suitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices. The paved loop and north gate viewpoint are the best options for visitors seeking accessible routes to enjoy the falls and scenery.

For the most current information on trail conditions and accessibility accommodations, contact the park office or Clifty Inn directly before your visit.

More accessible places in Indiana

• Eiteljorg Museum (Indianapolis)
• Indiana Medical History Museum (Indianapolis)
• Minnetrista Museum & Gardens (Muncie)
• Newfields (Indianapolis)
• Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory (Fort Wayne)
• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial (Lincoln City)