A 60-foot waterfall and the namesake of a rugged state park near Madison, with three more falls reachable on its trail network.
Clifty Falls drops about 60 feet inside Clifty Falls State Park, a dramatically cut gorge above the Ohio River near Madison. It's one of four named waterfalls in the park — alongside Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Tunnel Falls — connected by roughly ten trails rated moderate to rugged, with rock stairs, creek crossings, and exposed overlooks.
Because the terrain is genuinely rugged in places, pick a trail that matches your group before setting out; some routes involve real elevation change and uneven rock. The park's own Clifty Inn sits above the gorge with a view toward the Ohio River. Check current conditions ahead of a visit, since creek crossings and some overlooks close after heavy rain or ice.
Know before you go
Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, IN.
Year-round; trail conditions change after rain or ice.
About 10 trails of varying length; routes to the falls are moderate to rugged.
Indiana state park entrance fee; higher for non-resident vehicles.
Not accessible; rugged gorge trails with stairs and creek crossings.
2026-10-11. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Indiana DNR — Clifty Falls State Park ↗
- Indiana DNR — State park entrance fees ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.