🏕️Tier 0: Gateway
Clifty Falls State Park
“Four waterfalls in one epic weekend”
Year
2026
Cost
$65
Ages
5-17
Duration
2 nights
Overview
Madison, IN • Spring (March) or Fall (September)
Explore four major waterfalls including the stunning 60-foot Clifty Falls. Historic railroad tunnel, swimming holes, and cliff-top trails create unforgettable adventure moments.
What Makes This Special
- •Four major waterfalls to discover
- •60-foot Clifty Falls cascade
- •Historic railroad tunnel exploration
- •Swimming holes (summer trips)
Skills You'll Develop
Waterfall safety and nature respect
Navigation on multi-trail systems
Photography basics
Swimming safety
Trail etiquette in busy parks
Spring or Fall?
Spring
Best Pick- ✓All four waterfalls at peak flow — the headline attraction actually performs
- ✓March solitude: trails and campground nearly empty
- ⚠Raw, wet early-spring weather
- ⚠Slick trails near cliff edges demand extra caution
Fall
- ✓Comfortable hiking temperatures
- ✓Stable weather for the railroad tunnel and rim trails
- ⚠Falls often shrink to a trickle by September — the main event underdelivers
- ⚠Swimming holes too cold to enjoy
Our call — Spring: Waterfalls need water; by September Clifty's four falls can be nearly dry.
Requirements
- ✓Registered Trail Life member
- ✓Parent permission slip
Difficulty Level
ModerateSeason
Spring (March) or Fall (September)