Clifty Falls State Park
Madison, IN
A rugged gorge above the Ohio River with several waterfalls, including Clifty Falls itself, reached by short trails from the main roads. Visit after rain or in spring, when the falls carry the most water.
Clifty Falls State Park near Madison covers about 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of narrow canyon, steep rock walls and waterfalls. The canyon holds shale and limestone containing marine fossils that, according to the park administration, are about 425 million years old. Ten numbered hiking trails, from 0.5 to 4.5 miles (0.8 to 7.2 km) long, range from easy to very rugged; one paved loop is wheelchair accessible. The park can be reached via State Roads 56 and 62.
The waterfalls carry the most water after rain and snowmelt, and in summer they can shrink to thin veils. For one or two short hikes, about half a day makes sense; wear sturdy shoes, as the more difficult trails are rough and steep. According to the park administration, Brough's Tunnel is closed indefinitely because of a rockslide (as of October 2026). The campground has 106 sites with electric hookups and 63 without.
- Nearest town
- Madison, IN
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 38.7442, -85.4228
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Youth Tent AreaCampsite1 mi from Clifty Falls State Park
- Riverview CampgroundMotorhome stopover3 mi from Clifty Falls State ParkMotorhomes
- Two Rivers CampgroundMotorhome stopover14 mi from Clifty Falls State ParkMotorhomes
- Shale BluffCampsite15 mi from Clifty Falls State Park
- General Butler State Park CampgroundMotorhome stopover16 mi from Clifty Falls State ParkMotorhomes
- Ghent RV ParkCampsite20 mi from Clifty Falls State Park
All campsites in Indiana · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Clifty Falls State Park?
Clifty Falls State Park is in Madison, IN, at GPS 38.7442, -85.4228. It is about 39 mi from Louisville.
Can you camp near Clifty Falls State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Youth Tent Area, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Clifty Falls State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Madison Historic District (2 mi), Muhammad Ali Center (38 mi), Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (38 mi) and Columbus Architecture Tour (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Clifty Falls State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)