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Clifty Falls State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 5,365 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison, Indiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Clifty Falls State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Waterfall- & canyon-lined park with hiking, swimming, tennis, camping, a nature center & an inn.
What runners say about Clifty Falls State Park
“The views overlooking the Ohio River valley are worth the trip alone, and the park is well-maintained without losing that natural, untouched feel.”
“And most of the roads inside the park are basically scenic trails all on their own so plenty of picturesque spotsbto enjoy everywhere.”
What a great place! We visited with the intention of stretching our legs for a moment on the drive home from vacation. That brief moment turned into over three hours of finding waterfalls, swimming in the creek, and exploring the trails. We did a loop and were able to see Clifty, Little Clifty, and Tunnel falls.
Super stunning park with rugged trails and plenty of elevation change. Not for the amateur hiker! Beautiful views of the waterfalls make this park one of a kind for sure. Been here many times, I'll never get bored of what this amazing Indiana State Park has to offer.
Awesome park however do plan on a lot of walking some of it very strenuous to see the actual waterfalls, walking sticks are recommended for anyone without great climbing longevity. Best to come in spring after lots of rain to see all of the falls in action. It is worth the walking to me I hope it is for you too.
Beautiful park very nice campground that was patrolled heavily by Indiana DNR. The restroom and shower house appeared to be new or relatively new. They were in very good condition and very clean. Lots of trails to hike and a nice visitor center would definitely visit here again.
Trail conditions & character
“Awesome park however do plan on a lot of walking some of it very strenuous to see the actual waterfalls, walking sticks are recommended for anyone without great climbing longevity.”
“The camp ground is well kept and clean along with the restroom / shower.”
“You can go for a casual walk and take in the views, or you can push yourself on some of the more challenging trails that involve elevation changes and uneven ground.”
“The trails wind through rocky terrain, creek beds, and wooded areas, giving you a little bit of everything.”
Plan your run at Clifty Falls State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteon.in.gov
- Phone(812) 273-8885
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Madison
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Heritage Trail
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Trimble County Park
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Muscatatuck Park
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Calli Nature Preserve
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Nature preserve with a waterfall offering hikes and trails through the woods.