Little Clifty Creek
drops off the steep wall of the east branch of cliff-lined Clifty Creek gorge
creating the 60+ foot Little Clifty Falls. Usually a transparent curtain,
Little Clifty Falls can become quite vigorous when the water flow is at its maximum (April and May, usually, and after
extended, hard rains in the area).
Ask at the entry station for their trail map and information brochure. There
is no 'easy' trail to the bottom of the gorge. The trail which accesses Little
Chifty Falls is designated as Trail #7. It is
rather poorly maintained, rugged and, in places outright dangerous. There are
challenging, steep descents to Chifty Creek at both ends of this 4.5 mile
trail. You'd have to be a dedicated hiker to enjoy them. We were told that
there would be significant upgrades to the trails but the project had been put
on hold: no money!
You can
view Little Clifty Falls from a designated viewing area a few hundred yards
south of the Chifty Falls parking area (at the northern entrance to Clifty Falls State
Park).
How to get there:
From I-65 exit 29 (Scottsburg) drive eastbound on IN-56 (also known as the Ohio River Scenic Route). You'll pass through Scottsburg and, about 16 miles from I-65, OH-62 joins OH-56 coming from your right. Continue on the combined highway, passing through Hanover to the next intersection of OH-62 and OH-56.
There are two entrances to Clifty Falls State Park: one off each of these two highways. The nearest to
Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls and Tunnel Falls is the northern entrance which is off OH-62. Therefore, turn left and follow OH-62. It will be heading north for about 2 miles, then gradually it swings around heading east. The entrance to Clifty Falls State Park is about 3 miles from the intersection of OH-56 and OH-62. Turn right into Clifty Falls State Park and follow the signs to the parking area.
For photos
of Clifty Falls, see:
For more information:
Clifty Falls State Park
1501 Green
Road
Madison, IN 47250
812-273-8885
The Indiana Dept. of
Natural Resources' web site is host
to both a map and trail guide to Clifty Falls State
Park:
see also:
