Deans Branch of Clifty
Creek drops off the steep wall forming the 83+ foot Tunnel Falls, the tallest
of the four waterfalls in Clifty Falls State Park.
Usually a not much more than a transparent thread (not quite enough flow to be
designated a 'horsetail' waterfall), it 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 Tunnel
Falls is designated as Trail #5. It is
rather poorly maintained, rugged and, in places outright dangerous. 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 Tunnel Falls from designated viewing areas on each side
of Dean Branch of Chifty Creek.
Source the strange
name:
Just below Tunnel
Falls, Trail 5 passes both ends of an abandoned tunnel constructed in 1853 by
the soon-to-be-bankrupt Madison and Indianapolis Railroad. This 600 foot
long relic of their ambitious undertaking is still considered safe for foot
traffic. Caution: it is rock, muddy and dark - bring a flashlight and a good
sense of humor.
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 Tunnel 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:
