Hikers of the Bluegrass

Do you want to go chase some waterfalls? If yes, join Hikers of the Bluegrass for a fun day of hiking at the Clifty Falls State Park right outside of Madison, Indiana. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just getting started this event will be a great chance to get outdoors, meet new people, and explore some great trails.

This adventure will start from the parking lot near the North Gate of the park. From the parking lot we will hike to Clifty Falls, to Little Clifty Falls, to Tunnel Falls, and then to Hoffman Falls, before hiking back up to Clifty Falls. There are a couple of steep climbs and a bunch of shallow water crossings as we hike up the creek bed.

The hiking pace may be swift at times, but plan to take longer breaks to take in the sights, explore and enjoy being out in nature.

TRAIL OVERVIEW
Location: Clifty Falls State Park (Madison, Indiana)
Trails: 1 thru 8
Distance: 7-8 miles
Elevation: 350 ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
Estimated hiking time: 6 hours
Trail Conditions: Vary from worn trails to creek bed w/rock scrambles

Highlights include...

• Big Clifty Falls
• Little Clifty Falls
• Cake Rock
• Tunnel Falls
• Hoffman Falls
• Ohio River Observation Tower

Essential Hiking Gear

• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good traction
• 2-3 L of Water, Snacks & lunch
• Daypack for gear
• Weather-appropriate layers (50-75 degrees)
• Trekking poles (optional)
• A sense of adventure and exploration

The Trails:
The hike will start at 11:00 am and will be approximately 7.5 miles with around 350 ft elevation decent & climb on trails that range from smooth walking paths to rough & challenging trails. There is a large portion of the hike that will be in the creek bed walking on river rocks and crossing the creek several times. The waterfalls and creeks levels are a bit unpredictable; however, spring is suppose to be the best time to view them.

Carpool & Important Details:
Meet at the Cabela's parking lot in Lexington at 7:45 AM with the goal of being all loaded up and on the road to Clifty Falls State Park by 8:00 AM. On the way there, we'll stop for a quick breakfast at the McDonald's in Carrollton, KY. We should arrive at Clifty Falls State Park at about 10:45 AM.

If you choose to drive yourself please message me and plan to be at the Clifty Falls State Park's north parking lot near the North Gate by 10:45 am.

Bring snacks, lunch and water for the hike. After the hike, we will grab a bite to eat at The Red Pepperoni pizza place in Madison before driving back to Cabela's in Lexington.

Clifty Falls State Park does have a entry fee of $9 per vehicle. Please bring some cash to chip in for the entry fees and gas for the carpool drivers.

Clifty Falls State Park Website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/clifty-falls-state-park/

DISCLAIMER
By committing to this event, you acknowledge you have read the following Disclaimer: Meetup organizers/leaders are not guides, nor are they experts. You are solely responsible for your own safety. By signing up for and attending this Meetup event, you acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree that hiking is an outdoor activity that can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death. By participating in this meetup event, you acknowledge that you're of good physical standing and willing to risk the inherent dangers of the activity. All attendees participate at their own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to their property, and/or any injury to themselves or their guests. By signing up for this event, you affirm that you understand this disclaimer, and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event.

Tennessee’s Waterfall Crown — A Cluster of Power, Beauty, and Adventure
Tennessee isn’t just home to one great waterfall.
It’s home to an entire constellation of them — each one different, each one unforgettable, and all close enough to turn a single weekend into a highlight reel of natural wonder.
This is the Upper Cumberland Waterfall Cluster, and it’s one of the most emotionally satisfying waterfall regions in the eastern United States.

Falls Creek Falls — The Titan of the East
Some waterfalls impress you. Falls Creek Falls overwhelms you.
A 256‑foot free‑falling giant plunges into a gorge so deep and echoing it feels like the earth is speaking. Mist rises like breath. The cliffs glow in the sun. And for a moment, you remember what awe feels like.
This is the anchor of the Tennessee waterfall experience — the one people talk about for decades.

Greeter Falls — The Hidden Gem With a Wild Heart
Greeter Falls feels like a secret whispered through the forest.
A spiraling staircase leads you down into a cool, shaded bowl where the waterfall drops into a perfect turquoise pool. It’s intimate, refreshing, and cinematic — the kind of place where you take your shoes off, breathe deeper, and forget the world exists.
Greeter is the emotional counterpoint to Falls Creek Falls: smaller, softer, but just as unforgettable.

Burgess Falls — The Horseshoe of Power
Burgess Falls is drama in motion.
The river gathers speed through a series of cascades before exploding over a massive horseshoe‑shaped cliff. The final drop is thunderous, wide, and commanding — a waterfall that feels alive, muscular, and unstoppable.
It’s the kind of place where people stand at the overlook and say nothing for a moment because the view takes their breath away.

Twin Falls (Rock Island) — The Waterfall That Shouldn’t Exist
Twin Falls is pure magic.
Water pours straight out of the side of a cliff — not from a river above, but from underground channels bursting through limestone. Two massive curtains of water appear out of nowhere, side by side, like nature decided to break its own rules just to show off.
It’s surreal, photogenic, and unlike anything else in the Southeast.

## 🌅 Sunrise & Sunset — Early May (Local Time)

Good daylight window for long hikes.

| Date | Sunrise | Sunset |
| ---- | ------- | ------ |
| May 8 | ~6:00 AM | ~7:48 PM |
| May 9 | ~5:59 AM | ~7:49 PM |
| May 10 | ~5:58 AM | ~7:49 PM |

## 🏕️ Day 1 — Friday

Drive & Camp Setup. Reservations at: reserve.TN.stateparks.com. Use Google Chrome. Phone 1-888-867-2757. I'm at B57. Let me know where you are staying. My phone: 859-457-6657. Meet at campground. WIFI, showers, flush toilets, campfire ring available.
Drive Lexington, KY → Fall Creek Falls State Park Distance: 172 miles Time: ~4 hours
Camp Camping Area B — Fall Creek Falls State Park Address: 2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585 GPS: 35.6629, -85.3419
Set up camp and relax. Optional short walk to Fall Creek Falls Overlook for a preview.

## 🥾 Day 2 — Saturday

### Fall Creek Falls State Park + Greeter Falls

Goal: Finish all hiking inside Fall Creek Falls State Park by 3:30 PM to allow time for Greeter Falls.

### Main Parking (Start)

Fall Creek Falls Overlook Parking Address: 1664 Scenic Loop Rd, Pikeville, TN 37367 GPS: 35.6556, -85.3561

### Fall Creek Falls State Park — Trails & Times

| Segment | Trail | Distance | Time | Notes |
| ------- | ----- | -------- | ---- | ----- |
| Parking → Falls Creek Falls base | Base Trail | 0.7 mi RT | ~45–60 min | BASE |
| Parking → Woodland connection | Woodland Trail | 0.8 mi one way | ~30–40 min | Suspension bridge, cascades |
| Woodland → Cable Trail | Paw Paw → Cable | 0.15 | ~15–20 min | Connector to BASE |
| Cable Trail area | Cable Trail | ~0.1 mi l | ~60–90 min | BASE: Rockhouse & Cane Creek Falls |
| Woodland → Overlook | Overlook Trail | 0.65 mi one way | ~25–35 min | OVERLOOK views |
| Parking at trailhead→ Piney Falls | Piney Falls Trail | 1.0 mi RT | ~25–50 min | OVERLOOK only |

Notes

• Cable Trail is steep and slow; expect careful footing. Bring Gloves
• Piney Falls is a longer, separate commitment.

Estimated Total Hiking (Saturday) Distance: ~7.0–7.5 miles Time: ~6.5–8.5 hours (with waterfall stops) Target finish: ~3:30 PM

### Greeter Falls (Saturday Afternoon) (Optional)

Drive Fall Creek Falls SP → Greeter Falls Distance: ~40 miles Time: ~1 hour
Trailhead Greeter Falls Trailhead Address: 550 Greeter Falls Rd, Altamont, TN 37301 GPS: 35.4457, -85.6542
Hiking Greeter Falls Trail (out-and-back) Distance: ~1.2 miles Time: ~1–1.5 hours Views: BASE + OVERLOOK
Return to camp for dinner and relaxation.

## 💧 Day 3 — Sunday

### Burgess Falls State Park + Rock Island State Park → Return Home

### Burgess Falls State Park

Drive Fall Creek Falls SP → Burgess Falls State Park Distance: ~40 miles Time: ~1 hour
Park Info Address: 4000 Burgess Falls Dr, Sparta, TN 38583 GPS: 36.0381, -85.2461
Waterfalls Seen

• Upper Falls — OVERLOOK
• Middle Falls — OVERLOOK
• Burgess Falls — OVERLOOK

Hiking River Trail / Platform Walks Distance: ~1.0–1.5 miles RT Time: ~1–1.5 hours Viewing time: ~15–25 min per fall

### Rock Island State Park (Optional)

Drive Burgess Falls → Rock Island State Park Distance: ~25 miles Time: ~30–40 min
Park Info Address: 82 Beach Rd, Rock Island, TN 38581 GPS: 35.8074, -85.6181
Twin Falls (Highlight) Road: Powerhouse Rd GPS: 35.8106, -85.6188
Trail Short walk from Powerhouse Rd parking Distance: ~0.5 miles RT Time: ~20–30 min Viewing: BASE (major highlight of the trip)