Clift Falls State Park - Waterfalls and Wild Flowers

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.