Beautiful Clifty Falls State Park Waterfalls
Because of its small watershed, Clifty Falls State Park‘s four major waterfalls are at their best from December through June. From July through November you’ll find lesser falls but the easiest hiking in the beautiful stone bed of Clifty Creek. For your safety, the areas above and below the waterfalls are always off limits.
4 major clifty falls state park waterfalls
Big Clifty Falls
At a height of 60 feet, Big Clifty Falls is actually not the tallest waterfall in Clifty Falls State Park. It is the main waterfalls on Big Clifty Creek, which joins with Little Clifty Creek to become Clifty Creek.
Big Clifty Falls is best viewed from the overlooks on Trail 7. The upper overlook is ADA accessible, while the lower one is not. You can also reach an observation area near the base of the falls via Trail 2 (Clifty Creek), though this is best done during times of low water.
Note: Trail 2 ends at the observation area by the falls, so hikers traveling north up Trail 2 (Clifty Creek) must return south to exit safely via one of the designated connecting trails. There is no direct access between Trails 2 and 7 since they are separated by the elevation of the cliff.
Little Clifty Falls
Little Clifty Falls is also 60 feet tall. It is the main waterfall on Little Clifty Creek, with joins with Big Clifty Creek to become Clifty Creek.
Little Clifty Falls is best accessed from Trail 7. There is an overlook for this waterfall, but it is actually better viewed nearer the falls since Trail 7 passes directly over the falls on a wooden bridge.
Tunnel Falls
At a height of 83 feet, Tunnel Falls is the tallest waterfall in Clifty Falls State Park. It is on a creek named Dean’s Branch, which joins with Clifty Creek downstream of Big and Little Clifty Falls.
Tunnel Falls is best viewed from an observation deck on Trail 5. There is a parking area at the north end of Trail 5 that is very convenient to the observation deck.
Hoffman Falls
Hoffman Falls is 78 feet tall. It is on a creek named Hoffman Branch, which joins with Clifty Creek downstream of Dean’s Branch.
Although still a little hard to see, Hoffman Falls is best viewed from an observation deck at the intersection of Trail 4 and Trail 3. There are a few parking areas with access to these trails that are convenient to the observation deck.
