Summer is on its way out here in Cincinnati and the vibrancy of fall will arrive before we know it. The bold colors that begin to paint our landscape are definitely a highlight of the season, and there's no better way to experience them than on a scenic hiking trail. Not far from Cincinnati and just across the Indiana border, Clifty Falls State Park is known for its waterfalls, but it is also filled with trails that will take you to the most spectacular fall foliage.
Clifty Falls State Park is located just outside of the historic town of Madison, Indiana, about an hour from Cincinnati. As you can probably guess by the name, this scenic park is a true destination for waterfall-chasers, but it's also incredibly stunning in the fall.
Whether you enter the park from State Road 56 or 62, you're in for a real treat, especially when visiting in the fall. This year, the fall foliage is expected to peak at the end of October, so your best bet would be to visit during the later half of the month.
There are 10 trails within the state park that are rated from easy to very rugged. There are descriptions of all of the hikes on the park's website (linked below). Many of the trails include stairs, steep grades, and challenging terrain, but they also have a thick canopy that makes for a colorful environment to explore.
The waterfalls that can be found throughout the park vary in flow based on the recent weather conditions. Winter and spring are typically when they are flowing strongest, but they are still stunning even at a trickle when surrounded by fall color.
Several of the trails will take you along creeks that are lined with colorful foliage in the fall. Even if you visit past the peak of color, those vibrant leaves can likely be found floating in the streams within the woods, which is just another unique scenery to experience during the season.
While hiking through the park, be sure to look up and marvel at the brilliant color that is providing the cool shade. Also, remember to look down and admire the rugged beauty of the canyon and the spattering of fossils that can usually be seen in the park.
Do keep in mind that you may not take any of these fossils with you - just admire them from afar.
Clifty Falls State Park is close enough to Cincinnati that it makes for a great day trip, but if you want to turn it into an overnight, you easily can by booking a room at the Clifty Inn. The Inn has several options of comfortable rooms, some of which even have river views. There's also an on-site restaurant to refuel after a lovely day of exploring.
Cincinnati is a wonderful place to be this season, especially because there are so many nearby destinations that are stunning as the leaves change color. If you want to experience the bold hues of fall, take a short drive to Clifty Falls State Park and witness them firsthand.
Fall is a brilliantly beautiful time of year in the Queen City and the surrounding region, so a hike in nearby Clifty Falls State Park is a great way to get out and enjoy it. Have you visited this picturesque park near Cincinnati? Are there other hiking trails in the area that you especially love in the fall? Let us know in the comments!
Clifty Falls State Park is located at 2221 Clifty Dr., Madison, IN 47250. For more information, including a description of all of the hiking trails, visit the park's website here.
And for more places to visit in Cincinnati during fall, check out our fall road trip from a previous article here.
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