Clifty Falls State Park
Madison, IN
Clifty Falls State Park is known for its amazing waterfalls. It is generally not a place recognized as a birding spot but does offer birders some great opportunities.
Specialty Species:
American Woodcock: Check the area just south of the swimming pool for this species during the early spring.
Migrant Passerines: Hike the trails throughout the park looking and listening for migrant passerines during spring migration.
Vultures: Both Black and Turkey Vultures can be seen soaring above the park. They also roost in the park at night during the winter.
Hawks: Watch for hawks migrating over the ridges during the spring and fall. This is a good place to see Broad-winged Hawks.
Where to Bird:
- Park Trails
- Nature Center Viewing Window
- Observation Tower
Park Trails: Hike the trails looking and listening for migrant passerines.
Nature Center Viewing Window: Check the feeders at the nature center to find many common feeder birds.
Observation Tower: The Observation Tower is located down Trail 1 behind the Nature Center. This is a short five minute walk. From the Observation Tower, you have a great view of the surrounding hills and the Ohio River. Check the ridges for migrant hawks during spring and fall migration.Hours:
7am – 11pm
Fees:
$4 Monday-Thursday, $5 Friday-Sunday for Indiana plates
$7 Daily for non-Indiana plates
Accessiblity:
Most trails are rugged and not accessible.
Trails:
12 miles of trails in the park
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
2-3 Hours
Map:
Website:
Directions:
From the North: Take I-65 South from Indianapolis. Take Exit 34A for SR-256 towards Austin. After 20.4 miles, turn left (east) onto SR-62. The entrance to the park is located on the left (north) side of the road after 3 miles.
From the South: Take I-65 North from Louisville. Take Exit 29 for SR-56 toward Austin. Turn right (east) onto SR-56. After 22.3 miles, turn left (north) onto into the park.
From the East: Take I-71 South towards Louisville. Take Exit 44 for KY-227 toward Carrollton/Worthville. Turn right (north) onto KY-227. After 3.3 miles turn left (west) onto US-42/Highland Avenue. Continue to follow US-42. Stay straight to go onto KY-36 and then after 10.3 miles turn left (south) to stay on KY-36. After .1 miles, turn right (west) onto US-421. After crossing the Ohio River, take the 5th left (west) to stay on US-421, then take the first right (north) to again stay on US421. Take the next left (west) to stay on US-421. Continue straight onto SR-56. The entrance is located on the right (north) side of the road 2.3 miles after getting on SR-56.
Address:
Mailing:
1501 Green Road
Madison, IN 47250
812-273-8885
For Online Directions:
North Gate
2221 Clifty Drive
Madison, IN 47250
South Gate
1314 Clifty Hollow Road
Madison, IN 47250
Nearby Birding: