Clifty Creek Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Clifty Creek Park is a picturesque park located in Madison, Indiana.


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Summary

It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities. Some of the top reasons to visit Clifty Creek Park include hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

One of the main attractions in the park is the Clifty Falls State Park, which features several breathtaking waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. Visitors can also explore the historic Clifty Inn, which was built in the 1920s and features a restaurant and lodge.

Other notable points of interest in Clifty Creek Park include the Clifty Creek Reservoir, which offers fishing and boating opportunities, as well as the Grote Creek, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and wild turkeys. The park is also home to a number of historical sites, including the Madison Railroad Bridge and the Jefferson Proving Ground.

The best time of year to visit Clifty Creek Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its peak. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but visitors should be prepared for warm temperatures and high humidity.

Overall, Clifty Creek Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Indiana. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a peaceful getaway, you're sure to find something to love at this stunning park.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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