Near Trail 2
Cake Rock, an unusual name but up close it looks just like a giant slice of cake!
Near Trail 2
Little Clifty Falls, the smaller of the 2 main attractions on this end as viewed from the west side during winter
Near Trail 2
Clifty Falls State Park in Madisonsuper cool caterpillar again
Near Trail 2
Trail 7
Near Trail 2
overlook

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Trail 2

4.5 (4 Ratings)
Great creekside ramble to a fantastic view of Clifty Falls from a perspective not many will see.
2
mi
Distance
197
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
BirdingRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Watch for signage--due to this trail being at the bottom of the canyon and with multiple water crossings, there are times of year it is inaccessible.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.04mi
Distance
197ft
Elevation Gain
356ft
Elevation Loss
30%
Max Grade
792ft
High Point
466ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This trail drops off from the 1, 2, 3 access point into the bottoms of the canyon, crosses Clifty Creek multiple times, and takes you to the base of Clifty Falls. The trail is often a mess of branches and trees as well as soft sand that will suck your shoes right off in spots. The majority of the trail is spent navigating the rocky creek-bed of Clifty Creek. If you decide to hike through the water, the trail is not particularly challenging. However, if you are trying to stay dry, the trail can be tricky because you have to cross the river numerous times. Due to the difficult terrain, it is tough to quickly complete this trail. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. While there are no massive climbs (except the beginning and back out), I would still not recommend this trail for anyone who isn't sure of foot or has small kids (the beginning is pretty easy for young ones, but as time goes on, it becomes more and more difficult to make your way). The payoff is standing at the bottom of Clifty Falls. Due to the steep cliffs and restrictions against climbing, you need to double back to the beginning or take the Trail 8, 5, or 4 intersections to exit. There is no exit at the northernmost point of this trail.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
Some Issues
Downed Tree
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Contributors
Chris Davis