Scenic riverside park featuring Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, hiking trails, and river access for paddling and tubing.
General Information
Visitor Center: Open seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Nebraska vehicles: $7/day or $35/year
Non-resident vehicles: $14/day or $70/year
Camping: Primitive sites $10/night
How to Get There
From Valentine, NE (5 mi): Head east on US-12 for about 5 miles, then turn right onto Smith Falls Rd and follow signs to the park entrance.
Overview
The Smith Falls State Park is home to Nebraska’s tallest waterfall, where water cascades 70 feet over a sandstone cliff into the Niobrara River. This tranquil park offers a rare blend of geological beauty and recreational access, drawing visitors to hike scenic trails, paddle the river, and picnic beneath cottonwood trees. A historic bridge leads to the falls, and the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail highlights the convergence of multiple ecosystems, including prairie, pine forest, and riparian woodland. The park is a favorite stop for canoeists and kayakers floating the Niobrara National Scenic River.
Open year-round, Smith Falls State Park is especially popular in the warmer months when the river is ideal for tubing and the falls are at full flow. Primitive camping, a seasonal visitor center, and picnic shelters make it a convenient base for outdoor adventures. Whether you're hiking to the falls, spotting wildlife, or simply soaking in the serenity of the river valley, Smith Falls offers a peaceful and picturesque escape into Nebraska’s natural heritage.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Smith Falls State Park, which are released under the
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