Just west of Madison is Clifty Falls State Park. The park was founded in 1920, when an increased interest in outdoor recreation led to the creation of many Federal, State, and civic parks across the nation. The land’s natural beauty, with its four waterfalls and abandoned railroad tunnel, made it an ideal location for a park.

The 600-foot long railroad tunnel within the park dates back to 1852. While visitors to the park can no longer walk through the tunnel, there are informational signs along the trail that explain the history of the tunnel. It and other railroad related remnants in the park are known as “Brough’s Folly,” after John Brough, who led the failed railroad conquest. Had this section of railroad been completed, it would have been part of the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad.

Since its founding, the park has grown in size and now encompasses 1,519 acres. It features over 12 miles of trails, a campground, and a swimming pool. With many of the miles of trails in the park consisting of walking along, down, and through the creek bed and canyon, Clifty Falls State Park has one of the more rugged trail systems in Indiana.

The park is also home to Clifty Inn. The inn first opened at the site in 1924, offering park guests a convenient place to stay and rooms with spectacular river views. While in Madison to see the local Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in action during the Depression, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt stayed at the inn. A new, modern motel and pool replaced the original inn in 1964. After a devastating tornado ripped through the park in 1974, Clifty Inn was replaced again. Constructed in 2006 as part of a multi-million dollar park upgrade, the present hotel contains a restaurant and conference center and offers an outstanding view of the Ohio River.