Falls of the Ohio
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
50 ft
About Falls of the Ohio
The Falls of the Ohio is on the Ohio River at Clarksville, Indiana, across the river from Louisville, Kentucky. Falls of the Ohio State Park protects 220 acres of 390-million-year-old fossil beds, among the largest exposed Devonian fossil beds in the world. The beds are best explored from August through October, when the river is lowest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 1.2-mile out and back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Falls of the Ohio features several short walking paths and areas to explore the fossil beds along the river. Trails are generally flat and easy to navigate, making them suitable for visitors of all ages. Some areas may be rocky or uneven, especially near the fossil beds.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Falls of the Ohio?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $2.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Falls of the Ohio?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal for comfortable weather and fewer crowds, but the site is accessible year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Exercise caution when exploring the fossil beds, as the rocks can be slippery, especially after rain. Be aware of rising water levels in the river, which can occur suddenly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Silver Creek, 7 miles away, not on Falls of the Ohio's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
20 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 72 years of record
4.01 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SILVER CREEK NEAR SELLERSBURG, IN (11 km away).
Today
Moderate
21 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
24 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
25 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
28 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
29 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
26 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
28 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to late April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Clarksville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Falls of the Ohio Frozen?
Updated about 7 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Falls of the Ohio is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 55°F to 37°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 22 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Indiana.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The Falls of the Ohio State Park is located at 201 W. Riverside Drive, Clarksville, Indiana. It is easily accessible by car and is approximately 10 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the state park's interpretive center at 201 W. Riverside Drive in Clarksville. Parking costs $2; the annual entrance pass covers parking but not interpretive center admission.
Hours
Elevation
446 feet above sea level
Coordinates
38.272015° N, -85.752185° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Fossil collecting is prohibited on the fossil beds and river bank; rocks may only be taken from the collecting piles near the parking lot behind the interpretive center. Park grounds are open daily 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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This easy 1.2 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express - New Albany
Radisson Hotel Louisville North
Hampton Inn New Albany Louisville West
Comfort Inn & Suites Clarksville - Louisville North
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Louisville Waterfront Park, Big Four Bridge, and the historic downtown area of Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, including herons and egrets, as well as fish and other aquatic life in the Ohio River.
Cities near Falls of the Ohio
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