Is swimming allowed at Smith Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Smith Falls.

Live Conditions · 578 ft³/s · About average

Smith Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Smith Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Smith Falls.

Nebraska • 70 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 3 other waterfalls also named Smith Falls, see below

Smith Falls State Park SP · PVT

Photo Credits (5)

Tim @ Photovisions Nebraska CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Craig Hemsath CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jimmywayne CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jajacks62 CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

100 ft

About Smith Falls

Smith Falls is the tallest waterfall in Nebraska, located within Smith Falls State Park near Valentine. It is a stunning cascade that flows over a sandstone cliff into the Niobrara River, offering a serene and picturesque setting.

The Setting

Smith Falls sits at 2,333 feet within Smith Falls State Park, fed by the Niobrara River, in the hills of Nebraska. The falls drop 70 feet.

Height: 70 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Fort Falls (45 ft) lies 7.6 miles to the west. Also nearby: Berry Falls (10 ft, 2.5 mi).

Fort Falls Berry Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 100 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Smith Falls is a short and easy walk that includes a wooden footbridge crossing the Niobrara River. The path is well-maintained and suitable for most visitors, including families with children.

What to Expect

The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Smith Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $8.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Smith Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is typically at its fullest and the surrounding area is lush and green. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter may provide a unique view of the frozen waterfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious on the wooden bridge, as it may be slippery when wet. Stay on designated trails to protect the fragile environment and avoid potential hazards.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

578 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

491 540 729 811

Based on 81 years of record

2.57 ft

Water depth at gauge

60°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 60 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Expect crystal clear visibility and excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is alkaline at 8.9 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

10.7 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Excellent

Supports aquatic life

8.9

Alkaline

Above normal range (6.5-8.5)

3.6 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

228 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

Niobrara River near Sparks, Nebr.

USGS 06461500

2.6 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 7,150 sq mi

Altitude: 2,289 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Niobrara River near Sparks, Nebr. (4 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

568 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

568 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

583 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

579 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

577 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

631 cfs

3/10

Thu

Low

662 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

663 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to mid May, 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 Valentine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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.

1-meter lidar measures about 157 feet of descent through Smith Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 70 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 2,379 feet above sea level.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 80 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 66 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Smith Falls near Valentine, Nebraska, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Smith Falls near Valentine, Nebraska, showing about 157 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,379 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 157 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Smith Falls is located within Smith Falls State Park, approximately 18 miles east of Valentine, Nebraska. Visitors can access the park via Highway 12 and follow signs to the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area within Smith Falls State Park, which provides easy access to the trail leading to the waterfall.

Elevation

2,333 feet above sea level

Coordinates

42.887811° N, -100.315761° W

Land Management

Smith Falls State Park SP

Managed by SFW

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months. Bug spray is recommended in the summer. Arrive early to avoid crowds, particularly on weekends.

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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.