Is swimming allowed at Smith Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Smith Falls.

Live Conditions · 631 ft³/s · Higher than usual

Smith Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Smith Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Smith Falls.

Nebraska • 70 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

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

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 Moderate

631 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

424 491 629 756

Based on 80 years of record

2.67 ft

Water depth at gauge

84°F

Warm

Very comfortable

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. The water is warm at 84 degrees F, very comfortable for swimming. Expect crystal clear visibility and adequate dissolved oxygen levels. PH is normal at 8.5 and mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

7.7 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Good

Adequate oxygen levels

8.5

Normal

Within healthy range (6.5-8.5)

5.0 FNU

Water Clarity

Crystal clear

Excellent visibility

229 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

Niobrara River near Sparks, Nebr.

USGS 06461500

2.6 miles from waterfall

7-Day Flow Outlook

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

High confidence

Moderate right now

631 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

719 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

675 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

629 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

723 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

670 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

721 cfs

6/10

Mon

Moderate

748 cfs

6/10

Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

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

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.