Smith Falls
Nebraska • 63 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Smith Falls
Smith Falls, at 63 feet, is the tallest waterfall in Nebraska and the centerpiece of Smith Falls State Park on the Niobrara River east of Valentine. From the north side of the park, a footbridge crosses the Niobrara and an accessible boardwalk leads up a wooded canyon to the falls. The park is run by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and is also a popular canoe and tube take-out.
The Setting
Smith Falls sits at 2,333 feet within Smith Falls State Park, in the hills of Nebraska. The falls drop 63 feet.
Height: 63 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).
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
From the north side of the park, cross the footbridge over the Niobrara River, then follow the accessible boardwalk to a viewing platform at the falls. Game and Parks limits hiking to established trails to prevent erosion and protect rare plants.
What to Expect
The falls drop 63 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
Pets are allowed in Nebraska state parks but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, crated or caged.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Smith Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
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
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Niobrara River, 2.6 miles away, not on Smith Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
657 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 81 years of record
2.65 ft
Water depth at gauge
62°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 62 degrees F, good for a quick swim. Expect excellent dissolved oxygen levels. PH is alkaline at 8.9 and mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
Dissolved Oxygen
ExcellentSupports aquatic life
pH
AlkalineAbove normal range (6.5-8.5)
Conductance
Dissolved minerals in the water
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Niobrara River near Sparks, Nebr. (4 km away).
Today
Low
657 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
652 cfs
6/10Sun
Moderate
709 cfs
5/10Mon
Moderate
744 cfs
5/10Tue
Low
689 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
676 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
699 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).
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 63 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.
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.
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 State Park is at 90159 Smith Falls Rd., about 12 miles east-northeast of Valentine and 3 miles southwest of Sparks, on the Niobrara River.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the visitor center lot on the north side of the river, then walk across the footbridge to the falls boardwalk.
Elevation
2,333 feet above sea level
Coordinates
42.887811° N, -100.315761° W
Land Management
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.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
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.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
The Niobrara Lodge
Harmony Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn Valentine
Raine Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include the Niobrara National Scenic River, Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, and the Cowboy Trail.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. The Niobrara River is also known for its diverse ecosystem.
Cities near Smith Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
LiDAR
Other waterfalls named Smith Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
Writing about Smith Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.