Smith Falls State Park

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance through the Nebraska State Parks reservation system.

About

Smith Falls State Park is home to Nebraska's highest waterfall, a 63-foot spring-fed cascade that flows into the Niobrara National Scenic River. The 250-acre park offers basic tent camping on the north side of the river, making it an ideal base for paddlers, anglers, and hikers. A historic truss bridge provides access to the falls and the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail, which showcases the unique convergence of diverse ecological systems in this area, including rare populations of paper birch and aspen trees typically found much farther north. The campground features primitive campsites with picnic tables, restrooms, and pay showers. The park is a popular destination for canoeists, kayakers, and tubers exploring the scenic Niobrara River. While the campground itself is located on the north side with vehicle access, the falls are accessed via footbridge and hiking trail. The park's location along the National Scenic River makes it a convenient stopping point for multi-day float trips.

Directions

Smith Falls State Park is about 12 miles east-northeast of Valentine, Nebraska, and 3 miles southwest of Sparks. Due to bridge construction through May 23, 2025, visitors from Valentine should detour by taking US-83 north, then using county roads Whitetail Road, Nolett Road, and 906 Road before returning to highway N-12. Access to the falls is via a footbridge from the north side of the park.

Nearby Campgrounds