Smith Falls Trail

Nebraska’s tallest waterfall drops 63 feet over a moss-covered sandstone cliff, fed by Minnechaduza Creek as it cuts through the Niobrara valley. The trail starts from a small parking area and follows a well-maintained boardwalk through diverse riparian forest — a shocking contrast to the surrounding sandhills grassland. Wooden bridges cross the creek multiple times before reaching the falls viewpoint.

The trailhead is signed from Highway 12, then 2.8 miles south on a good gravel road. Park fills up on summer weekends but weekdays are usually quiet. No facilities at the trailhead except a vault toilet. Boardwalk can be icy in winter.

Nebraska's tallest waterfall via easy boardwalk.