Clifty Falls Dog-Friendly Adventure: Hiking, Stairs & Sweet Memories With Jocco

A Staircase to Memories: Exploring Clifty Falls With My Favorite Travel Buddy

Some hikes are just hikes. Others become core memories. This was one of those days.

Jocco and I ventured to Clifty Falls State Park in southern Indiana—a destination known for its rugged terrain, cascading waterfalls, and … a serious number of stairs. Neither of us quite knew what we were getting into (I only knew it was dog-friendly), but this brave boy tackled every hill, step, and overlook like a champ.

We laughed, climbed, and jammed to tunes during rush hour traffic on the way home—his first-ever car wash included. Jocco was just happy to be along for the ride, windows down and tongue out.

📍 Location: Clifty Falls State Park, Madison, Indiana

🐾 Dog-Friendly: Yes, on-leash

🥾 Best For: Active hikers and energetic dogs

📸 Hidden Gem Tip: The stairs near Tunnel Falls offer incredible photo ops—especially at golden hour.

What to Know Before You Go

• Trails vary widely in difficulty—some are paved and mild, others include long wooden staircases and steep climbs. Trail 2, Trail 5, and Trail 7 are popular and scenic but expect elevation changes.
• Bring water for both of you. Trust me—you’ll need it.
• Cell service is spotty, so download a trail map ahead of time or grab one at the entrance.
• The park is open year-round and especially beautiful in late winter and early spring when the waterfalls are full and the trees aren’t yet blocking views.

Personal Highlights (and a Quick Laugh)

I’ll never forget Jocco’s reaction to the car wash—equal parts confusion and delight. We followed it up with a jam session in bumper-to-bumper traffic, windows down, volume up. It was one of those “we’re making the best of this” kind of moments… and honestly? Those are the best ones.

Also, fun fact: I thought I was ready for those stairs. I wasn’t. 😂

But we made it. And I’m proud of us both.

I recently started sharing how you can become a travel rep or agent—not just to get discounts and perks, but to actually build a flexible income stream around your adventures.

💡 Want to know how I save on trips —or how you can earn while traveling?

Let’s chat! Message me or leave a comment below if you’re curious.

I’ll gladly share how it works and help you get started if it feels like a fit.

Join the Journey

Have you hiked Clifty Falls or visited another hidden gem with your dog? I’d love to hear about it. Drop your favorite pet-friendly destination in the comments or tag me on social @WanderWithMeBlog.

And if you’re thinking,

“I want more days like this in my life,”

you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

Let’s wander, explore, and make memories that matter. One step (or stair) at a time.

📌 Resources for Your Trip

• Indiana State Parks Official Site – Clifty Falls Info
• AllTrails – Clifty Falls Trail Reviews