Explore Not 1 but 4 Waterfalls on Indiana’s Rugged 4 Falls Challenge at Clifty Falls State Park

If there's anything Hoosiers are great at, it's finding adventure even, in the unlikeliest of places. Fortunately, though, we don't have to look far to find an adventure in nature, because, as it turns out, Indiana's a hotbed of awesome activities, including some of the best hiking in the nation. With thousands of miles of amazing trails to choose from, opportunities for hikers of all ages and skill levels abound. Those who don't mind a bit of challenge may be particularly interested in the "4 Falls Challenge," which you can find at Clifty Falls State Park. The challenge consists of a relatively-rugged, 4-mile (one way) hike. To prove you've completed the mission, you must snap seven specific photos along the way. Your reward? An awesome sticker!

The challenge starts at the trailhead for Trail 4 (Hoffman Falls). Before you start, though, stop by the nature center to pick up the 4 Falls Challenge map. You can also download the map from the DNR website and print it at home before you head to the park. I'd also recommend downloading AllTrails Plus, so you can navigate the route using your phone's GPS as you hike.

Your first waypoint is Hoffman Falls. Hoffman Falls can be a little tough to see, especially if it's not at its fiercest. This amazing waterfall is an impressive 78-foot cascade that roars into a limestone bowl when it's at its best. A viewing platform is located above the falls to help with the perspective—don't forget to snap a photo. From Hoffman Falls, continue along Trail 4 until it meets up with Trail 5, then veer onto the latter. Along this path, you'll find a set of stairs leading to Lilly Memorial. You'll need a photo of the stairs from the bottom looking up.

Trail 5 will eventually approach an old tunnel that was started for a railroad, which was never built. The tunnel is closed due to rockslides, and the entrances are unstable, so don't approach the tunnel. You will, however, need a photo of one of the tunnel entrances—from a safe distance, of course. Shortly after, you'll arrive at your second waterfall, the namesake Tunnel Falls. At 83 feet, this is the tallest waterfall in the entire park. When it's fully roaring it's an incredible sight to behold. Linger for a moment, take the required photo, then follow Trail 5 to its intersection with Trail 6.

You'll follow Trail 6 to the Trail 7 Loop, which will take you to the last two falls and the final three waypoints of the challenge. Big Clifty Falls is 60 feet high, and following snowmelt or a good, solid rainstorm, you can hear it well before you see it. Little Clifty Falls is, interestingly, also 60 feet tall. Both are breathtaking, and it's no mystery why both waterfalls are such popular destinations. Don't forget to get photos of both, as well as one of the iconic Cake Rock, which sits between the two waterfalls at the the confluence of Clifty and Little Clifty creeks.

Once you've conquered the entire challenge, head back to the nature center with your seven photos to claim your sticker and bragging rights for completing the mission. (If the center is closed, email your photos to the address listed on the map, and the sticker will be mailed to you.)

For more information about the 4 Falls Challenge, be sure to visit the official Clifty Falls State Park website. Craving more adventures in Indiana? Check out some of the all-time best hiking trails in Indiana and add 'em all to your bucket list.