Smith Falls — Valentine, NE

Smith Falls was part of our October 2024 Nebraska trip, when we also walked a section of the Cowboy Trail near Valentine. The fall weather made it a particularly good time to be there. The park sits along the Niobrara National Scenic River and is home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall, which drops more than 60 feet into a shaded canyon. 

We enjoyed the walk to the falls, the fall colors, and just having time to slow down and take in the area. Along the way we also ran across the Nichols Landing sign, which naturally felt like it had been put there for us. Sometimes the odd little things you find along the road become just as memorable as the destination itself.

Smith Falls turned out to be one of those stops that was easy to enjoy without trying to make too much of it — cool weather, a waterfall, fall color, and one very appropriately named sign.

We’ve also written about Fishberry Campground near Valentine.