April 2021 • Nebraskaland 155
mith Falls water is cold. Really cold. If
you do nothing else for a vacation, take
a visit to this north-central Nebraska
destination in Cherry County on a hot, summer
weekend and watch the long line of tubers and
kayakers who take respite at the state's largest
waterfall. Then start to laugh.
Their reactions, whether they're visiting
for the fi rst time or repeating an annual
tradition, are always full of smiles. And there
is much coercing, and plenty of head shaking,
when considering whether they should allow
the water from the 70-foot fall to pour
on their faces.
The park, named after Frederic Smith who
fi led for the fi rst homestead patent on the
land that encompasses the falls, is split by
the Niobrara River. The south side, where the
falls are located, is maintained as a natural
area to prevent erosion and to protect plant
species. The north side, where you'll fi nd the
campground, remains one of Nebraska's most
scenic riverfront destinations.
People, young and old, venture up the wooden
walking trail to the falls. Their reactions are
infectious, and even better is the fact visitors
only remain for a short time.
You're allowed to witness the same enjoyable
expressions over and over, only to be left with
the mighty sounds of the raging waterfall
when the latest crowd disappears once again.
If you're feeling really froggy, try dipping
your own toes in the water, which remains
exhilarating all year long.
N
Nebraska's Iconic Waterfall
S
ABOVE: A spotted towhee along Jim MacAllister Nature Trail
at Smith Falls State Park.
JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
LEFT: Brad Feeken of Gretna, with his daughter, Rylinn,
play in the water beneath Smith Falls during their
summer vacation.
JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
