Smith Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smith Falls State Park |
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 Smith Falls State Park
Location in Nebraska
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| Location | Cherry County, Nebraska, United States | ||||||||||||||
| Nearest city | Valentine, Nebraska | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 265.5 acres (107.4 ha) | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 2,310 ft (700 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Designation | Nebraska state park | ||||||||||||||
| Established | 1992 | ||||||||||||||
| Administrator | Nebraska Game and Parks Commission | ||||||||||||||
| Website | Smith Falls State Park | ||||||||||||||
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Smith Falls is the tallest waterfall in Nebraska. It is 63 feet (19 meters) high. This amazing waterfall is the main attraction of Smith Falls State Park.
The park and falls are located about 12 miles (19 km) east of Valentine. They are also 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of Sparks. You can find them on the south side of the Niobrara River. To reach the falls, visitors cross a footbridge over the river. This bridge connects the north side of the park to the falls.
Contents
History of Smith Falls Park
The waterfall was first called Arikaree Falls. Later, it was named after Orrin B. Smith. He was a pioneer who settled in the Seven Creeks area in 1885. His step-son, Frederick Smith, claimed land here in 1889.
From Private Land to State Park
Fred Krzyzanowski bought the land in 1941. He added a picnic area and a campground. This made the falls even more popular with tourists.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission created Smith Falls State Park in 1992. They leased 250 acres (100 hectares) from the Krzyzanowski family. A new lease was signed in 2018, ensuring the park will stay open for many years.
The Historic Footbridge
In 1996, a special bridge was moved to the park. It was the historic Verdigre bridge. This bridge was rebuilt to become the footbridge that crosses the Niobrara River.
The bridge had a long journey. It was first used at the mouth of Verdigre Creek. Then, it moved to carry traffic on Highway 14 in the village of Verdigre. In 1991, it was taken apart. Finally, it was put back together as a 160-foot-long (49 m) iron bridge at Smith Falls State Park in 1996.
Nature at Smith Falls
The falls are fed by a short stream from a spring. This stream drops into a small canyon on the Niobrara River's south side. The canyon is narrow and protected from direct sunlight. This makes it much cooler than the land around it.
Unique Plants and Trees
Because it's so cool, special plants grow here. These plants are not usually found in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. The canyon is home to paper birch trees. It also has a rare mix of quaking aspen and bigtooth aspen trees.
Ice Age Survivors
About 10,000 years ago, during the Wisconsin glaciation (Ice Age), Nebraska was much colder. The climate was like a boreal forest, with trees like birches, spruces, and aspens. These trees are common in Canada today.
As the glaciers melted, the boreal forests moved north. They don't do well in hot, dry summers. But the cool canyons along the Niobrara River protected some of these trees.
Spruce trees did not survive in Nebraska. The closest ones are now in the Black Hills of South Dakota. However, small groups of paper birches and aspens are still here. They are safe in the cool, tiny climates (microclimates) of the canyons that lead to the Niobrara River.
Challenges for Plant Reproduction
The survival of these special trees is now threatened by warming temperatures. The paper birch trees around Smith Falls are not currently making new trees (reproducing). This means they might disappear soon.
Things to Do at Smith Falls State Park
Smith Falls State Park offers many fun activities. You can enjoy:
- Tent camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
