Smith Falls State Park
Niobrara National Scenic River, Nebraska · 2,375 ft
Typical peak
Sep 30 – Oct 8
low confidence in typical timing.
Best light
Best under flat overcast
Nebraska's tallest waterfall, a 63-foot spring-fed drop into a cool side canyon off the Niobrara. The canyon holds Ice Age relict paper birch and spruce left behind when the glaciers retreated, so the palette here is birch gold against dark conifer rather than the oak rust the rest of the state turns.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Crowds
high
Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.
Getting there
Cross the footbridge over the Niobrara from the Smith Falls State Park lot near Sparks, then follow the accessible boardwalk to the falls viewing platform. A Nebraska park permit is required.
What turns here
- paper birch
- aspen
- spruce
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 4Typical color progression for Smith Falls State Park. No change from Aug 27 to Sep 13. First color from Sep 13 to Sep 22. Approaching peak from Sep 22 to Sep 30. Peak from Sep 30 to Oct 8. Past peak from Oct 8 to Oct 18. Bare from Oct 18 to Nov 1.
Smith Falls State Park is typically at bare on Nov 1, 2026.
This season so far
First frost
None yet
No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.
Last 14 days
65°F / 45°F
Average daily high and low.
Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.
Plan the light
Smith Falls State Park on October 4, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:13 AM |
| Sunrise Rises E · 95° | 7:41 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 38 min of low, warm light | 8:19 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:30 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 38 min before sunset | 6:40 PM |
| Sunset Sets W · 265° | 7:18 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:46 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 11h 36m · computed from NOAA solar equations.
Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises E, sets W.
Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.