Follow the Indiana Waterfall Trail

These sixteen Indiana waterfalls prove there is more than cornfields and farms in Indiana! Throughout the state, limestone quarries, ravines, cliffs, and geological wonders have formed some of the most beautiful falls and cascades. Many have historical stories behind them and are landmines for fossil hunting and exploring.

Have fun going on a hike to chase a waterfall, creek-stomp with the kids, or maybe just enjoy a relaxing scenic view from an observation deck.

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Anderson Falls

Anderson Falls is located in Bartholomew County, near Columbus, Indiana. It is around 14 feet of cascading falls, around 100 feet wide. You won’t have a walk far to see the falls, it’s very accessible. The Falls are located directly off of a public road in a 44-acre State Nature Preserve and managed by the Bartholomew County Parks Department. Park across the street in the parking lot. Two hiking trails and vaulted toilets are nearby.

Things to do nearby: Ultimate {free} Art Tour Guide for Columbus, Indiana, Guide to Visiting Brown County State Park, Indiana’s Largest Tenderloin at the Edinburgh Diner

Calli Nature Preserve, Rock Rest Falls

1200 North Private Road 40 East, North Vernon, IN

The Calli Nature Preserve in Southeast Indiana has a 1.9-mile loop public trail to Rock Rest Falls. The path to get down to the falls is steep but you can get a great view of the waterfall from the top of the hill. There is a gravel pull-off for parking at the beginning of the trail. (There is also a nearby waterfall in Muscatatuck Park, 325 North State Highway 3, North Vernon, IN 47265)

Things to do nearby: Ultimate {free} Art Tour Guide for Columbus, Indiana , Spend a Day in Madison, Indiana

Cataract Falls

There are two waterfalls located in the Cataract Falls State Recreational Area, the Upper and Lower Falls. Cataract Falls are the largest falls by volume (in the state) and are one mile apart from each other along Mill Creek. If you have an Indiana State Park Pass, you can use it to enter the Recreational Area. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, and camping available in this area.

Things to do nearby: Spend a Day in Hendricks County, Indiana, 6 Ways to Experience Indiana in Hendricks County, A Day Trip Itinerary to Terre Haute

 Charlestown State Park

Trail 6 is a rugged 2.3-mile trail at Charlestown State Park that runs along the top of a river bluff. It crosses a bridge that looks over a natural waterfall. Trail 2 also offers views of several small cascading falls, it is a moderate 1.4-mile loop.

Things to do nearby: Spend a Day in Madison, Indiana

Clifty Falls State Park

There are 4 waterfalls at Clifty Falls State Park, and they are best seen December through June, when they are fully-cascading.  Big Clifty Falls and Little Clifty Falls are 60’ in height, Hoffman Falls is 78′ in height, and Tunnel Falls is 83′ in height. Trail 4 is very rugged but is the shortest trail to the best view from the waterfall overlook, it is 0.75-miles with a steep staircase. You’ll be able to catch views of the falls, from near and far, on Trails 4, 5, 7, and 8.

Things to do nearby: Spend a Day in Madison, Indiana, Cincinnati Weekend Getaway -Airbnb, Art, Coffee Roasting, Sotto & More!

Falls Park

Falls Park is a small city park in Pendleton, a mild waterfall flows over Falls Creek by an old mill stream. A footbridge crosses the waterfall and trails surround a forested area. This is a recreational area with picnicking, a playground, creek-stomping, a public pool, a free library, and a sports complex. It is within walking distance of the adorable downtown Pendleton and several eateries and local coffee shops.

Things to do nearby: Things To Do in Henry County, Indiana, Explore Indiana’s Garfield Trail,

 France Park

4505 US-24, Logansport, IN 4

A small, yet scenic waterfall can be found in France Park, an outdoor recreation park in Logansport (North Central Indiana).  France Park offers camping, a swimming quarry, scuba diving, fishing, mini-golf, biking, and hiking. A 1.4-mile loop around the park leads to the small waterfall cascading off of a cliff that feeds into Elzbeck Lake.

Things to do nearby: 9 Things to Do in Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana

Hathaway Preserve At Ross Run

1866 E Baumbauer Rd, Wabash, IN

An easy 1.6-mile loop trail at Hathaway Preserve takes you to a gorgeous gorge with 75′ cliffs and cascading falls, rock beds, and fossils.

Things to do nearby: A Stay at Old Oak Inn in Marion, Indiana, Explore Indiana’s Garfield Trail, Spend a Weekend in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Kokiwanee Nature Preserve

5825 E 50 S, Lagro, IN 46941

This waterfall is located in Wabash County, in the Kokiwannee Nature Preserve. A 1.6-mile loop in the preserve, along the Salamonie River, passes the falls and river. The signal for cell phone coverage is spotty here, so have a map downloaded prior to hiking.

Things to do nearby: A Stay at Old Oak Inn in Marion, Indiana, Explore Indiana’s Garfield Trail, Spend a Weekend in Fort Wayne, Indiana

McCormick’s Creek State Park

250 McCormick Creek Park Rd, Spencer, IN 47460

Trail 3 at McCormick’s Creek State Park leads to a small waterfall. It’s a 0.7-mile loop from the Canyon Inn to the falls, but it can be treacherous! Bring a pair of water shoes and be prepared to possibly get wet and go off-trail a bit as it takes you through the creek bed. To avoid this, go from the parking lot to the falls. There are several stairs to climb to get to the falls.

Things to do nearby: Spend a Day in Hendricks County, Indiana, 6 Ways to Experience Indiana in Hendricks County, A Day Trip Itinerary to Terre Haute, How to Spend a Day in Franklin, Indiana

Nine Penny Branch State Nature Preserve

3019 Tunnel Mill Rd #3143, Charlestown, IN 47111

The Nine Penny Branch State Nature Preserve has a 1-mile trail that leads to small waterfalls, limestone beds, and a shallow stream. Bring waterproof shoes, there is no bridge to cross the stream when the water is heavy. There is a shorter, ADA 1/3-mile trail to an overlook.

Things to do nearby: Spend a Day in Madison, Indiana

Thistlethwaite Falls

Thistlewaite Falls is one of our favorite local waterfalls, and it’s great for creek-stomping and fossil finds. It is part of the Whitewater Gorge Park trail and is located across the street from Springwood Park.

Things to do nearby: 10 Free Places to Play in Richmond, Indiana, Places to Explore in Richmond, Indiana, Natural Springs Resort; An Ohio Camping Destination, Where to Eat in Richmond, Indiana, Luxury Lofts on Main in Cambridge City, Indiana

Salamonie River State Forest

5124 County Rd 100 S, Lagro, IN 46941

Salamonie River Falls can be found on the Three Rivers Trail in the Salamonie River State Forest. The trail is 0.33-miles in length and has scenic views of 3 waterfalls. This is a heavily wooded area, so bring bug spray, check for ticks often, and be aware of your surroundings when it comes to wildlife.

Things to do nearby: A Stay at Old Oak Inn in Marion, Indiana, Explore Indiana’s Garfield Trail, Spend a Weekend in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Shades State Park, Silver Cascade Falls

Trail #1 at Shades State Park is a 0.8-mile loop to Silver Cascades. It’s a moderately difficult trail through a creek bed that begins at Devil’s Punchbowl. Stairs are involved on this hike. The cascades are a bit difficult to see as the view is from the top of the waterfall.

Things to do nearby: A Day Trip Itinerary to Terre Haute, 6 Ways to Experience Indiana in Hendricks County

Spring Mill State Park

There are several spring-fed waterfalls in Spring Mills State Park. You can find a waterfall at the entrance to the lower level of Twin Cave on Trail 3 and at Donaldson Cave on Trail 4.

Things to do nearby: Guide to Visiting Indiana’s French Lick Resort, Guide to Visiting Brown County State Park

Williamsport Falls

Williamsport Falls claims to be the highest free-falling waterfall in the state. The falls are located in town and easy to find, its cascade falls 90 feet and can be viewed from the parking lot. Better views can be found walking just a few steps to the observation platform. To the best view, take the steep gravel trail down to the falls for creep stomping and going behind the falls.

Things to do nearby: A Day Trip Itinerary to Terre Haute, 6 Ways to Experience Indiana in Hendricks County

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