13 Fascinating Waterfalls in Indiana

Indiana is not known for its natural waterfalls, as it is a relatively flat state with no major mountain ranges or significant changes in elevation. However, don’t let anyone tell you that there are no waterfalls in Indiana. In our portfolio of natural spaces, we have several beautiful and family-friendly waterfalls in Indiana that are just a short drive away, mostly in the southern part of Indiana where the terrain is slightly more rugged.

We set off on a self-guided tour of waterfalls in Indiana with our kids and have seen some of the most amazing sights right here, close to home. This is definitely one of those activities that you’ll want to consider getting an Indiana State Parks pass for since several of the best waterfalls in Indiana reside within Indiana State Parks. Most of the waterfalls are within properties that require gate fees. If you’re wondering, “Are there hiking trails with waterfalls near me?” check out our Guide to Waterfalls in Indiana.

13 Fascinating Waterfalls in Indiana

I’ve seen more waterfalls in the past few weeks than I have in my entire life! When I shared photos of our adventures, my friends from out of town couldn’t believe I was sharing photos of waterfalls in Indiana. The great thing about doing a waterfalls tour is that there are so many different types to see. Some waterfalls are super tall with gushing waters, some are just a trickle but set against the most beautiful backdrops, some waterfalls are right off the road, and some are hidden at the end of long and unmarked trails. All are breathtaking in their own ways.

Best Time to Visit Waterfalls in Indiana

Waterfalls change moods with the weather. You can return to the same waterfall at different times of the year and see a completely different scene each time. An amazing sight to behold is a partially or completely frozen-over waterfall in the winter. Keep in mind, however, that some waterfalls in Indiana may also run dry in the summer.

Williamsport Falls

25 N Monroe Street, Williamsport, IN 47993

Williamsport Falls Features

Williamsport Falls is part of the Wabash River, which runs through the town of Williamsport. This is Indiana’s highest free-falling waterfall, plunging from a sandstone ledge, making it the tallest waterfall in Indiana. The falls can run dry in periods of no rain or snow but are especially beautiful in the spring when the water flow is highest. The waterfall drops about 90 feet over a series of rocky ledges and boulders, creating a beautiful cascading effect. Guests love visiting Williamsport Falls because they can swim at the base of the waterfall and walk underneath the sandstone ledge.

Hiking Difficulty to Williamsport Falls

The waterfall can be viewed from above from the parking lot, but to get the full experience put on some water shoes and take the short five-minute hike downhill to the creek. Walk up the creek to the waterfall where you can swim or explore behind the waterfall.

Parking and Restrooms at Williamsport Falls

Parking is right behind the fire station on a gravel road. There are no restrooms but it is very close to restaurants and shops. We stopped at a CVS 10 minutes away.

Cataract Falls

2605 N Cataract Road, Spencer, IN 47460

Cataract Falls Features

Cataract Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Owen County near the town of Spencer. The waterfall is actually two separate falls located a short distance apart from each other on Mill Creek, and together they make up the largest waterfall in Indiana by volume of water.  The Upper Falls of Cataract Falls drop 20 feet, while the Lower Falls drop 18 feet. There is also a scenic covered bridge as the backdrop of the Upper Falls.

Hiking Difficulty to Cataract Falls

The falls can be accessed via the Lieber State Recreation Area, which includes hiking trails, picnic areas, and fishing opportunities. The trails wind through a wooded area and over wooden bridges, offering stunning views of the falls from multiple vantage points. You can view the Upper Falls from the parking lot. The falls create a stepping-stone effect with giant boulders. After taking it in, take the trail along the riverbank to the Lower Falls. The trail is not flat and can be steep and narrow at times, but it is a doable mile with small children. You can also drive between the two falls.

Parking and Restrooms at Cataract Falls

There is a large paved parking lot at the Upper Falls next to a covered bridge picnic area, park, and restrooms.

McCormick’s Creek Falls

250 McCormick’s Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN 47460

McCormick’s Creek Falls Features

McCormick’s Creel Falls is a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by St. Louis Limestone and has a large creek to play in. It’s located within McCormick’s Creek State Park, with miles of gorgeous trails, and just 20 minutes from Cataract Falls (we did both in one day). The waterfall is a small cascade that drops about 10 feet over a series of rocky ledges and boulders, creating a beautiful, serene view. The falls are best viewed from a footbridge that spans the creek just downstream from the falls.

Hiking Difficulty to McCormick’s Creek Falls

There is a very tall staircase close to the parking area that leads down to the waterfall. Your shoes will get wet crossing on rocks to the other side to get close to the waterfall. In addition to the falls, the state park is also home to several other natural features, including the limestone cave formation of Wolf Cave.

Parking and Restrooms at McCormick’s Creek Falls

There is a small lot off the main road at the sign for the waterfall. If it is full, there is more parking about 50 yards away. The park has restrooms.

Falls at Salamonie River State Forest

5400 E Salamonie Forest Road, Largo, IN 46941

Salamonie River State Forest Falls Features

At Salamonie River State Forest, you can visit three waterfalls in very close proximity to one another. There are rock overhangs to view along the way and varying elevations to explore. The main waterfall in the forest is the Salamonie River Falls, which has about a 15-foot drop over a rocky ledge. The falls are located in a secluded area of the forest and can be accessed via a short hike along a wooded trail. While hiking the trail, you may also come across wildlife in the forested areas, such as deer and wild turkeys.

Hiking Difficulty to Salamonie River Falls

The trails are marked and there are maps, but it is still common for people to get lost. We weren’t sure we were going the right way, but to get down to one waterfall we had to basically slide down a very steep hill. It was pretty dangerous with a toddler! The Three Falls Trail is .33 miles but it connects to other trails.

Parking and Restrooms at Salamonie River Falls

There are several parking lots with one right next to the Three Falls Trail. There are restrooms in the park.

Kissing Falls in the Kokiwanee Nature Preserve

5825 E 50 S, Largo, IN 46941

Kissing Falls Features

The romantic Kissing Falls is one of three waterfalls within the Kokiwanee Nature Preserve. It’s only a five-minute drive to the Salamonie River State Forest (we visited both in one day). The waterfall trickles about 7 feet over a series of rocky ledges and boulders and creates a beautiful sight.

Hiking Difficulty to Kissing Falls

We cheated and parked near the boat ramp lot which opens up right to Kissing Falls (put Kissing Falls into GPS). The climb to the top of the waterfall and to the others can be dangerous, especially when muddy, but if the conditions are right you can walk behind the waterfall and on top of it. You could also hike the full (and much more difficult) 1.6-mile Kokiwanee Nature Preserve Trail from the main entrance.

Parking and Restrooms at Kissing Falls

There is the main parking lot and the boat ramp lot right next to Kissing Falls. Both are small but there is also street parking. Salamonie River State Forest is 5 minutes away and they have restroom facilities in the park.

France Park Waterfalls

4505 W US 24, Logansport, IN 46947

France Park Waterfall Features

The France Park waterfall is created by a stream that flows through the park and tumbles about 20 feet over a wall of exposed bedrock. The waterfall is located within France Park, which offers camping, disc golf, a beach with a floating water park, and even scuba diving! Limestone used to be mined at the Old Kenneth Stone Quarry until it became filled by spring water. Now, it’s a clear and natural lake surrounded by tall rocky cliff walls and is home to many species of freshwater aquatic life, where scuba divers can explore drowned mining equipment and search for Spoonbill Sturgeon.

Hiking Difficulty to France Park Waterfall

The waterfall is not far from the parking area. You could walk there in a couple of minutes. A 2.2-mile trail takes you past the waterfall as well as tall rock formations and a beach. There is also a 4-mile trail above the waterfall to explore.

Parking and Restrooms at France Park Waterfall

There is a parking lot, restrooms, and a picnic area close to the falls. In the summer when we went, there was also a concession stand near the beach with lunch items and drinks.

Thistlethwaite Falls

65 Waterfall Road, Richmond, IN 47374

Thistlethwaite Falls Waterfall Features

The Thistlethwaite Falls waterfall is known as the Niagra Falls of Indiana or the Richmond, Indiana Waterfall. It’s a man-made waterfall with a large, shallow base, created by the Whitewater River as it flows over rocky ledges and drops about 25 feet. It’s the perfect place for kids to splash around and skip rocks and it’s certainly one of the most fun waterfalls in Indiana.

Hiking Difficulty to Thistlethwaite Falls

There is a short trail that leads to the top of the falls and a stairway that leads to the base. The trail is part of a larger 3.5-mile Whitewater Gorge Trail that passes a bird sanctuary, several bridges, shale vertical cliffs, and a dam.

Parking and Restrooms at Thistlethwaite Falls

There is parking next to the bridge at the top of the falls. There are restrooms in Springwood Park located across the street.

Big Clifty Falls

2221 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN 47250

Big Clifty Falls Waterfall Features

One of four waterfalls in Clifty Falls State Park, Big Clifty Falls is 60 feet of cascading, rolling water that drops down stair-like rock formations. This is one of the best places to see southern Indiana waterfalls.

Hiking Difficulty to Big Clifty Falls

There is a Clifty Falls overlook by Trail 7. You can put together a combination of several different trails depending on what else you want to see, ranging from moderately rugged to very rugged. Many people camp in Clifty Falls State Park and hit all of the waterfalls and several trails.

Parking and Restrooms at Big Clifty Falls

There is a parking lot and there are restrooms near the Clifty Falls trails.

Silver Cascade Falls

7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989

Silver Cascade Falls Waterfall Features

Silver Cascade Falls is a picturesque waterfall found along Sugar Creek in Shades State Park among sandstone cliffs and shady ravines. Silver Cascade Falls is one of two notable waterfalls in Shades State Park, created from Sand Creek and flowing over a 20-foot drop.

Hiking Difficulty to Silver Cascade Falls

The waterfall can be accessed via a short hike along the park’s trail system, which winds through a scenic wooded area and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can view the waterfall from several vantage points along the trail, including a bridge that crosses over the creek below the falls. Trail 1 is .75 miles and travels through the ravine creek bed to the cascades along Sugar Creek near Canoe Island. This trail passes the famous Devil’s Punchbowl (also accessible from Turkey Run State Park).

Parking and Restrooms at Silver Cascade Falls

There is parking and restrooms next to the start of Trail 1.

Hemlock Falls at Hemlock Cliffs

National Forest Rd, English, IN 47118

Hemlock Cliffs Waterfall Features

Hemlock Cliffs is a box canyon with sandstone rock formations and ravines. The best time to visit the waterfall is after periods of lots of rain, otherwise, there will be little to no falling water. We’ve seen some photos of water frozen over coming down the cliff in the winter which would also be an amazing sight to behold.

Hiking Difficulty for Hemlock Falls

The Hemlock Cliffs offer a one to two-hour hiking experience in the US National Forest. You’ll want to dress to get muddy and wear footwear for slippery and muddy paths.

Parking and Restrooms at Hemlock Cliffs Falls

From Governors Trace, turn right on Hatfield Road and continue to the entrance to Hemlock Cliffs on the left. Drive 2.1 miles to the trailhead. There are no restrooms or water available.

Strahl Lake Spillway

1405 State Road 46 West, Nashville, IN 47448

Strahl Lake Spillway Features

This Indiana waterfall is created by the spillway of Strahl Lake, which is a man-made lake in peaceful Brown County State Park. Strahl Lake Spillway waterfall drops about 10 feet over rocky ledges and boulders, creating a beautiful spot for guests to watch a tranquil scene. The waterfall is best viewed from the top of the spillway, where visitors can see the water rushing over the rocks and into a small pool below.

Hiking Difficulty to Strahl Lake Spillway

After an initial 50-step climb from the parking lot, the rest of Strahl Lake Trail 6 is a moderately rugged but generally flat three-quarter-mile loop that takes you around Strahl Lake. There is so much to explore in the state park, including the nature center which can be accessed via a connected path halfway through the hike.

Parking and Restrooms at Strahl Lake Spillway Waterfall

There is a parking lot and restrooms next to Strahl Lake Trail 6.

The Falls on Fall Creek

460 Falls Park Drive, Pendleton, IN 46064

The Falls on Fall Creek Features

The Falls on Fall Creek are at the heart of the expansive Falls Park in Pendleton that features nature trails, a playground, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a historical museum, and more. The Falls on Fall Creek are short waterfalls, but one is the width of the entire creek and has been the scenic focal point of Pendleton for nearly two centuries.

Hiking Difficulty to the Falls on Fall Creek

There are lots of walking paths around and bridges over the man-made Falls at Fall Creek. You can view the falls from the parking lot, just 10 yards away. Or, enjoy 3.5 miles of walking, running, and bicycling trails traversing the park.

Parking and Restrooms at the Falls on Fall Creek

There is ample parking and restrooms next to the falls.

Anderson Falls

3201 N 1140 County Road E, Hartsville, IN 47244

Anderson Falls Features

Anderson Falls, dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 2004, is nestled within Bartholomew County Park in Hartsville. The waterfall cascades down to a limestone bed. The waterfall is only 12 feet high, but it is 100 feet across and is known to freeze over in very cold weather.

Hiking Difficulty to Anderson Falls

The falls is right alongside the road and it is very easy to get to the base of the falls. An easy .8-mile loop trail past it takes about 18 minutes to complete. The trail is great for birding, fishing, and hiking. There is a river crossing at the beginning of the trail so prepare to get wet!

Parking and Restrooms at Strahl Lake Spillway Waterfall

There is a parking lot across the road but no restrooms.

What to Bring to the Waterfalls

Start preparing for your own tour of waterfalls in Indiana! Always print or screenshot directions and trail maps. Signal strength was not reliable in some areas. Pack snacks, water, sunscreen, water shoes, a change of clothes, towels, wipes, trash bags, and money for parking at the state parks. And don’t forget to bring your dog! As long as they stay on a leash, they are welcome on most of the trails. *Please keep in mind that bathroom and trail availability is not guaranteed.

Map of Waterfalls in Indiana Near Me

This Indiana waterfalls map will help you find waterfalls in Indiana near you.

Are you excited to set off on your own tour of waterfalls in Indiana? If you love hiking and getting up close with nature, check out the hiking/biking trails in Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Westfield, Hancock County, and Morgan County. There are plenty of parks and paths to discover. Or, go for a few days and camp at some of the state’s best campgrounds.

Have you visited any waterfalls in Indiana? Share your best comments and pictures of Indiana waterfalls with us below or tag us on social media using #PLAYindy. Follow Indy with Kids on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest for all of the best ideas and things to do with kids in Indy!

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