Summary
Indiana boasts small mountainous landscapes featuring numerous cliffs that give rise to beautiful waterfalls.
Although the state is home to over 22 different waterfalls, we have curated a selection of the top 15 that visitors should consider exploring when in the area.
Each waterfall presents a unique spectacle, whether sculpted by natural forces or human intervention, and they promise to leave a lasting impression.
1. Big Clifty Falls
Big Clifty Falls ranks among four waterfalls situated within Clifty Falls State Park in Indiana.
The hiking trail covers a 3.4-mile round trip along a looped pathway.
This route descends with an elevation loss of 280 feet.
Pet owners may bring their dogs to revel in the splendid natural scenery.
Big Clifty Falls features a mesmerizing 60-foot drop, characterized by cascading water flowing over stair-step rock formations.
Additional waterfalls lie along this trail, detailed below, but Clifty Falls is the first to greet hikers along the route.
2. Little Clifty Falls
Little Clifty Falls, standing at 60 feet, defies its name as it resides within Clifty Falls State Park.
The same trail leading to Big Clifty Falls continues onward to reveal this magnificent cascade.
Unlike cascading falls, Little Clifty Falls plunges straight down the mountainside.
In the winter months, both waterfalls can form a striking sheet of ice, providing a captivating view.
3. Hoffman and Tunnel Falls
Hoffman and Tunnel Falls are also located within Clifty Falls State Park, accessible via the aforementioned 3.4-mile hiking trail.
To follow the loop, hikers should take Trail 5, which connects Little Clifty Falls to Tunnel Falls and then Hoffman Falls.
Tunnel Falls is named for the historic railroad tunnel situated in the vicinity and is renowned for its exquisite beauty.
Along Trail 5, wooden steps appear hidden among boulders, leading into a small cave known as Brough’s Folly.
Though the cave remains unfinished, it opens up to Tunnel Falls, which, at 83 feet, is the tallest waterfall in the park.
Hoffman Falls descends 78 feet down a limestone hillside.
Hikers can approach the base of the falls for an exceptional perspective.
4. Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls are situated within the Lieber State Recreation Area.
Fed by Mill Creek, these falls boast the highest flow rate, despite not being the tallest in the state.
The layout includes both upper and lower waterfalls.
The upper waterfall is 30 feet tall, while the lower waterfall stands at approximately 15 feet.
Visitors must pay an entrance fee to access the park, followed by a brief hike across the bridge spanning Mill Creek to view the waterfalls.
The two falls are located roughly a mile apart.
Cataract Falls create a stunning stepping stone effect with large boulders.
Many people refer to the lower falls as the Cataract Cascades.
Mill Creek, which flows downstream from lower Cataract Falls, leads to Cagles Mill Lake.
Access to the falls is available from the nearby towns of Cunot or Cataract along State Road 243.
5. France Park Falls
France Park Falls are located in France Park in Cass County, near Logansport, Indiana.
The park is developed around an existing rock quarry.
It remains uncertain whether the waterfall existed prior to the park’s establishment or if the mining operations altered the river’s course to create it.
The creek flows through underground tunnels before cascading down 15 feet into a pool.
Visitors to the park may enjoy 5 to 7 miles of trails, as well as activities such as camping and fishing—there is even a disc golf course.
Although swimming is prohibited at the waterfall, the adjacent lake offers a variety of water activities suitable for families.
6. Muscatatuck Falls
Muscatatuck Falls are situated within Muscatatuck Park in Jennings County.
These falls are nourished by the Muscatatuck River, and hikers may follow the river trail originating at Vinegar Mill.
The initial waterfall encountered is Canyon Creek Falls, notable for its broad expanse and a series of stepping stones that create a tiered waterfall effect.
Muscatatuck Falls present a plunging style, sourced from a limestone spring.
Reaching Muscatatuck Falls entails approximately two miles along the river trail, initiated at North Vernon, Indiana.
7. Silver Cascades
Silver Cascades are a key feature of Shades State Park.
This park hosts two significant waterfalls, including Silver Cascades, located along Sugar Creek.
Near Silver Cascades, visitors will find the charming Canoe Island in the middle of Sugar Creek.
The park’s trail system is comprehensive, providing multiple parking areas and trailheads.
Hikers can choose Trail One to see these falls or Trail Two for a glimpse of Maidenhair Falls.
Additional notable attractions within the park include Lover’s Leap and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.
Convenient parking near Trail One facilitates a brief yet pleasurable hike to the cascades.
8. Salamonie River Falls
Salamonie River Falls is located within the Salamonie River State Forest.
The park’s establishment in the 1930s was aimed at restoring eroded land.
This expansive forest encompasses a recreation area and a stone quarry.
Hominy Ridge Lake and a stone shelter house are also located here.
Visitors can explore over 850 acres of the area or take the 3 Falls Trail directly to Salamonie River Falls.
Numerous cascades can be viewed along the trail; however, Salamonie River Falls stands out as the most impressive.
It is important to note the rich wildlife in the park and to proceed with caution.
Skiing is allowed in the winter months, though the falls are most breathtaking once the snow has melted.
9. McCormick Creek Falls
McCormick Creek Falls are found along McCormick Creek in McCormick Creek State Park.
To reach these falls, hikers should navigate Trail 3 from the Saddle Barn.
A highlight of the journey includes viewing the renowned St. Louis Limestone found surrounding the falls and river.
While parking is available at the trailhead, spaces are limited, so early arrival is advisable.
The state park, established in 1916, has a rich history extending over a century.
10. Kokiwanee Falls
Kokiwanee Falls is situated within the Kokiwanee Nature Preserve, a protected area established by a land trust.
This preserve spans 139.5 acres in Wabash County.
The total length of the trail, which encompasses the waterfall, is 4.6 miles.
This challenging trail features rocky terrain, making it a strenuous hike.
Salamonie River is the source of the waterfall, and visitors may encounter wildlife, such as ducks, blue herons, and bald eagles, particularly near the streams and river.
11. Hemlock Cliffs Waterfalls
Hemlock Cliffs is located in southern Indiana, surrounded by sandstone formations and alongside a canyon adorned with lush flora.
The cliffs give rise to a waterfall that plunges into the river below.
The hiking path spans roughly one mile to the falls, and hikers can return via a loop route leading back to the parking area.
12. Williamsport Falls
Williamsport Falls, recognized as the second highest waterfall in the state, is located near Williamsport.
This waterfall plunges 90 feet and is part of the Fall Creek Branch.
Despite its height, the flow is often modest, making it prone to drying out during certain times of the year, though it becomes particularly impressive during snowmelt.
Fall Creek winds through the town before progressing toward an area previously used for railroad construction.
Due to varying weather conditions and landscape changes, the waterfall’s reliability has diminished compared to the 19th century.
13. Deadman Falls
Deadman Falls is another intermittent waterfall located in Hanover, Indiana.
This location is owned by a local educational institution and is readily accessible via a path from the campus that leads into the adjacent woodland.
The water cascades through a gorge that features multiple waterfalls along the hiking route.
Additonally, Butler Falls, Chain Mills Falls, and Fremont Falls can be enjoyed along the same river and gorge area, providing ample scenic beauty for nature enthusiasts seeking a respite from their studies.
Hikers have discovered fossils while exploring the gorge.
14. Rock Rest Falls
Rock Rest Falls can be found in close proximity to Jennings County, Indiana.
This waterfall cascades into a rocky area below; however, details regarding its height and source remain unspecified.
Its popularity makes it an easily locatable destination for those seeking directions from locals.
Rock Rest Falls is part of the Calli Nature Preserve.
15. Anderson Falls
Anderson Falls is located within the Anderson Falls Park State Nature Preserve.
This waterfall is part of Clifty Creek along the fall fork.
The preserve is conveniently situated not far from Columbus, within Bartholomew County, just outside of Newbern.
The cascades are modest, measuring a little over ten feet in height.
Located alongside the road, parking is readily available, allowing for a brief walk to experience the falls up close.
