Indiana is a state filled with beautiful canyons and towering cliffs. Despite having the features of flat topography, it is pretty surprising to find so many gorgeous waterfalls here. Some believe Fremont Falls, with 108 feet drop, located in a private property in Hanover, to be the state’s tallest waterfalls. In contrast, others think that Williamsport Falls, cascading from a height of 90 feet to be the highest free-falling waterfall. The state also houses several other waterfalls with scenic surroundings that will undoubtedly leave you captivated once you witness them.
Located within Cass County’s France Park, this pretty little waterfall pours over a rocky wall into a shallow pool. Its natural setting and soothing sound will take no time to make you feel relaxed.
Swimming isn’t permissible, but you can enjoy water activities in the park’s lake.
You need to pay $ 5 per person as an entry fee. Also, as it is a pet-friendly area, you can come along with your dogs.
Nearest City: Approximately 4 miles from Logansport
Hiking & Other Activities: Since it is near the parking lot, a short walk will bring you to this waterfall. But hiking enthusiasts need not be disappointed as there are several exciting trails inside the park. In addition, here you will also find camp areas, a lake, a golf course, a swim beach, playgrounds, and many more.
Inside the Salamonie River State Forest, you will find this waterfall below the Salamonie Dam. Being a seasonal one, you need to come here in the rainy season to watch it cascade. Wildflowers blooming in the area make it even more picturesque. You will also get to see some birds and animals around. The Hominy Ridge Shelter House, within the state forest area, has a shelter house and timber and stone picnic tables.
Nearest City: About 3.5 miles from Lagro
Hiking & Other Activities: The trail to this waterfall is about 1.5 miles long and can be pretty muddy. There are a few more small waterfalls and other trails around. You will also find a primitive campground and hunting areas within the forest area. During winters, one could also ski along the surrounding regions, though the place is at its best just after the cold months after the snow melts.
This waterfall in the Kokiwanee Nature Preserve gets its waters from the Salomonie River. The colorful wildflowers and lush greenery around make the place extremely photogenic. It would be best to visit the otherwise trickling waterfall after heavy rain to see it in a better flow. Birdwatchers, too, can enjoy the sight of several birds flying overhead.
The site in which the waterfall pours was earlier a Girls’ Scout Camp area but later acquired by the ACRES Land Trust in 2003.
Nearest City: About 3.5 miles from Lagro
Hiking & Other Activities: You will find the trails unmarked as the routes keep changing to restore the natural areas. However, you can check the website for the latest trail maps. There are other scenic trails as well, and the place is an ideal one for nature lovers.
Within Clifty Falls State Park, this waterfall cascades from a height of 60 feet. The ideal time to see it in its impressive state is in spring and winter. Watching it flow in steps at the beginning and then drop into the pool below is a sight to behold. Taking Trail 2, you can reach the waterfall base, but it is impassable if the creek’s water level is high.
You need to spend $ 7 as an entrance fee if you are an Indiana resident and $ 9 if you’re a non-resident. Your furry friend can come with you as it is a pet-friendly area but don’t forget to leash them.
Nearest City: About 2 miles from Madison
Hiking & Other Activities: The hiking can be challenging because of the rugged trail with many steps. There are handicap accessible paths to the fall as well. Apart from this, you will find other waterfalls and hiking trails, an inn, a campground, and a swimming pool within the park.
Next to the Big Clifty Falls, you will find Little Clifty Falls. It is not as little as its name, flowing from a height of 60 feet. The foliage surrounding it provides a breathtaking view. If visiting in winter, the frozen state of the waterfall is sure to impress you.
You can also expect to see numerous wildlife species in the area, including white-tailed deer and several birds.
Nearest City: About 2 miles from Madison
Hiking & Other Activities: You can take Trail 7 to have easy access to the waterfall. If you’re a nature lover and wish to extend your stay, consider putting up at the nearby campground. There is an inn nearby where you can fill your stomach and simultaneously enjoy the views of the surrounding.
These are the other two significant waterfalls within Clifty Falls State Park. Cascading from a limestone ledge from a height of 78 feet, the Hoffman Falls appears stunning. Unfortunately, the surrounding foliage is dense. You would be lucky if you get a clear view of the waterfall when visiting in season.
The Tunnel Falls, the largest among the four waterfalls with a height of 83 feet, is no less gorgeous. On your way, you will also come across the historic Brough’s Folly, an unfinished railroad tunnel built in the mid-1800s.
Nearest City: About 2 miles from Madison
Hiking & Other Activities: Hiking along the 5.5-mile loop trail will bring you to the waterfalls. It would be helpful to take a trail map with you as most of the routes lack distinct markings.
It lies within Muscatatuck County Park in Jennings County and gets its source from the Muscatatuck River. It pours from a limestone ledge into the natural caverns. But you can’t enter the caves as it remains closed to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a harmful infection that kills bats. But, the view itself of the stunning falls will keep you hooked here for hours.
Nearest City: About 1.5 miles from Vernon
Hiking & Other Activities: From North Vernon, you can take the river trail at Vinegar Mill about 2 miles long. There is another waterfall nearby, named Canyon Creek Falls. Apart from this, you can enjoy a wide range of activities in the park, from birdwatching to kayaking.
This scenic waterfall is a part of Indiana’s oldest state park, McCormick Creek State Park. The St. Louis Limestone Canyon and wildflowers surrounding the waterfall make it an extremely photogenic spot. In winter, the sight becomes more magnificent when the snow covers the waterfall and icicles hang from the cliff.
Nearest City: About 15 miles from Bloomington
Hiking & Other Activities: To visit this waterfall, you need to hike along Trail 3 or McCormick’s Creek Falls Trail, which is about a mile long and begins from Canyon Inn. Though a short hike, it can be challenging due to its rugged nature. Besides this, there are other trails and canyons that you can explore. For staying places, you can either camp in the designated campsites or stay in Canyon Inn.
The Hemlock Cliffs, in which you will find waterfalls flowing, is an absolute gem in Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana. After heavy rain, you will witness two distinct waterfalls that provide spectacular beauty. Bring your cameras to capture them as they look stunning from every angle. The box canyon and lush canopy of beautiful tall trees elevate its beauty.
Nearest City: About 7 miles from Eckerty
Hiking & Other Activities: It is a one-mile hike to the waterfall, and parts of the trail are steep. It’s an enjoyable hike with several rocks and cliffs on your way. Your dogs, too, can accompany you.
Situated in a gorge on the Hangover College campus, you will find the Deadman Falls flowing throughout the year. Fed by the Deadman Creek, it plunges from a height of about 30 feet.
You can also notice the fossil formations in the gorge. The Horseshoe Falls nearby is another beauteous location to visit.
Nearest City: About 1.5 miles from Hanover
Hiking & Other Activities: To reach the cascades, you need to hike along the trail that traverses into the gorge. Then, you have to cross the rocky creek bed upstream to get to the waterfall finally.
Inside the Calli Nature Preserve in Jennings County, you will find Rock Rest Falls. Nature lovers will enjoy soaking in the sights and sounds of the woods where the waterfall cascades. You will get a breathtaking view of it from the top of the cliff. However, getting to its base could get challenging due to the steep, slippery rocks.
Nearest City: About 2.5 miles from North Vernon
Hiking & Other Activities: There is no trail as such since the waterfall is near the road.
This pretty waterfall flows from a low height of about 12 feet but spans the rock ledge for about 100 feet. You will be able to get a lovely view from the paved area and get to its base to view it from a different angle. You can also go behind the falls, where the waters have formed small cave-like formations. Due to its location near Columbus, it is a favorite place for those seeking peace and relaxation for some time.
Nearest City: About 16.5 miles from Columbus
Hiking & Other Activities: Since it is near the parking lot, you don’t need to hike the short distance. However, there are other trails available for those who wish to explore the beautiful surrounding.
Divided into upper and lower sections, Cataract Falls are the largest in terms of volume. Found in Lieber State Recreation Area in west-central Indiana, you will find the upper cascade flowing from a height of 30 feet. Half a mile apart, the lower one flows from a height of 15 feet. There is a historic red-covered bridge at the back of the upper falls.
As they cascade with high volumes, you can visit here any time of the year. For a picturesque view, you can come here in the fall season, when the orange and yellow hues of the foliage provide a magnificent backdrop to the waterfalls. Of course, picnicking here would be an excellent option.
The recreation area charges $ 7 from Indiana residents, while the non-residents need to pay $ 9.
Nearest City: About 50 miles from Indianapolis
Hiking & Other Activities: You will find one main trail that connects both the waterfalls. Though a short hike, it is a pretty rugged one. There is a campground in the area for those who wish to spend the night here. Apart from boating and swimming in Cagles Mill Lake, you will also find an Aquatic Centre where you can have a lovely time with your family.
Cascading from a sandstone ledge from a mighty height of 90 feet, Williamsport Falls is the state’s highest free-falling waterfall. If visiting after rainfall, you can hear its roaring sound from the parking lot itself. Once you come here, its gorgeous view from the top is sure to take your breath away. Head down to the waterfall base to have a great time swimming or even getting behind it to experience the refreshing mist sprinkling on you.
Nearest City: Approximately 3.5 miles from Attica
Hiking & Other Activities: The waterfall, located next to the parking lot, requires a short walk. However, if you wish to hike, you can follow the Williamsport Falls Loop Trail, accessible by hikers of any skill level. It’s a short hike and will bring you to the top of the waterfall.
Part of the Shades State Park, Silver Cascades flows along Sugar Creek. You can get an incredible view of it from Lover’s Leap, an observation spot located on the adjoining cliff. Unlike other concave waterfalls, this unique waterfall plunges down the rock ledge in a convex formation.
You can get several viewpoints of it, each being different from the other.
Nearest City: About 17 miles of Crawfordsville
Hiking & Other Activities: You can hike the Devil Punchbowl Trail, less than a mile, and it is moderately complex. You can get an incredible view of the waterfalls from here. Another trail named Lover’s Leap and Pearl Ravine Trail will also give you stunning views of the waterfall and is about 1.25 miles long. It is a rugged trail and begins from Dell Shelter, and the Lover’s Leap provides excellent views.
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfalls for Hiking: Hemlock Cliffs Waterfalls, Big Clifty Falls, Salamonie River Falls
Best Waterfalls for Swimming: Williamsport Waterfall
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