Indiana and its remarkable landscapes go closely together.
Known for its corn production and huge agricultural lands, the state is blessed with lush forests, breathtaking vistas, natural reserves, and state parks enhancing the beauty of mother nature.
There are also plenty of spectacular hiking trails that lead to water bodies forming stunning waterfalls tugged deep within mountainous cliffs or thick bussy forests.
While there are more than 22 waterfalls in the state, each one of them is appreciated for its beauty and uniqueness, despite being natural or man-made.
If you are making a move to Indiana, grab one of the best waterfalls in Indiana from this list as your next vacation destination.
What is the largest waterfall in Indiana?
The two falls of Cataract Falls are the largest waterfalls in Indiana by volume. The height of the Upper Falls is about 45 feet and of the Lower Falls is about 30 feet.
Which state has the best waterfalls in the USA?
Indiana State has the best waterfalls in the USA followed by New York and Washington.
10 Amazing Waterfalls of Indiana
Amongst 22 impressive waterfalls in the Indiana region, we have chosen 10 beautiful waterfalls in terms of uniqueness, landscapes, falls, and natural preserves.
Let’s explore them and see what more it offers!
| Waterfalls | Waterfall Type | Distance from Indiana (km) | Height of the fall (ft) | Animals to see | Timings(am-pm) | Entry fees | Parking fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Clifty Falls | Waterfall in Southern Indiana | 288 | 60 | Bats, Bobcats | 8 am – 4 pm | $9 | $5-$7 |
| Cataract Falls | Hiking in Indiana with waterfalls | 69 | 86 | Migratory songbirds, hawks, woodpeckers | 12 pm – 8 pm | – | $7-$9 |
| Salamonie Falls | Waterfall in Northern India | 33.36 | 60 | 7 am – 11 pm | 7 am – 9 pm | $2 | $7-$9 |
| M McCormick Falls | Waterfall in Indiana for camping | 229.60 | 40 | Opossums, Cerulean warbles | Migratory songbirds, hawks, woodpeackers | $7-$9 | $25-$38 |
| Anderson falls | Waterfall in Southern Indiana | 55.33 | 14 | Songbirds, wild turkey | 24 hrs | – | – |
| Big Clifty Falls | Parks in Indiana with Waterfalls | 287.36 | 60 | Woodpeckers, finches | 8 am – 5 pm | $9 | $5-$7 |
| Hoffman & Tunnel Falls | Waterfall in Indianapolis | 289.62 | 83 & 78 | Woodpecker | 24 hrs | $9 | $5-$7 |
| Muscatauck Falls | Waterfall in Southern Indiana | 214.15 | 70 | Wood ducks, bats | 10 am – 5 pm | – | – |
| Silver Cascade Falls | Hiking in Indiana with waterfalls | 24 | 180 | Chipmunks, Bald eagles | 9 am – -3 pm | – | – |
| Deadman Falls | Waterfall in Indianapolis | 284.63 | 30 | Woodpeacker | 8 am – 4 pm | $8 | $7-$9 |
Source: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/files/clifty_falls_trail.pdf
1. Little Clifty Falls – Waterfalls in Southern Indiana
Little Clifty Falls is one of the falls in Clifty Falls State Park in Jefferson County Madison, Indiana.
Surrounded by a beautiful landscape, this waterfall stands tall a total of 60 feet, and topple down a rock-shelves staircase before creating a huge drop at the end, giving a solid and white sheet of ice view.
Taking a walk, hiking, camping, and enjoying solitude are some of the things to do in Little Clifty Falls.
The fall is accessed by various trials with different elevations, so it’s advised to wear hiking boots, water, and snacks to reach the falls.
How long are the trails at Clifty Falls State Park?
Clifty Falls State Park trails are 9.7 km in length and offer scenic and spectacular views of the adjacent lush green surroundings. The Park boasts some of the easy trails in Indiana.
How many waterfalls are in Clifty Falls?
Clifty State Falls Park Clifty State Falls Park has four waterfalls in total. These are Tunnel Falls, Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Little Clifty Falls. four waterfalls in total. These are Tunnel Falls, Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Little Clifty Falls.
2. Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls are found in the Leibre State Recreation Area in Owen County, Indiana. From a whopping height of 86 feet, the falls flow from Mill Creek with the highest water volume.
It then gets divided into two falls Upper Fall and Lower Fall, each of 30 feet, & 15 feet respectively.
Cataract Falls are famous for their camping Cataract fall Indiana, hiking, and scenic beauty as it creates a stepping stone effect with giant boulders.
People moving to Indianapolis can go for a vacation out there and reach the Falls from Cunot or Cataract.
The location is off State Road 243. Cataract Falls and the State Recreation Park are perfect outdoor retreats in Indiana.
Can you swim at Cataract Falls Indiana?
There are two possible areas for swimming in Cataract Falls, Indiana. The calmer area is above the Main falls with small pools and mini waterfalls. The other area is below the main fall and is not recommended for young children.
How much does it cost to go to Cataract Falls Indiana?
The fee is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents.
3. Salamonie River Falls
Salamonie River State Park hosts these falls. The park was established to reclaim eroded lands in the 1930s.
The area includes a recreation area, an abundance of wildlife, and a stone quarry encompassing 850 acres.
Salamonie waterfalls are famous for their state parks and nature reserves. Popular things to do near Salamonie waterfalls are hiking trails, bridle trails, camping, and fishing.
However, Swimming is prohibited in the lake due to blue-green algae formations.
Skiing is also allowed but only during the winter months. The falls look the most beautiful during summer when the snow melts.
Is Salamonie Beach open?
Salamonie Beach is open to the public from 17th March 2021.
Why is Salamonie reservoir empty?
Salamonie reservoir is turning empty due to drought-like conditions.
4. McCormick Creek Falls
McCormick Creek Falls originate from McCormick Creek. It is situated near Bloomington in Owen County in the Indiana region.
McCormick was the area’s first settler in 1816, and the region gets the name from him. McCormick’s State Park is the oldest in the US.
McCormick Creek features stunning waterfalls, breathtaking landscapes, and limestone formations.
Hikers can access the falls through trails via Saddle Barn. Swimming is allowed near the falls with many teams of swimming instructors.
Parking is paid, limited, and found around the parks.
How much does it cost to get into McCormick’s Creek?
The entry fee is $7 for residents and $9 for non-residents. For Camping and parking, fees are separately charged.
Which trail at McCormick’s Creek has a waterfall?
Trail 3, also known as “Rugged”, having a length of 12.8 kilometers, has a waterfall in McCormick’s Creek.
Is McCormick’s Creek pool open?
The pool is open full-time from July to mid-August. However, from mid-August to Labour Day, it is only open on weekends. Further, the pools are open only when lifeguards are available.
5. Anderson Falls
Anderson Falls, Indiana is a waterfall produced by the Anderson Glacier and flows into Port Valdez. It is owned by the Bartholomew County Department.
These falls are situated in Anderson Falls State Nature Reserve.
The falls are a part of Clifty Creek, a short distance from Bartholomew County in Newbern. The cascades have a height of 14 feet.
The surrounding area is rich with Silurian-age animal fossils gathered in the Waldron shale layers overlapped with limestones.
The bottom of the falls is apt for swimming, and many people enjoy downtime here. Parking spaces are available, and a short walk to view them.
If you are living in Indianapolis, then don’t miss the checkout at this place.
What river is that at Anderson Falls?
Anderson Falls flows over the Ausable River in the Indiana region on Main Street.
6. Big Clifty Falls
Big Clifty Falls is one of the four waterfalls of Clifty State Park which is about 60 feet in height and flows over rock formations.
This is the first and the most stunning waterfall one will encounter on this trail.
The hiking trail is a circular path of 5.4 kilometers, and the elevation of the path downward is 280m.
Swimming is allowed near these falls, and the park has an outdoor swimming pool and water slide. They are also pet-friendly and allow dogs.
How tall is Big Clifty Falls?
Big Clifty Falls is about 60 feet tall.
How do you get to the bottom of Big Clifty Falls?
Visitors can take the stairs to come downstairs. An alternate paved walkway is also available.
7. Hoffman and Tunnel Falls
Hoffman Falls and Tunnel Falls, Indiana is a part of the Clifty State Park near Madison in the Indiana region.
The way to this fall is via Trail 5 (9.65 km), which leads to Little Clifty Falls to Tunnel and then to Hoffman Falls.
The trail leads to a small and unfinished cave of Brough’s Folly. These falls get the name ‘Tunnel’ because of the presence of an old tunnel.
This area is popular for swimming, camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, and exploring. The view below the falls is mesmerizing and spectacular.
Clifty State Park features an Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool with water slides open during summers in these falls.
Vacationing in these falls is a must things to do in Lafayette Indiana as it is just 272 kilometers apart from each other.
8. Muscatatuck Falls
Muscatatuck Falls are a part of the Muscatatuck River located in North Vernon in the Indiana region.
Canyon Creek Falls is the first fall one will encounter on the hike, and it is a stair-type waterfall. Limestone spring creates these falls along the Muscatatuck River.
Hikers usually opt for a 3.21 kilometers long trail that starts in Vinegar Mill and reaches the falls.
Swimming is not allowed in these waterfalls, but the lake is open for water activities.
Natural wetlands provide habitats to diverse species of animals, birds, and fishes. The refuge is a great place to learn about wildlife habitats and photography.
The area is known as a Continentally Important Bird Area.
Where does the Muscatatuck River start and end?
The Muscatatuck River is 86.4 km in the south-central region of Indiana. It is a large tributary of the East Fork of the White River and runs along 1000 square miles.
What kind of fish are in the Muscatatuck River?
The most popular fish species in the Muscatatuck River are Bowfin, Channel catfish, and Smallmouth Bass. About 29 varieties of fish are found here. Follow local regulations to get the best catch.
9. Silver Cascades
Silver Cascades Waterfall Indiana is found near Indiana State Parks, and shares boundaries with Sugar Creek.
Followed by that, you’ll find another beautiful waterfall, Maidenhair Falls underneath.
Both the falls along with preserve capture 3000 acres of area in Indiana featuring astonishing landscape scenes and sounds.
The trails are interconnected with ample parking spaces and trailheads offering one of the best hikes in Indiana.
Parking spaces are located close to Trail 1. Other notable sites near the preserve include Lover’s Leap, Canoe Island, and Devil’s Punch Bowl.
What are the check-in and check-out at Hotel Silver Cascade?
Checkout timing is 11 am, and check-in timing is 4 pm at Hotel Silver Cascade. Late checkout fees of $20 are charged.
If I need to cancel the hotel reservation for my stay near Silver Cascade, will I receive a refund?
One can receive a refund only if the reservation is canceled two weeks before the booking date. Otherwise, no refund is initiated by the hotel.
10. Deadman Falls
Deadman Falls, Indiana originates from Deadman Creek located nearby the Hanover village and hamlet antioch grange.
But the falls are accessed from the college gates of Hanover College.
This 30 feet high flows through a gorge along with other falls named Butler Falls, Chain Mill Falls, and Fremont Falls are located along the same river.
Famous for hikes, lakes, pools, and back-country routes. The fantastic color rock formations make it a popular tourist attraction.
The views are spectacular, and hikers often find fossils in the gorge.
Parking spaces are available along the side of the road within a radius of 0.5 km.
How did Deadman Lake get its name?
Deadman Lake got its name from an unfortunate incident in the Bannock War.
Where is Deadman Valley?
Deadman Valley is a highly located zone in the northern region of the continent that separates forests or mountains from Ustenar Town and lakes. The valley is known for its scenic wildlife and natural landscapes.
Waterfalls in Indiana FAQs
How many waterfalls are in Indiana?
There are over 200 waterfalls in the Indiana region. Most of them are situated in State Parks and nature preserves and are famous for their landscapes and diversity of various species.
What waterfall is Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull?
Iguazu waterfalls at the junction of the Parana and Iguacu rivers across the boundary of Brazil and Argentina are pictured in Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. It is close to Paraguay.
What is the tallest Waterfall in Indiana?
About 90 feet high fall, Williamsport Falls is the tallest, largest, and biggest waterfall situated in Williamsport town of Warren County in the region of Indiana.
Conclusion
Waterfalls in Indiana are just a stepping stone to the natural landscapes, cliffs, and spectacular views that one needs to experience in the state.
This article has kept you covered with Indiana’s popular waterfalls, their features, location, timings, fees, and other details.
Before planning your tour to any waterfall, have a look at the regulations and Dos/don’ts.
Hope this guide will help you plan your visit with ease.
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