16 Best Waterfalls in Indiana (2025)
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There are some fantastic waterfalls in Indiana, scattered throughout the state. Whether you are living in or just visiting Indiana, be sure to add a hike or drive to at least a few of these waterfalls!
I’ve visited most of these through the years and always enjoy a hike to a waterfall – it’s nice to have something to walk to, especially if the kids are along. And if we can play in the waterfall? Even better!
Don’t forget to wear the right shoes! These KEEN waterproof hiking shoes will help you enjoy your waterfall adventures comfortably!
Waterfalls in Northern Indiana
There are many lovely waterfalls in Northern Indiana, but here are a few of my favorites.
1. Kokiwanee Falls
Kokiwanee Nature Preserve is home to the Kokiwanee Falls. Although there is a trail to view them, I’ve found it’s not well marked, so you may prefer to park at the lot at the dam outlet on the river. You should be able to view the falls from there.
2. Salamonie River Falls
Enjoy a moderate 2.6 hike in the Salamonie River State Forest to see the Salamonie River Falls (located in Largo, Indiana). It’s a loop hike, and takes about an hour to complete. Do note that there may not be water at the falls in the dry months – it’s very weather dependent, but it is a nice hike regardless.
Related post: Kokiwanee Falls and Salamonie River Falls are located close to Wabash, Indiana, which is a terrific place for a day trip. Check out all the fun things to do in Wabash here!
3. Williamsport Falls
Williamsport Falls is unique among some of the other waterfalls in Indiana in that it is just at the edge of downtown Williamsport. There isn’t a long hike to get to it, park your car, and walk over. It’s also a fun waterfall to visit as you can walk down to the bottom and play in the water and under the falls.
Not only is playing in Williamsport Falls allowed, it’s encouraged! When we visited, plenty of visitors and locals were cooling off in the water!
4. Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve
As we experienced, Williamsport Falls can get very crowded on a hot summer day, so another fun alternative is the nearby Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve. When we last visited, we were able to walk up and down these falls, which is very fun! Especially on a hot, humid, Indiana summer day.
Related post: If you plan on visiting Williamsport Falls or the fun falls in nearby Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve, then learn more from this article: Waterfalls and Windmills
5. France Park Falls
In Logansport, Indiana, France Park Falls is part of an old rock quarry. My husband actually grew up in the area and spent many hot summer days swimming and jumping off the rocks.
These days, although you can no longer jump from the quarry (which is probably an excellent rule!), you can still admire the falls and swim in the nearby rock quarry. There is a set of stairs to the right (when facing the falls) that you can take to get to the top – have someone stand at the bottom and you can get some fun photos!
If you visit France Park, don’t miss the carousel in Logansport. Getting the golden ring is a rite of passage in our family—and a fun challenge!
Waterfalls in Central Indiana
Easily accessible from any point in the state, these waterfalls in Central Indiana are well worth a visit.
6. Cataract Falls
At Lieber State Recreation Area, you’ll find the Cataract Falls. There are actually two falls at this location – the upper falls and the lower falls. The most recent time we visited, it was COLD outside, so I was glad that not only were these falls close to each other, we could also view them without straying too far from the warm, cozy car!
Extend your visit to Cataract Falls by visiting nearby Greencastle, Indiana. There are some fabulous restaurants and plenty of fun things to do!
7. Silver Cascades
Silver Cascades is a lovely waterfall located in one of the loveliest state parks in Indiana, Shades State Park. For interesting and enjoyable hiking, Shades State Park should be high on your list of Indiana State Parks worth a visit!
Trail 1 will take you to Silver Cascades. It’s a short trail (less than a mile), but it does take you through creek beds, so make sure you have the right shoes and are willing to get a little muddy or wet.
Even if you don’t want to get muddy (for example, we had the dogs with us on our last trip to Shades), there are plenty of other wonderful trails, so at least you can get a little hiking in!
8. Thistlethwaite Falls
The name might be challenging, but finding and enjoying Thistlethwaite Falls in Richmond, Indiana won’t be. In the early 1800s, a new channel in the West Fork of the Whitewater River was created by Timothy Thistlethwaite in order to provide more waterpower to his sawmill. Hence, Thistlewaite Falls was formed.
Thistlewaite Falls is located near Springwood Park in Richmond. Park across the street in the small gravel lot and you’ll have just a short hike to reach the falls. If you are spending a day or two exploring Richmond Indiana, take the time to visit as the falls are lovely and well worth visit.
9. Falls Park
Falls Park in Pendleton, Indiana, is one of my favorite places to enjoy waterfalls near me. A short drive from Indianapolis (especially the northern suburbs of Indianapolis), Falls Park is located just outside downtown Pendleton.
Grab a coffee at the nearby delicious Falls Perk, head to the park, and enjoy the view. During COVID, since this was the closest waterfall near me, we’d often bring a picnic and blanket and play card games while getting some fresh air and a lovely atmosphere. If you visit on a Saturday morning in the summer, Falls Park is home to one of my favorite central Indiana farmers’ markets.
10. Turkey Run State Park
Another beautiful Indiana state park, Turkey Run State Park, is quite close to Shades State Park. It’s an incredibly popular park in the summer and fall due to the very interesting hiking trails that include ladders, small waterfalls, and creek beds. Several of the trails even include a suspension bridge. As kids, we always wanted to do the trails that involved ladders (my poor parents).
If it’s been rainy, you’ll encounter a lovely series of small waterfalls along the riverbed on trail #3 (but your feet will get wet, so plan accordingly). Trail #9 is another fun trail that will take you by a beautiful waterfall.
I’m a big fan of these KEEN waterproof hiking shoes – so if you need something perfect for checking out waterfalls, check them out!
Waterfalls in Southern Indiana
Thanks to the hills and valleys in Southern Indiana, there are some gorgeous waterfalls that are well worth visiting!
11. Clifty Falls State Park
One of the prettiest state parks in Indiana (near one of the prettiest towns, Madison), Clifty Falls State Park is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend getaway and admire waterfalls.
Enjoy hikes to the various falls and then check out the nearby town of Madison, Indiana. Clifty Falls State Park also has a lovely Inn, restaurant, pool with a water slide, tennis courts, and more.
There are four waterfalls in Clifty Falls State Park. Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls. To view the Big Clifty Falls and the Little Clifty Falls, take Trail #7. It’s a little over a mile and starts at the Clifty shelter.
Tunnel Falls is best viewed from Trail #5. Although short (less than a mile), it is considered rugged. The trail that includes Hoffman Falls (trail #4) is also rugged, but the view of the falls is early in the trail, so you could potentially hike to them and then turn around and hike back to the parking lot.
12. Deadman Falls
If you are on a college visit to Hanover, be sure to check out Deadman Falls—it’s another seasonal Indiana waterfall, so if it’s been dry, there probably won’t be water.
Deadman Falls is located right next to the college campus. Take the trail from campus into the neighboring woods, and if the weather is cooperating, you’ll enjoy a lovely and easy walk.
13. Anderson Falls
Anderson Falls State Park Nature Preserve is home to Anderson Falls. The park is close to Columbus, so visiting it would be a nice break from a day trip or weekend getaway. And since Columbus is such a wonderful little town, it’s a great place for that day trip or weekend getaway!
Anderson Falls is small, but quite pretty, so if you have the time (or are just driving nearby), stop to take a quick peek.
Don’t miss nearby Columbus when you visit Anderson Falls. This unique town has architecture, great food, boutiques, and more.
14. Muscatatuck Falls
Muscatatuck Falls is in Jennings County, in Muscatatuck Park. This park has almost 10 miles of trails, and what’s unique about it is that many of the trails are mountain bike-friendly.
Take the River Trail (which begins at the Vinegar Mill), and if the water is flowing, you’ll see not only the Muscatatuck Falls, but also the Canyon Creek Falls.
15. McCormick Creek Falls
Another one of my favorite state parks is McCormicks Creek State Park, and this is where you’ll find the McCormicks Creek Falls. Although the falls aren’t large, they are lovely and quite easy to access from trailhead #3 which starts right at the McCormicks Creek Inn.
As with all Indiana State Parks, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee, but as the hiking in this park is lovely (as is the Inn), it’s well worth the admission.
McCormick Creek State Park as a day trip
There are plenty of things to do around McCormick Creek State Park, so viewing the McCormick Creek Falls could easily become part of a fun day trip from Indianapolis. Check out our perfect day in Spencer, Indiana to plan your own adventure.
16. Spring Mill State Park
One of the coolest state parks in Indiana is Spring Mill State Park. Along with the normal activities you’d typically find at a state park, Spring Mill also has a pioneer village and caves, with a cave boat tour. Awesome, right?
If you visit the park, take the 3.2-mile loop around it, and you’ll see all it has to offer. Plus, if the weather is right, near the caves, you should discover Cave Valley Falls. Although not large, they are pretty interesting, and the caves are well worth viewing.
Waterfalls in Indianapolis
As the largest city in Indiana, it’s true, you won’t find any waterfalls in Indianapolis, but there are a few nearby options! Most of the falls listed in this article are within easy (day trip) driving of Indianapolis, but Falls Park in Pendleton is just on the northeast outskirts of the city, so it could easily be visited in the morning or afternoon.
Waterfalls in Indiana that you can swim in
Most of the waterfalls in Indiana do not allow swimming, but there are a few notable exceptions.
One such exception is Williamsport Falls—when you visit, you’ll discover that it’s a common weekend activity for visitors and locals to see the falls and cool off in the pool at the bottom.
Although you might not be explicitly swimming in the falls, several state parks allow you to hike or walk through the creekbeds under or near waterfalls. And, of course, if the Fall Creek Gorge Nature Preserve has enough water, you can actually walk into the falls!
Hiking trails in Indiana with waterfalls
Almost all of the waterfalls in Indiana require at least a short hike to view. Check out the trail maps at state parks or nature preserves to discover which trails lead to waterfalls.
Another terrific resource for finding hiking trails in Indiana with waterfalls is AllTrails. I love to check out AllTrails before I visit a park or natural area to get a feel for the hiking trails other hikers enjoy most.
It is important to note that many of these waterfalls will dry up if the weather has been hot for a few weeks, so using a resource like AllTrails will help you determine if the waterfall is currently flowing before you visit.
FAQs: Waterfalls in Indiana
What’s the biggest waterfall in Indiana?
Cataract Falls claims fame as the largest waterfall in Indiana by volume, but Williamsport Falls is the tallest. Both are well worth a visit!
How many waterfalls does Indiana have?
Although there are over 200 waterfalls in Indiana, the vast majority of them are seasonal.
Can you swim at Cataract Falls?
You can swim at nearby Lieber Beach, but you can not swim at Cataract Falls. It is not allowed, and you will be ticketed if caught. Definitely not worth a ticket!
Map of the BEST Indiana Waterfalls
Conclusion: The BEST Waterfalls in Indiana
Wherever you are in Indiana, there is probably a waterfall near you. Take a few moments before your next day trip, check this list, and see if you can include one as part of your day. Getting outside is good for everyone, and having a waterfall to hike to is definitely an incentive to explore!
Many of my favorite hikes have ended at some of these gorgeous Indiana waterfalls, and I hope you get to experience a few of them too! So, grab a map, load up the car and take off for a day (or weekend) of adventure chasing waterfalls in Indiana!
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