Indiana is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in America. From rushing falls that plunge over cliffs, to cascading streams that trickle through forests, the state attracts travelers from all over to get a glimpse into mother nature. Here are some of our favorite falls to visit.
1. Hemlock Cliffs Waterfall
Hemlock Cliffs Waterfall is a beautiful and secluded waterfall located in the Hoosier National Forest near Paoli, Indiana. The water from the falls drop about 20 feet over several ledges that create a stunning display of cascading water. With the backdrop of the wilderness, it had to make our bucket list of places you need to visit.
Visitors to this natural wonder are often mesmerized by its beauty and tranquility. The Hemlock Cliffs Waterfall can be accessed via an easy 0.3 mile hike along a flat gravel trail that leads to the base of the falls. From there, stop and take in views of nearby ridgelines before descending down into the canyon where you can find the waterfall surrounded by forests and streams.
This picturesque area becomes quite popular in the summer months as it’s a great way to get out and spend a day hiking, relaxing in a swimming hole, and just taking in some amazing views of falling water.
Address: National Forest Rd, English, IN 47118 | From Evansville, IN – Map
2. Muscatatuck Falls
Muscatatuck Falls is a stunning waterfall located in Brown County, Indiana. It is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the state and has been attracting visitors for years. The falls are part of Muscatatuck River, which flows through Brown County before joining up with the Ohio River near Madison.
The cascading waters at Muscatatuck Falls flows down several tiers from an elevation change of roughly 70 feet before finishing in a large pool. The force of the rushing water creates a quite a loud roar as it hits the rocks, creating an unforgettable sight and sound experience.
Muscatatuck Falls provides plenty of opportunities for hiking and swimming during the warmer months when conditions allow it. There are also several places with tables so you can enjoy a quick lunch before heading back home.
Address: 325 North State Highway 3, 375 IN-3, North Vernon, IN 47265 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
3. Big Clifty Falls
Clifty Falls State Park is located in Madison, Indiana and is home to the popular Clifty Falls. The stunning waterfall runs down a series of terraced stone ledges into a deep pool below. At 127 feet high, it’s one of the highest waterfalls in Indiana and provides an amazing view to anyone who visits.
There are several overlooks along the trail that allow visitors to get close enough for some spectacular photo opportunities or simply sit back and enjoy its beauty from afar. Clifty Falls State Park also features many other natural wonders such as numerous caves hidden among the cliffs surrounding it, forests filled with wildlife, and several historic sites. The park also offers a variety of activities such as camping, picnicking, fishing, and hiking trails.
Address: 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
4. Little Clifty Falls
Little Clifty Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Hoosier National Forest of southern Indiana. It is one of the most beautiful and unique waterfalls in the state, featuring a cascading drop that drops more than 40 feet into a deep pool below. The falls are named after an old homesteader who lived near the falls up until his death in 1872.
The Little Clifty Creek runs through rocky terrain before plunging over two separate tiers before continue on down the creek. The top tier has a small plunge pool at its base, while the lower tier boasts a much larger pool surrounded by rocks and moss-covered boulders.
Hiking trails around Little Clifty Falls offer visitors views of this natural wonder as well as access to other sights nearby such as Cave River Valley Natural Area, Spring Mill State Park, McCormick’s Creek State Park, Brown County State Park and Deam Lake Wildlife Management Area.
Address: 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
5. Hoffman Falls
Hoffman Falls is a magnificent waterfall located in Clifty Falls State Park, near Madison, Indiana. The falls are 25 feet high and plunge into a fairly large size swimming hole below. Hoffman Falls is one of the more popular features within the park and provides locals and tourists with an unforgettable experience.
Visitors can view the falls from several scenic overlooks or take a short hike to get up close to its roaring waters. The backdrop setting of Hoffman Falls is absolutely beautiful with it’s wilderness setting and forests lining both sides of the river. Hoffman Falls has been designated as one of Indiana’s National Natural Landmarks due to its unique geology and ecology. The rock walls around the waterfall are made up of sedimentary layers dating back over 300 million years ago.
Address: 38.7525N 85.4225W | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
6. Anderson Falls
Anderson Falls is a popular tourist destination in Columbus, Indiana. Located just outside of town, the falls are part of the Mill Race Park and provide visitors with stunning views and recreational activities. The park features a 1/4 mile paved walking trail along the edge of the falls, providing easy access to all areas.
Anderson Falls consists of three distinct drops that cascade down into a deep pool below. Its beauty has been captured in numerous photographs by locals and tourists. The first drop is known as Little Anderson Falls which is about 5 feet high and 40 feet wide at its widest point and cascades down into a second larger section. The second drop called Big Anderson Falls which measures 15 feet tall and 60 feet across at its widest point. As the water continues on, it hits Lower Anderson Falls where it cascades down into Mill Race Creek below.
Address: 3201, 3699 N 1140 County Rd E, Hartsville, IN 47244 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
7. Williamsport Falls
Located in the town of Williamsport, Indiana is another amazing waterfall known as Williamsport Falls. In the summer time it becomes a popular tourist attraction with scenic hikes and views of one of the largest waterfalls in Indiana. It’s located on the Wabash River about two miles south of downtown Williamsport.
The waterfall consists of a series of cascading steps that range from 20 to 40 feet high, with an overall drop height between 50 and 60 feet. During spring rains or snowmelt, it can be quite impressive as it roars down its rocky bed into the Wabash River below. Its beauty attracts thousands of people a year who come to take pictures or just enjoy its natural beauty.
People can walk along trails near the riverbank for a closer look at this majestic sight, but should be aware that there are no guard rails protecting them from falling into its powerful current if they get too close.
Address: 25 N Monroe St, Williamsport, IN 47993 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
8. Rock Rest Falls
Rock Rest Waterfall is a beautiful natural attraction located in Vernon, Indiana. This waterfall is part of the Muscatatuck River and provides a stunning backdrop for hikers and nature lovers. The waterfall flows over several large rocks creating an impressive display of white water that can be seen from miles away.
There are also several smaller cascades that join together to form this beautiful sight. During spring time snow melt, these falls can become even more powerful and majestic! To reach the falls, there are several trails that lead up to Rock Rest Falls and give a relaxing and scenic trek to and from the main attraction.
Address: 474-880 N County Rd 25 E, North Vernon, IN 47265 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
9. Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Spencer, Indiana. There are two tiers where the cascading water runs over before continuing on down the White River. The lower tier is approximately 8 feet tall while the upper tier is roughly 12 feet. Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is one of the most popular attractions near Bloomington, IN as it’s easy to access by car.
The Cataract Waterfall was created during the 1800s when settlers built a dam to power their grist mill at nearby Cagles Mill Lake. Today, visitors can still see remnants of that old mill along with some other historical features such as an old stone bridge over Mill Creek Road and parts of the original dam wall. This beautiful waterfall has long been popular among locals and tourists who come to take in its beauty and swim in its cool waters.
Address: 2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
10. France Park Falls
France Park Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Logansport, Indiana. The falls are situated on the Eel River and can be found just off of U.S. Highway 24 near downtown Logansport. This beautiful spot has been enjoyed by thousands for years as it is one of the most popular natural water attractions in the area.
The France Park Falls consist of two sets of cascading waterfalls, each with its own unique beauty. The upper falls measures approximately 20 feet high while the lower falls are around 15 feet tall. Each section is surrounded by wilderness with several scenic overlooks along the riverbanks.
Address: 4505 US-24, Logansport, IN 46947 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
11. Silver Cascades
Silver Cascades in Shades State Park is a stunning waterfall located in the hills of western Indiana. The falls are made up of several sections and tiers with each cascading down into a large pool at the bottom. It’s an incredibly scenic spot and the perfect way to spend a day out in mother nature.
What draws people from all over the world to the Silver Cascades is its impressive height – approximately 80 feet tall! From certain angles, it looks like an endless curtain of shimmering silver water stretching across the landscape. On sunny days, rainbows can be seen dancing among the spray coming off the falls as they plunge into their final destination below.
The area around Silver Cascades has plenty to offer too, including miles of hiking trails through Indiana’s countryside.
Address: 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
12. Deadman Falls
Deadman Falls is a natural waterfall located on the grounds of Hanover College in Indiana. The waterfall is named after an early settler and hunter, Henry Deadman, who used to frequent the area and hunt deer along its banks. The falls are situated at the headwaters of Silver Creek, which flows through campus and eventually empties into the Ohio River just south of town.
The falls have been a popular spot for students since they were first discovered in 1820s. During spring break, students often take trips there to enjoy several swimming holes or relaxing by its cascades. Although it’s not as well-known as some other waterfalls around Indiana, visitors still flock to Deadman Falls each year due to its picturesque scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
Address: 517 Ball Dr, Hanover, IN 47243 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
13. Kokiwanee Falls
Kokiwanee Falls is located in Lagro, Indiana and is a beautiful spot to visit for those who love nature. The falls are part of the Wabash River, which runs through the area. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead up to the falls, as well as take in stunning views from the top of them. Kokiwanee Falls has been designated as an official State Nature Preserve by Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources, so it is protected from development and other activities that could potentially damage it.
Address: 5825 E 50 S, Lagro, IN 46941 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
14. Salamonie River Falls
The Salamonie River Waterfall is a gorgeous and powerful waterfall located on the Salamonie River in Indiana. It is one of the most photographed natural wonders in Indiana, with its cascading waterfalls that plunge into a deep pool below. The waterfall was formed by glacial activity from thousands of years ago, which left behind an impressive set of falls along this stretch of river.
People can observe the cascading waters and power of these falls from numerous vantage points throughout Salamonie River State Forest. There are also several trails nearby that provide access to stunning vistas overlooking the waterfall and other scenic areas along the river’s banks. People can explore some historic sites near the falls including old mills and homesteads dating back to early settlers who used this area for their livelihoods during pioneer days.
Address: 5124 County Rd 100 S, Lagro, IN 46941 | From Indianapolis, IN – Map
List of 14 Scenic Waterfalls in Indiana:
Anderson Falls
Big Clifty Falls
Cataract Falls
Deadman Falls
France Park Falls
Hemlock Cliffs Waterfalls
Hoffman and Tunnel Falls
Kokiwanee Falls
Little Clifty Falls
Muscatatuck Falls
Rock Rest Falls
Salamonie River Falls
Silver Cascades
Williamsport Falls
Waterfalls in Florida