It doesn’t seem anyone can agree on the number of waterfalls in Indiana. One person, who has it made it their life goal to find all the waterfalls and has visited every township in the state, claims that he’s found 737 so far. I don’t know about you, but hunting down that many waterfalls seems a bit daunting, so I’ve found some of the best in the state. Not only do these Indiana hiking trails lead you to these waterfalls, they offer incredible scenery along the way!
Courtesy of: Putnam County Visitors Bureau
Last Updated: February 13, 2022
France Park Waterfall, Logansport
Nestled in Cass County, Indiana you’ll find France Park. Featuring an old stone quarry who’s limestone has turned the water so blue it’s reminiscent of the tropics, as well as scenic cliffs and peaceful woods. There’s no shortage of breathtaking views here. You’ll find this waterfall near the trailhead of Trail 4, the Perimeter Trail.
Kokinawee Falls
Photographer: Thomas Sprunger
Located in Wabash county, Kokinawee Nature Preserve is a little slice of beauty along the Salamonie River.
Following the bluffs along the river, you’ll come to Kissing Falls in the Southeast corner of the preserve. Combine some of the various trails to make your hike last all day, or choose one for a quick trek through the preserve.
Thistlewaite Falls, Richmond
Thistlewaite falls was voted one of the top waterfalls in Indiana and you can find it near Springwood Park in Richmond, Indiana.
Created in the early 1800s to supply more water to a mill, these falls have stood the test of time. If you’re looking to make a day of checking out the falls, be sure to check out everything else this 104 acre park has to offer including nature trails, picnic areas, a 30 acre lake, a playground, and fossil hunting near the falls.
Cataract Falls, Indiana
Indiana’s largest volume waterfall can be found in Cataract Falls State Recreation Area in Spencer, Indiana. To access the falls, you can use Ed Dailey trail. Ed Dailey trail is a half mile paved trail that will lead you to both falls, but the falls can also be accessed via vehicle with parking areas at both the upper and lower falls.
To get the most of seeing these roaring falls, try to time your visit soon after a heavy rain.
Anderson Falls, Hartsville
Get your explorer gear on and check out Anderson Falls in Bartholomew County Park. This trail loops past the amazing 100-feet wide falls. While the falls themselves are easy to access, this waterfall hike in Indiana requires a stream crossing to access the hiking trail.
Rock Rest Falls- Calli Nature Preserve
Today, the falls are part of Calli Nature Preserve and are publicly accessible. A gravel pull-off allows for access to the preserve, but the trek down to the falls is steep. There is a good view of the falls from the top of the hill.
The Rock Rest Falls runs strong after a hard rain, but often runs dry after a drought. This is a nice side-stop if you are in the area.
If you are having trouble finding the falls, look for the Twin Cities Raceway. There aren’t signs or markings, but near the raceway you will see the gravel pull-off you’ll use.
Clifty Falls, Madison
Source: Local 12 News
You get a whole lot of waterfall for your time at Clifty Falls State Park. Not only this state park home to Clifty Falls, there are 3 other falls within the park as well! You’ll also find Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Tunnel Falls.
10 hiking trails of varying difficulties lead you through the gorgeous landscape and to the various falls. There’s lots of connecting trails so you can tailor your hike to see as many of the falls along the way as you’d like to.
Trail 2: Clifty Falls, bottom. To get to the top of the falls from trail 2, Reverse and hike back to the connector at Trail 8 and take Trail 8 to the top of the falls.
Trail 4: Leads you through the nature preserve to Hoffman Falls
Trail 5: Tunnel Falls
Trail 6: Leads to a lookout facing Tunnel Falls and overlooking Clifty Creek
Trail 7: Top of Clifty Falls and Little Clifty Falls
Trail 8: Hike to Clifty Falls through the nature preserve
Falls of the Ohio
Not technically a waterfall in the traditional sense, the Falls of the Ohio are actually a 2.5 mile long series of rapids along the Ohio River. This is a great area to spend an entire day. There’s plenty to see and do as you wander along the Greenway!
Photographer : Jordan Skora
The Ohio River Greenway – The multi-use path links the riverside towns of Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany, and boasts the area’s best views of the Louisville skyline and the Ohio River. After taking a walk, cool off with a cold craft beer at the newly opened Upland Brewing Co. Or enjoy a hand-dipped ice-cream cone from the charming The Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery (located in a colorful Victorian building). The sweet spot is known for its “Proud Mary Peanut Butter Cup Sundae” featuring warm brownies topped with Peanut Butter Cup ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts and a cherry on top. You can also walk along the Greenway to enjoy breathtaking views of the Falls of the Ohio in Clarksville and see the rapids in action. Or, if you’re strolling in the evening, this is the perfect spot to see a stunning sunset.
If you happen into Falls of the Ohio State Park while you’re there, be sure to check out the world’s largest exposed Devonian-era fossil bed. Fossils there are 390 million years old.
I’d like to give special thanks to Christa at SoIN Tourism for supplying such great information on things to do near Falls of the Ohio. As well to the various organizations that helped to tailor information and shared some of their favorite images with me.
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