Nature lovers unite for a two-hour waterfall hike in Richmond, Indiana that is full of intriguing points of interest. From ancient ruins to natural attractions, this three-mile path has it all.
Make a morning or afternoon out of exploring behind the scenes of this wonderful Hoosier town. Check it out:
One main point of interest along this 3.5-mile Whitewater Gorge Trail in central Indiana is Thistlethwaite Falls. You might consider this the Niagra Falls of Indiana. It is part of an ancient waterfall that has been migrating upstream for too many years to count.
Click here to learn more about the history of Thistlethwaite Falls from previous coverge by Only In Your State.
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South of the falls is a 20-acre floodplain that is kept as a bird sanctuary. There are about 50 species of indigenous Indiana birds that live there at any given time of year, and you never know how many you will see.
The trail continues to follow the river and features some interesting natural attractions. You'll witness layers of rock that have created cliffs. Here, you'll find fossils and all sorts of interesting things. This portion of the two-hour waterfall hike also features Happy Hollow, a narrow portion of the gorge that forks.
The next architectural attraction you'll come across is Weir Dam. It used to help operate the local power plant, but today people just enjoy it for photos.
Nearby this point of interest is the old ruins of an 1864 flour mill. It was once a seven-story building but all that is left today is a crumbling foundation.
If you wish to divert from the trail a bit and go sightseeing, there are some other pieces of history to see in Richmond that are not far from this two-hour waterfall trail. One is a demolished brick building from 1958 that produced resources for energy, and the other is the Wayne County Courthouse.
The courthouse is made from limestone and was completed in 1893.
Back on the trail, there are several bridges that cross the Whitewater River, but the oldest one is no longer in use. National Road Bridge is in ruins, but it is still a sight to see. It was once a covered bridge in use between 1834 and 1895, possibly like you see here, but is now just rubble.
The history continues as this two-hour waterfall hike leads you to Starr Piano Company. This important and unique building sits across from the river and was built in 1872. At one time, it produced 20,000 pianos per year.
Not far from the factory, Gennett Recording Studio, which was a subsidiary of Starr Piano Company for several years, produced three million records per year before the Great Depression. Greats like Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, and Bix Beiderbecke all recorded here.
Once you get past these local treasures, you'll find yourself back in a world of nature again. More bridges and floodplains will get you through the next segment of the trail.
You'll enjoy wonderful views of the Whitewater River as you traverse this magnificent path. Definitely not for beginners, this trail requires some preparation before setting out on the adventure.
Be sure to bring plenty of water, good walking shoes, an extra pair of socks, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, and any other supplies you might need to keep yourself comfortable despite the elements. Always check the weather before setting out on your journey.
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Limestone quarries, myriad trees, and the decaying remnants of the Test Woolen Mill mark the end (or beginning) of this two-hour waterfall hike. In use from 1855 to 1900, the mill used to be three stories high and transported water.
If you've ever been on this two-hour waterfall hike, we'd love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
Quick question: When you think of Indiana, do you ever think of adventure? Usually, when associating the word “Indiana” with adventure, people think of Harrison Ford running away from a very large boulder – not of the state itself. This is a tremendous disservice, then, to anyone who’s never been to the state before; what all too many newbies would dismiss as “flyover country” is, in fact, a place full of natural wonders and true adventure. Take, for example, the number of jaw-dropping waterfalls that exist all over the Hoosier State: these symbols of incredible awe are an adventurer’s dream come true, and as it turns out, we have so MANY of them. Come see! If you’ve ever been curious about the best waterfalls in Indiana, now’s your chance to explore.
As of the time of this writing, there are quite literally hundreds of known waterfalls in Indiana, many of which are truly jaw-dropping. Some, though, are much larger than others, and we’d like to take a moment to highlight the three tallest (and/or largest, by volume) just for fun. These amazing cascades are nothing short of epic, and we are intensely lucky to call them our own. The three largest and/or tallest waterfalls in Indiana are:
Need To Know Unless you decide to hike it, the walk to this waterfall isn’t terribly difficult. Just make sure to wear good shoes (that you aren’t afraid to get wet); this is a popular destination, so if you come early in the morning and/or during the week, you’ll have the best chances of getting it almost to yourself.
Located smack-dab in the center of the town of Williamsport is Williamsport Falls, also known by many as the tallest waterfall in Indiana. At 90 feet tall from bottom to top, this waterfall is the tallest, not the highest (that title belongs to our next cascade); it’s astonishingly beautiful and looks and feels like something out of a fantasy film instead of here in Indiana. It’s 100% worthy of visiting – and absolutely worth traveling for.
Need To Know Cataract Falls is located within the Lieber State Recreation Area. Indiana’s state parks and recreation areas typically charge $7 per vehicle for in-state residents, and $9 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors. Be sure to wear good, comfy shoes that you can walk a short distance in – the falls are a mile apart (but it’s worth it).
Fun fact: Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall in Indiana by volume (not by height). The cascade consists of two separate falls and requires a bit of a walk to see both, but we promise they’re both worthy of the adventure. The recreation area is open year-round, and the waterfalls are truly astonishing during every season – so be sure to come back and see the summer wildflowers, the autumn color, and the winter wonderland while you’re at it.
Best Waterfall Hikes In Indiana
What better way to explore the wonders of the wilderness than on foot? Hiking is one of those pastimes that go way, way back – back to the days when we had little choice but to travel on foot. Nowadays, though, we’re able to do it for leisure – and many of us do, exploring all the best trails our little state has to offer. So, let’s combine the waterfall theme with the hiking theme and get it done; here are some of the greatest waterfall hikes in Indiana. Hikers love Indiana for a reason - come see why for yourself!
Need To Know France Park is a county park, so there’s no cost to enter. And this waterfall might be man-made, but who cares? It’s a beauty! Dogs are welcome on leashes.
This 1.4-mile loop trail is found within – you guessed it – France Park, which is located in Logansport. This beautiful man-made waterfall in Indiana is certainly awe-inspiring, offering some truly wonderful scenery for anyone who loves nature and/or waterfalls (Both? Both are good). Sometimes, the trail can be tough to follow, especially if there’s something obstructing the path (like autumn leaves); we strongly recommend checking out AllTrails Plus, where you can download maps ahead of time.
Need to Know You’ll be able to see not one but three waterfalls on this stunning preserve. Best of all, there is no entry fee, so you get to enjoy it for free! Foot traffic only, please. Dogs are allowed on leash. The preserve is open from dawn until dusk.
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The jaw-droppingly wonderful Kokiwanee Nature Preserve is nothing short of a spectacle, and it’s home to a small collection of delicate falls – all worthy of discovery. The best time to visit the waterfalls of Kokiwanee Nature Preserve is just after a good, solid rain; these waterfalls are not overly enormous, and seldom do they roar, but there’s an astonishing beauty to even the more petite waterfalls in Indiana. Waterfalls you can expect to see include Daisy Low Falls, Kissing Falls, and Frog Falls.
Need To Know This incredible waterfall hike in Indiana is located within the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. This is a very easy hike and is very beginner and/or small child friendly. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
The thrillingly lovely Cascades Park Trail isn’t at a park at all; this one meanders right through Bloomington and is quite the delight. The trail is paved and, as we mentioned, quite easy. There are plans for an extension of this trail in the near future, though they have yet to come to fruition; as of the time of this writing, the Cascades Park Trail is 0.8 miles long and the waterfall is just one of the wonderful features you’ll discover along the way. Be sure to visit again in the winter, when the falls are frozen – it's an incredible wonder to witness.
Need To Know This hike – and all the awesome waterfalls along the way – is located in McCormick’s Creek State Park. Wear sturdy shoes you aren’t afraid of getting wet. In-state vehicles are $7 each, and out-of-state vehicles are $9. Dogs are welcome on a leash, though this trail may be tough for them.
NOTE: This trail is currently closed thanks to a tornado in 2023, but reparations are under way and the trail ought to open any day now. You can, however, still access the waterfall! Please check with the official McCormick’s Creek State Park website for updates. That being said, the absolutely EPIC Falls Canyon Trail, also known as Trail #3, is a unique adventure unlike any other. When we say the waterfall(s) are just the beginning here, we mean it. This entire hike is much more like something you’d read about in a J.R.R. Tolkien novel instead of a hike in the very real world. We can’t get enough of this trek, or the jaw-dropping waterfall(s) you’ll experience along the way. Indiana state parks are pure magic simply waiting to be discovered.
Accessible Waterfalls In Indiana (No Hiking Required)
Not feeling up to the hike? Or perhaps you’re unable to hike for whatever reason – no worries! You are most definitely not without options; the Hoosier State has a number of wonderfully accessible waterfalls that don’t require a long hike to reach. Some are cascades you can just drive up to; others are tucked near a rest stop or are hidden within state parks. Indiana’s beautiful waterfalls are incredible – especially when they’re easy to reach.
Need To Know Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet; there’s a river crossing early on in the trek. In total, this hike is easy and less than one mile in length, making it excellent for most experience levels.
Bartholomew County is, to say the least, a fairly flat region of the Hoosier State. So it’s no surprise, then, that this area is home to a wonderful easy-access waterfall in Indiana that’s ridiculously easy to get to thanks to very little elevation change for the entirety of the hike. From wildflowers in the spring to a frozen Anderson Falls in the winter, there’s always something amazing going on ‘round here; Anderson Falls is stunningly beautiful and the fact that it’s so easy to get to just makes it all the better.
Need To Know This waterfall is man-made, but that doesn’t mean much – this cascade is a stunner! Best of all, no hiking required; find it in Richmond near Springwood Park just south of waterfall road.
Thistlethwaite Falls was created way back in the early 1800s when a man (whose last name was Thistlethwaite) did some blasting in order to reroute the west fork of the Whitewater River. Today, it’s actually one of the most-visited waterfalls in Indiana, and the easy-access nature of the place only adds to its intrigue. There’s a small parking area where you’ll be able to easily find your way to the falls, and it makes for an awesome day trip destination and/or picnic spot. We love it, and like many other Hoosiers, we can’t get enough.
Best Waterfalls near Indianapolis
Indianapolis is not just Indiana’s capital city – it's also the largest city in the Hoosier State, and as such, you just know there are some truly awesome waterfalls that aren’t terribly far from town. With a population of just over 800,000 people as of the 2020 census, Indianapolis has all the convenience of a big city with all the charm of a small town. So, let’s take a look at a few waterfalls near Indianapolis that are just begging to be experienced:
Need To Know These falls are located within McCormick’s Creek State Park, which asks for $7 per in-state vehicle and $9 for out-of-state vehicles. McCormick’s Creek Falls is just one of multiple waterfalls present in the park. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet!
This stunning state park down in southern Indiana is home to one or more of the best waterfalls in the Midwest. With some of the best hiking trails in the entire state as well, you can’t go wrong with an adventure here. Waterfall enthusiasts and hikers alike are sure to adore this one. This park is incredible, looking like something out of a movie instead of somewhere here in our backyard. The breathtaking waterfalls only add to the magic.
Need To Know As with all state parks in Indiana, it’s $7 for in-state vehicles and $9 for out-of-state vehicles.
Clifty Falls State Park is a magical, intensely beautiful waterfall paradise where you’ll encounter no less than four beauties: Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Hoffman Falls. Once you’ve hiked to see both the upper falls and the lower falls, stick around a while and check out everything else, including the incredible hiking trails that weave all over the park. If you’re a fan of this incredible, J.R.R.-Tolkien-esque landscape, we suspect you’ll also adore parks like Turkey Run State Park and Shades State Park – both of which are utterly magnificent.
Other Waterfalls In Indiana Worth Visiting
Of course, all of the above-named cascades are nowhere NEAR the only ones this state has to offer! There are truly dozens (at least) more, and many of them are ALSO worth checking out. Some waterfalls in Indiana are seasonal, though, so keep this in mind before you go chasing them. The best times to see waterfalls are typically during snowmelt and/or after a decent rain shower. A few miscellaneous Indiana waterfalls that are completely worth falling in love with are ones like:
Need To Know The Salamonie River State Forest is comprised of 850 beautiful acres of amazingness. There are several small waterfalls scattered throughout the forest, most of which are best viewed after it rains or while snow is melting. As with just about all these waterfalls, you’ll definitely want to wear good shoes.
In the Salamonie River State Forest, you can find no less than three amazing waterfalls all within a short distance of one another. Salamonie River Falls plunge 15 feet over a solid ledge and look utterly breathtaking. Do the Three Falls Trail to catch a glimpse of them all. Kissing Falls, located on the Kokiwanee Nature Preserve, is another much-beloved waterfall that tends to wow the crowds. It’s split between Wabash and Huntington Counties and full to the brim with little treasures just waiting to be discovered.
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Hidden within the utterly stunning Hemlock Cliffs is Hemlock Falls, which is probably one of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see. It’s like something out of a dream, with fascinating geology and beautiful water features such as honeycombing and bridal veil falls. This amazing waterfall – and the National Forest that surrounds it – is nothing short of pure perfection, and photographers will find that this spot is a beloved gem for those seeking to create amazing art with the world around us.
So, there you have them: one dozen incredible waterfalls in Indiana, all of which are worthy of a day trip (or a road trip). Of course, there are many more waterfalls peppered across the Midwest that are just as worthy of adventure – you just need to set out and get it going. Indiana is an amazing state filled with wonder and mystique; our waterfalls are a part of our surreally beautiful landscape, and our beautiful landscape is truly dreamlike in its wonder. So, we ask: which waterfalls in Indiana are the best according to you? Did we miss any on this list? Let us know!
Hiking is one of our favorite things to do in Indiana. And no matter the season, it’s the perfect way to spend a few hours or an entire day. Add a waterfall to the hike, and it really doesn’t get much better… don’t you agree? Come with us to witness Williamsport Falls in Warren County, the highest waterfall in Indiana, then embark on this picturesque hike that will lead you through lush greenery and along a flowing creek. Before you leave for this waterfall hike in Indiana, be sure to download your free trial of AllTrails+.
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Williamsport Falls, in Williamsport, cascades down 90 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Indiana. It's one of those natural wonders that's definitely bucket list-worthy.
However, there are a couple of things about which you should be aware before you set off. A small parking lot can be found near the falls, so you don't really have to set off on the trail, if you don't want to.
You can get a glimpse of the top of the waterfall from a viewing area, and you can head down to the base of Williamsport Falls. For a unique adventure, walk behind the falls to feel the cool mist of water.
Have you been to the highest waterfall in Indiana? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! If you've got a free day and feel like pairing waterfalls with wine, head out on this wine and waterfalls day trip.
