Tour Indiana’s Must-See Waterfalls This Year

Clifty Falls State Park began as a gift of 570 acres from the citizens of Madison, Indiana, in 1920. Since then, it has expanded to 1,416 acres and is one of Indiana’s most popular state parks.

Be sure to check with park staff before strolling to the observation deck for the 60-foot high Big Clifty Falls. The original path leading to the falls have aged poorly, and their use is prohibited.

Learn more about Clifty Falls State Park HERE.

Unlike Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls simply plunge the 60 feet to Clifty Creek, a welcome and dramatic sight for visitors. As with Big Clifty Falls, check with staff first before heading out to observe the falls. The original paths made early in the park’s history are no longer used.

As if the 86-foot drop of Cataract Falls wasn’t enough (and in winter, it’s one of the most spectacular sights in the country), fans of covered bridges will be delighted to stroll over the Cataract Bridge, originally built in 1876 and restored in 1995.

Learn more about the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area HERE.

Muscatatuck County Park began life in 1920 as Vinegar Mills State Park, then Muscatatuck State Park, then Muscatatuck State Game Farm…until 1968, when Indiana returned the land to Jennings County. Muscatatuck Falls emerges from the system of caves in the area, which are closed to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a fungal infection that has killed millions of bats across the state. Still, watching the water pour into the natural grottos of the park alone make the trip worthwhile.

Learn more about Muscatatuck County Park HERE.

Tucked in the Salamonie River State Forest, the Salamonie River Falls is just a quarter-mile hike from a parking lot, so it’s an ideal place to those unused to long hikes…or just trying to start the season out easy. Be aware the forest does permit hunting (in season) of whitetail deer, fox, raccoon, turkey and squirrel, so check with staff on area closures.

Learn more about the Salamonie River State Forest HERE.

Just 14 miles west of Bloomington in Owen County, the McCormick Creek State Park’s most popular landmark, McCormick Creek Falls, sits in a serene ravine, ideal for amateur photographs or reflective strolls. Also be sure to climb the 90-foot fire tower and explore sinkhole formations featured in the park.

Learn more about McCormick Creek State Park HERE.

No state or county park hosts Williamsport Falls, but rather the town of Williamsport itself. Half-jokingly called “Dry Falls” because of its frequent quiet periods, the falls are the second tallest in the state and once powered a town mill. The water that once supplied the falls now fills irrigation systems, so these falls only run in periods of intense precipitation. But when it DOES run, it’s a sight to see.

Learn more about Williamsport Falls HERE.