Waterfall Hikes Near Columbus, IN

50,896 residents
Indiana/Indianapolis Time Zone
15 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Architecture brings people to Columbus, and the waterfalls hold up their end about 45 minutes south in the Clifty country above Madison. Clifty Falls runs a half mile loop, dogs welcome. Tunnel Falls needs 2 miles each way, and Little Clifty makes it 2.5. Derbyshire and Wallace offer a mile apiece at an easy grade. Fifteen falls sit inside the circle, most with dog friendly trails, and February through May is when these gorges run full.

Located at 39.2093°N, -85.9183°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Columbus

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

15 of 15 gauged

15 waterfalls near Columbus have live flow data today

Butler Falls Barely Flowing Chain Mill Falls Barely Flowing Crowe Falls Barely Flowing Deadman Falls Barely Flowing Fremont Falls Barely Flowing Harts Falls Barely Flowing Horseshoe Falls Barely Flowing Clifty Falls Barely Flowing Hoffman Falls Barely Flowing Little Clifty Falls Barely Flowing Wallace Falls Barely Flowing Tunnel Falls Barely Flowing Derbyshire Falls Barely Flowing Lower Cataract Falls Barely Flowing Upper Cataract Falls Barely Flowing

Updated 9 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Tuesday

Sunny · 89°F

Sun 81°F Sunny
Lab 84°F Sunny
Tue 89°F Sunny Best
Wed 93°F Sunny
Thu 83°F Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Fri 82°F Slight Chance Rain Showers
Sat 85°F Mostly Sunny

Flowing best right now near Columbus

Updated about 2 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

  1. 1 Lower Cataract Falls Barely Flowing · 19 cfs 2nd percentile
  2. 2 Upper Cataract Falls Barely Flowing · 19 cfs 2nd percentile
  3. 3 Butler Falls Barely Flowing · 7 cfs 0th percentile
  4. 4 Chain Mill Falls Barely Flowing · 7 cfs 0th percentile
  5. 5 Clifty Falls Barely Flowing · 0 cfs 0th percentile
  6. 6 Crowe Falls Barely Flowing · 7 cfs 0th percentile

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Columbus hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Columbus

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🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Columbus (2 waterfalls)

Easy access waterfalls are drive-up or short-walk friendly. Perfect for families, casual visitors, or anyone who loves waterfalls but is "so-so" about hiking.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Columbus (10 waterfalls)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Clifty Falls waterfall

Clifty Falls

45.9 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Little Clifty Falls waterfall

Little Clifty Falls

46 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Derbyshire Falls

31.1 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Wallace Falls

46.5 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Tunnel Falls waterfall

Tunnel Falls

46.5 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

All 15 Waterfalls Near Columbus

Clifty Falls waterfall

Clifty Falls

45.9 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Little Clifty Falls waterfall

Little Clifty Falls

46 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Derbyshire Falls

31.1 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Wallace Falls

46.5 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Tunnel Falls waterfall

Tunnel Falls

46.5 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Deadman Falls waterfall CC

Deadman Falls

47.1 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Horseshoe Falls waterfall

Horseshoe Falls

47.2 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Hoffman Falls waterfall

Hoffman Falls

47.2 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Butler Falls

47.4 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Crowe Falls waterfall

Crowe Falls

34.4 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Chain Mill Falls

47.9 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Fremont Falls waterfall

Fremont Falls

48.1 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

Harts Falls

33 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Upper Cataract Falls waterfall

Upper Cataract Falls

45 miles away
Indiana
Easy
0.8 miles 100 ft
Lower Cataract Falls waterfall

Lower Cataract Falls

44.9 miles away
Indiana
Easy
0.6 miles 100 ft

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Columbus

Are there free waterfalls near Columbus?

There are 2 free waterfalls near Columbus, including Derbyshire Falls.

Are there easy waterfall hikes near Columbus?

There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Columbus, including Lower Cataract Falls.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Columbus?

There are 10 dog-friendly waterfalls near Columbus, including Clifty Falls.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Columbus?

There are 10 kid-friendly waterfalls near Columbus, including Clifty Falls.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Columbus?

The shortest waterfall hike near Columbus is Butler Falls at 0.6 miles round trip.

How tall are the waterfalls near Columbus?

The tallest waterfall near Columbus is Upper Cataract Falls at 20 feet.

Can I camp near the waterfalls around Columbus?

Yes, 2 waterfalls near Columbus have nearby campgrounds.

What is the closest waterfall to Columbus?

The closest waterfall to Columbus is Clifty Falls, approximately 42 miles away.

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Where to Stay

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