Waterfall Hikes Near Indianapolis, IN
About 45 miles southwest of Indianapolis, Cataract Falls on Mill Creek is the largest waterfall in Indiana by volume, with an upper falls of roughly 45 feet in total and a lower falls of about 30, set about a mile apart. The upper trail is listed at 0.8 miles round trip and the lower at 0.6, with dogs permitted on a six-foot leash under state park rules. Vermillion Falls near Van Bibber Lake and Groundhog Falls near Carbon, both west of the city, show up in our data as names without trail numbers. Aim for Cataract in spring when Mill Creek runs high, and look to the day-trip list for the Clifty Falls canyons near Madison.
Map of Waterfalls Near Indianapolis
Pins are within 50 miles; hollow circles are day trips 50–100 miles out.
Today's Conditions
Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service
Water Flow
4 of 4 waterfalls near Indianapolis are flowing strongly today
Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS
Best Day to Hike
Veterans Day
Sunny · 62°F
Flowing best right now near Indianapolis
Updated about 3 hours agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Indianapolis hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Find waterfalls to hike near Indianapolis
Have your own travel site? Embed these waterfalls for free.
🚗 Easy Waterfall Hikes Near Indianapolis (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.
All 4 Waterfalls Near Indianapolis
LiDAR
🧭 Day Trips From Indianapolis (19 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)
Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Indianapolis. Make a day of it and 19 more are within 100 miles. The closest is Derbyshire Falls, about 54 miles away. They're spread across Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Distances are approximate, measured from the center of Indianapolis; the drive is usually longer.
LiDAR
LiDAR
LiDAR
LiDAR
LiDAR
Showing the 12 closest of 19. For the rest, browse Indiana waterfalls, Kentucky waterfalls, and Ohio waterfalls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Indianapolis
Are there free waterfalls near Indianapolis?
There is 1 free waterfall near Indianapolis, including Vermillion Falls.
Are there easy waterfall hikes near Indianapolis?
There are 2 easy waterfall hikes near Indianapolis, including Lower Cataract Falls.
Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Indianapolis?
There are 2 dog-friendly waterfalls near Indianapolis, including Lower Cataract Falls.
Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Indianapolis?
There are 2 kid-friendly waterfalls near Indianapolis, including Lower Cataract Falls.
What is the shortest waterfall hike near Indianapolis?
The shortest waterfall hike near Indianapolis is Lower Cataract Falls at 0.6 miles round trip.
How tall are the waterfalls near Indianapolis?
The tallest waterfall near Indianapolis is Upper Cataract Falls at 45 feet.
Can I camp near the waterfalls around Indianapolis?
Yes, 3 waterfalls near Indianapolis have nearby campgrounds.
What is the closest waterfall to Indianapolis?
The closest waterfall to Indianapolis is Vermillion Falls, approximately 35.9 miles away.
What waterfalls are within a day trip of Indianapolis?
Beyond the 4 waterfalls within 50 miles, 19 more are between 50 and 100 miles from Indianapolis. The closest of those is Derbyshire Falls, approximately 54.1 miles away.
Pin This Guide
Save this Indianapolis waterfall guide to your Pinterest board for your next adventure.
Pin It🏙️ Other Cities Near Indianapolis With Waterfalls
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.