Waterfall Hikes Near Indianapolis, IN
An hour southwest of Indianapolis, Cataract Falls carries more water than anything else in the state, with an upper drop of 20 feet and a lower of 15, each a half mile from the car and open to dogs. That pair is the reason this page exists. Vermillion and Groundhog Falls, farther west near the Wabash, show up in our data as names without numbers. Aim for Cataract in March or April, when Mill Creek swells and both tiers spread the full width of their ledges.
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 waterfalls near Indianapolis have live flow data today
Updated about 3 hours ago via USGS
Best Day to Hike
Monday
Sunny · 75°F
Flowing best right now near Indianapolis
Updated about 3 hours agoRanked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.
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Find waterfalls to hike near Indianapolis
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🚗 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
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🧭 Day Trips From Indianapolis (20 waterfalls, 50–100 miles away)
Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Indianapolis. Make a day of it and 20 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.
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Showing the 12 closest of 20. 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 20 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, 20 more are between 50 and 100 miles from Indianapolis. The closest of those is Derbyshire Falls, approximately 54.1 miles away.
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Where to Stay
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