Waterfall Hikes Near Indianapolis, IN

1,729,849 residents
Indiana/Indianapolis Time Zone
4 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

The Indianapolis area sits on a broad glacial plain of central Indiana, where gentle rolling uplands are dissected by narrow river ravines and limestone ledges that provide modest vertical relief. Waterfall hikes within fifty miles are generally short to moderate, traversing riparian woodlands, remnant forest patches and bluff-line trails, with a mix of paved park paths and occasional rugged ravine or canyon scrambles and seasonal, stream-fed cascades notable for their urban-proximate access from surrounding suburbs.

Located at 39.7771°N, -86.1458°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Indianapolis

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

4 of 4 gauged

4 waterfalls near Indianapolis have live flow data today

Groundhog Falls Barely Flowing Vermillion Falls Barely Flowing Lower Cataract Falls Moderate Upper Cataract Falls Moderate

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Thursday

Sunny · 94°F

Tod 81°F Isolated Showers And Thunderstorms then Scattered Showers And Thunderstorms
Sun 86°F Partly Sunny
Mon 92°F Sunny
Tue 94°F Sunny
Wed 94°F Sunny
Thu 94°F Sunny Best
Fri 93°F Sunny then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms

Flowing best right now near Indianapolis

Updated about 1 hour ago

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

  1. 1 Lower Cataract Falls Moderate · 364 cfs 37th percentile
  2. 2 Upper Cataract Falls Moderate · 364 cfs 37th percentile
  3. 3 Groundhog Falls Barely Flowing · 77 cfs 1st percentile
  4. 4 Vermillion Falls Barely Flowing · 77 cfs 1st percentile

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.

Lower Cataract Falls waterfall

Lower Cataract Falls

46.4 miles away
Indiana
Easy
0.6 miles 100 ft
Upper Cataract Falls waterfall

Upper Cataract Falls

47.1 miles away
Indiana
Easy
0.8 miles 100 ft

All 4 Waterfalls Near Indianapolis

Vermillion Falls

30.1 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Groundhog Falls waterfall

Groundhog Falls

26.7 miles away
Indiana
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft
Lower Cataract Falls waterfall

Lower Cataract Falls

46.4 miles away
Indiana
Easy
0.6 miles 100 ft
Upper Cataract Falls waterfall

Upper Cataract Falls

47.1 miles away
Indiana
Easy
0.8 miles 100 ft

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 Groundhog 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.

Waterfall Hikes Near Indianapolis, IN Pinterest Guide

Pin This Guide

Save this Indianapolis waterfall guide to your Pinterest board for your next adventure.

Pin It

🏙️ Other Cities Near Indianapolis With Waterfalls

Speedway, IN
13,646 residents
Beech Grove, IN
15,181 residents
Carmel, IN
99,453 residents
Greenwood, IN
63,579 residents
Lawrence, IN
49,218 residents
Avon, IN
21,783 residents
Brownsburg, IN
29,379 residents
Westfield, IN
48,262 residents
Plainfield, IN
35,078 residents
Danville, IN
10,842 residents
Fishers, IN
99,041 residents
Greenfield, IN
23,669 residents

Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

Find hotels, lodges, and B&Bs near the trailhead
Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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.