Waterfall Hikes Near Indianapolis, IN

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

within 50 miles

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.

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 Barely Flowing Upper Cataract Falls Barely Flowing

Updated about 2 hours ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Tuesday

Mostly Sunny · 82°F

Wed 87°F Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Thu 85°F Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Fri 84°F Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sat 86°F Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sun 90°F Sunny then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Mon 83°F Slight Chance Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny
Tue 82°F Mostly Sunny Best

Flowing best right now near Indianapolis

Updated about 2 hours ago

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

  1. 1 Lower Cataract Falls Barely Flowing · 16 cfs 1st percentile
  2. 2 Upper Cataract Falls Barely Flowing · 16 cfs 1st percentile
  3. 3 Groundhog Falls Barely Flowing · 17 cfs 0th percentile
  4. 4 Vermillion Falls Barely Flowing · 17 cfs 0th 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

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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.

Lower Cataract Falls waterfall

Lower Cataract Falls

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

Upper Cataract Falls

14 miles away
Indiana
Easy
0.8 miles 100 ft

All 4 Waterfalls Near Indianapolis

Vermillion Falls

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

Groundhog Falls

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

Lower Cataract Falls

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

Upper Cataract Falls

14 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.

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Where to Stay

Hotels & Lodges Booking.com

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Glamping Hipcamp

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

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