LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Butler Falls near Hanover, Indiana, showing about 182 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Butler Falls

Indiana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

About Butler Falls

Butler Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall located in Indiana. It is known for its serene surroundings and is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The waterfall may be seasonal, with the best flow typically occurring after rainfall or during the spring.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

Details about the trail leading to Butler Falls are not well-documented. The area may involve informal paths or require off-trail navigation.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful natural setting with a small waterfall. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on recent rainfall and the season.

Accessibility

Accessibility information for Butler Falls is not documented. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Butler Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Butler Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and after periods of rainfall are typically the best times to visit Butler Falls for optimal water flow.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven terrain. Always check weather conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Muscatatuck River, 12.8 miles away, not on Butler Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

3.29 ft

Water depth at gauge

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

USGS 03366500
12.8 miles from waterfall
Drainage: 293 sq mi
Altitude: 539 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MUSCATATUCK RIVER NEAR DEPUTY, IN (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to late April, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

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

Is Butler Falls Frozen?

Updated about 16 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded

Butler Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 44°F to 37°F.

Days below freezing
0 of the last 14
Current cold streak
0 days
Freezing days ahead
0 of the next 7
Flow
no gauge

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Indiana.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 182 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 692 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 62 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 124 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Butler Falls near Hanover, Indiana, for comparison with the lidar view LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Butler Falls near Hanover, Indiana, showing about 182 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast
Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation
692 feet
Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls
About 182 feet
Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces
Northeast
Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

The exact location and directions to Butler Falls are not widely documented. Visitors are advised to consult local resources or maps for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability near Butler Falls is unclear. Visitors should prepare for limited or informal parking options.

Elevation

650 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.703393° N, -85.473571° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for potentially uneven terrain. Check weather conditions before visiting, as the waterfall's flow may be affected by rainfall.

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions in Indiana may include state parks, hiking trails, and other natural landmarks.

Wildlife

The area around Butler Falls may host typical Indiana wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals.

Cities near Butler Falls

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Other waterfalls named Butler Falls

1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.

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