Lower Cataract Falls
Indiana • 15 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.6 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Lower Cataract Falls
Lower Cataract Falls sits in northern Owen County as part of the Cataract Falls system and the Lieber State Recreation Area. Fed by Mill Creek, the falls are the largest by volume in Indiana and present a series of limestone drops; the lower cascade itself plunges roughly 15 feet and is one of two sets of falls separated by about 1 mile (1.6 km). The layered, picturesque ledges and accessible viewing points make this a popular stop for photographers and families exploring the area. The falls and surrounding land lie within the Cagles Mill Lake land unit and are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (land owner listed as DESG) as a recreational resource. The site’s compact scale and scenic series of drops along Mill Creek reward a short visit, whether you’re pairing it with nearby hikes or a day trip through Lieber State Recreation Area.
The Setting
Lower Cataract Falls sits at 656 feet within Cagles Mill Lake, fed by the Mill Creek, in the foothills of Indiana. The falls drop 15 feet.
Height: 15 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Upper Cataract Falls, the tallest waterfall in Indiana at 20 feet, lies 0.6 miles to the southeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Lower Cataract Falls is a short, easy 0.6-mile out-and-back route with about 100 feet of elevation gain, making it suitable for most visitors and families. The path leads directly to a designated viewing area for the lower cascade (approximately 15 feet high) and is non-technical in nature; difficulty is rated easy. Expect a short, well-marked footpath with a modest average grade (around 6% one-way) that provides quick access from the trailhead to the falls.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 15 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Cataract Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $7.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Cataract Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is in the spring or after heavy rainfall, as the water flow is at its peak. Fall is also a great time to visit for the vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks near the falls can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on the rocks. Be cautious of strong currents during high water flow.
Current Water Conditions
29 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 35 years of record
4.76 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MILL CREEK NEAR CATARACT, IN (5 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
4/10Mon
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
4/10Wed
Barely Flowing
27 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
28 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
27 cfs
3/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid 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 Cloverdale hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 67 feet of drop through Lower Cataract Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 15 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 664 feet above sea level.
The ground is already steep on the way in, falling about 68 feet in the 500 feet above the pin, and levels out below the falls. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 664 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 67 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Lower Cataract Falls is located near Cloverdale, Indiana, within the Lieber State Recreation Area. Visitors can access the falls via Cataract Falls Road, with clear signage leading to the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is easily accessible by car. Parking is typically free, but there may be a small fee for entry into the state recreation area.
Elevation
656 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.442369° N, -86.819361° W
Land Management
Managed by USACE
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after a period of rain for the most impressive water flow. Wear sturdy shoes, as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the falls.
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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit
Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.
Osprey Daylite Daypack
Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.
Where to Stay
Canyon Inn
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Indianapolis Airport South, IN
Wingate by Wyndham Indianapolis Airport Plainfield
Red Roof Inn Greencastle South - Cloverdale
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Raccoon State Recreation Area
24.4 miles away · 0 sites
This recreation area is part of Cecil M. Harden Lake
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Upper Cataract Falls, Lieber State Recreation Area, Cagles Mill Lake.
Wildlife
The area is home to various bird species, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot turtles and fish in the nearby water.
Cities near Lower Cataract Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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