Are there fees or permits required for Shanty Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Shanty Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Shanty Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Shanty Falls.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Shanty Falls near Wabash, Indiana, showing about 75 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing north

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 5,050 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Shanty Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Shanty Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Shanty Falls.

Indiana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

50 ft

About Shanty Falls

Shanty Falls is a small, picturesque waterfall tucked into the quiet woodlands of Indiana. Its modest drop and leafy surroundings make it a peaceful destination for anyone looking to escape crowds and enjoy a short nature outing. The falls’ lesser-known status means you’ll often find solitude here, ideal for a quick photography stop or a calm moment by the water. The approach to Shanty Falls is invitingly brief: the trail to the falls is 0.4 miles with about 50 feet of elevation gain, rated easy and configured as an out-and-back. That short distance makes it a good choice for families, beginner hikers, or anyone wanting a quick outdoor refresh. Trails in this area are natural and can be uneven in spots, so bring sturdy footwear and expect a simple, low-effort ramble through native forest.

The Setting

Shanty Falls sits at 676 feet along the Wabash River, in the foothills of Indiana.

Trail & Hike Details

0.4 mi distance 50 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.4-mile out-and-back trail gains 50 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Out-and-back trail, 0.4 miles in length with roughly 50 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: easy. There is no official USFS trail surface/grade/class data available for this route, but the hike is short with a gentle overall grade. Visitors should be prepared for natural tread and occasional uneven footing—sturdy shoes are recommended. The route is straightforward and suitable for most abilities, offering a quick, pleasant walk to the waterfall.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect a peaceful, natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The flow of the waterfall may vary depending on recent rainfall.

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 Shanty Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Shanty Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have a stronger flow due to seasonal rainfall.

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 on the trail. Cell phone service may be limited in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

5,050 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

51 98 588 1.3k

Based on 102 years of record

8.99 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

WABASH RIVER AT WABASH, IN

USGS 03325000

2.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,768 sq mi

Altitude: 642 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge WABASH RIVER AT WABASH, IN (4 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

5050 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

5050 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

5296 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

4909 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

4892 cfs

9/10

Thu

Strong

6941 cfs

7/10

Fri

Roaring

8751 cfs

6/10

Sat

Strong

8600 cfs

8/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid 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 Wabash 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.

1-meter lidar measures about 75 feet of descent through Shanty Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 670 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 60 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 46 feet in the 500 feet below. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Shanty Falls near Wabash, Indiana, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 670 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 75 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; 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 north).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Shanty Falls is located in a rural area of Indiana. Access may require navigating unpaved roads or trails. Specific directions are not widely documented, so visitors should research local maps or consult with nearby park offices for guidance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at designated trailheads if available.

Elevation

676 feet above sea level

Coordinates

40.788376° N, -85.862209° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a map or GPS device as the area may not have clear signage. Check weather conditions before visiting, as trails may become muddy or slippery after rain.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.4 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.