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.

Live Conditions · 701 ft³/s · Much lower 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 May 2026

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

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 Barely Flowing

701 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

3.93 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

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

Barely Flowing right now

706 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

706 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

717 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

606 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

616 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

530 cfs

5/10

Fri

Low

578 cfs

3/10

Sat

Low

615 cfs

3/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

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

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.

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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.