Upper Cataract Falls
Indiana • 20 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.8 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
100 ft
About Upper Cataract Falls
Upper Cataract Falls sits on Mill Creek in northern Owen County and is part of the Cataract Falls system within Lieber State Recreation Area and the Owen‑Putnam State Forest, managed by the SDNR. According to public sources, Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in Indiana and the system here is made up of two sets of falls separated by about 1 mile; Upper Cataract Falls is one of those series of drops and is listed at roughly 20 feet in height. The falls offer a compact but impressive display of flowing water, making it a popular stop for day hikers and photographers exploring the state recreation area. The setting feels accessible and naturally scenic: the upper cascade is part of the multi‑drop profile that gives Cataract Falls its character, and its location inside state‑managed land makes it straightforward to visit as part of a longer loop through the Lieber SRA or a short outing to the creek. The SDNR manages the site as part of the Owen‑Putnam unit (designation SCA), so expect a managed natural area with basic visitor amenities nearby within the recreation area.
The Setting
Upper Cataract Falls sits at 702 feet within Owen-Putnam State Forest, fed by the Mill Creek, in the foothills of Indiana. The falls drop 20 feet.
Height: 20 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Lower Cataract Falls (15 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the northwest.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy 0.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 100 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Upper Cataract Falls is a short 0.8‑mile out‑and‑back with about 100 feet of elevation gain and is rated easy. It’s suitable for most visitors and leads directly to the upper series of drops on Mill Creek (the falls themselves are approximately 20 feet high in this section). Trail type: out‑and‑back; length: 0.8 miles; elevation gain: ~100 ft; difficulty: easy; surface/grade/class: not specified in the available trail data.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 20 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 Upper Cataract Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $7.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Upper Cataract Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.
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, so exercise caution. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of the falls.
Current Water Conditions
24 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 35 years of record
4.68 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 (4 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
4/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
4/10Tue
Barely Flowing
24 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
21 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
22 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
21 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
25 cfs
3/10Best window: Tue — barely flowing flow, mostly 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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 85 feet through Upper Cataract Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 20 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 703 feet.
The ground changes about 55 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 47 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 703 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 85 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Upper Cataract Falls is located in Lieber State Recreation Area, near Cloverdale, Indiana. It is accessible via State Road 42, with clear signage leading to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a designated parking area near the falls, which is a short walk from the viewing area.
Elevation
702 feet above sea level
Coordinates
39.434447° N, -86.813089° W
Land Management
Managed by SDNR
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit after a rainy period for the best water flow. Wear sturdy shoes as the area near the falls can be slippery. Bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
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For this easy 0.8 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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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Lower Cataract Falls, Cataract Falls Covered Bridge, 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 streams.
Cities near Upper Cataract Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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