It’s not a secret at all that we here at Only In Your State are big fans of waterfalls. And who could blame us? There’s just something objectively amazing about watching water… well, fall… and even in the winter, it’s a sight to behold. Enter the amazing Cataract Falls, located within the aptly-named Cataract Falls State Recreation Area; as Indiana’s largest waterfall by volume, it’s an incredible experience… but in the winter, once everything is frozen over (or even in the process of freezing over), it’s especially magical. Check out the most spellbinding frozen waterfall in Indiana this winter for an awe-inspiring adventure… just be sure to dress warmly!

Cataract Falls actually consists of two separate cascades positioned almost exactly one mile apart.
g frozen waterfall
Randy Wehrmeister/Google Local
The Upper falls have a total drop of about 40 feet, and the Lower falls have a total drop of about 30 feet. Both are a formidable sight to behold, especially when you can hear the roar of the falls from quite a distance away.
Mill Creek - the flowing river from which the falls are born - tends to get quite cold during the winter months, despite the fact that it's moving water.
Jingyu Liu/Google Local
As a result, slowly, over the entire winter, Cataract Falls freezes over.
The entire process of its freezing is a spectacle.
Christian Collins/Flickr
There's something amazing to see at every stage of the falls turning to ice. It's outrageously photogenic and completely underrated.

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While most folks who hike the single trail to reach the falls do so in spring and summer (and often in autumn thanks to the splendid color), those who make the journey in winter are in for a treat.
Amanda Oliver/AllTrails
Waterfalls are impressive as it is. There's something about them that's both humbling and awe-inspiring, but when these natural landmarks are quietened and stilled thanks to a growing layer of ice... it's something else.
frozen waterfall
Joseph Gage/Flickr
The frozen falls are outrageously photogenic, so make sure to either bring a camera or make sure your phone has a good charge on it.
Jordan Lacy/AllTrails
You won't be able to get enough of this incredible natural wonder, seemingly stopped in time until warm weather returns.
To reach the falls, you'll want to embark upon the Cataract Falls via Ed Dailey Nature Trail.
Joseph Gage/Flickr
This amazing hiking trail in Indiana is short and easy, and it leads to one of the most amazing things you'll ever witness in the Midwest.

Check out this incredible YouTube video by Journey Indiana with a glimpse of Cataract Falls, one of the most spectacular Indiana waterfalls. 

If you can’t get enough of the amazing frozen waterfalls in Indiana, don’t worry – there are many more in addition to Cataract Falls! Visit McCormick’s Creek State Park for some more frozen delights. Or consider exploring these incredible attractions in Indiana, some of which are great during the winter months. Better bundle up though!

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Winter In Indiana

Melanie J. | December 07, 2023

Besides hiking to see frozen waterfalls, what are some more winter attractions in Indiana?

If you love to explore The Hoosier State during the colder months, here are some of the best winter attractions in Indiana that are pure magic. 

  • Veal's Ice Tree, 6445 Mimosa Ln, Indianapolis
  • Conner Prairie, Fishers
  • Paoli Peaks, Paoli
  • Central Park Plaza, Valparaiso
  • Whitewater Valley Railroad, Connersville
  • Visit a Charming Small Town
  • Pokagon State Park Toboggan Run, Angola
  • Dream Coach Carriages, New Carlisle

 

Learn more by visiting our website featuring these incredible winter attractions in Indiana.

What are some more of the best natural wonders in Indiana?

From unique rock formations to stunning waterfalls and more, here are some of the best natural wonders in Indiana that belong on your bucket list:

  • Williamsport Falls, Williamsport
  • Seven Pillars Of Peru, Peru
  • The Dunes at Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter,
  • Marengo Cave U.S. National Landmark, Marengo
  • Clifty Falls, Madison
  • Yellowwood State Forest, Nashville
  • Jug Rock, Shoals
  • The Arch at Portland Arch Nature Preserve, Covington
  • Patoka Lake, Birdseye
  • Indiana Caverns, Corydon

 

Don’t forget to read our previous article to discover more about these natural wonders in Indiana.

What are the best state parks to visit in Indiana?

The state parks in Indiana feature lots of adventure from hiking to camping and more. And these are some of the best state parks to visit in Indiana: 

  • Brown County State Park, Nashville
  • Charlestown State Park, Charlestown
  • McCormick's Creek State Park, Spencer
  • Clifty Falls State Park, Madison
  • Lincoln State Park, Lincoln City
  • Mounds State Park, Anderson
  • O'Bannon Woods State Park, Corydon
  • Turkey Run State Park, Marshall
  • Pokagon State Park, Angola
  • Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton

 

Be sure to read our previous article which tells you more about the best state parks to visit in Indiana.

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Upper Cataract Falls, Jennings Township, IN 47460, USA