When spring has sprung, that can only mean one thing: it’s time for another warm-weather road trip to celebrate the coming warmer days. We here at OnlyInYourState are pretty big fans of the old-school road trip, so we put this one together just for you. It’s an awesome, three-hour adventure to some of the most picturesque (but still under-appreciated, if you ask us) waterfalls in Indiana. So, get in the car, get some snacks, buckle up, and let’s go – this is one waterfall road trip in Indiana you won’t soon forget! If you decide to extend your road trip to more than just a few hours, be sure to use our ultimate road trip packing list to make your trip planning a breeze!

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We'll begin our epic adventure at Thistlethwaite Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Indiana.
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr
Thistlethwaite Falls, 65 Waterfall Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, USA
Kyle Hartshorn/Flickr
Sure, it might have been accidentally (or maybe not-so-accidentally) created by man thanks to blasting in the area long, long ago, but it is nothing short of truly incredible. It's a multi-tiered beauty waiting to be seen. It's one waterfall in Indiana worth stopping for.
Our second stop along this Indiana waterfalls road trip is at the truly enchanting Anderson Falls, which is near Hartsville at Bartholomew County Park.
Zuza Anoszczenko/AllTrails
6596 S 525 E, Columbus, IN 47203, USA
Melissa Rork/AllTrails
This waterfall is always sure to please. Take the Anderson Falls loop, which is under one mile long to the falls. It's easy, and it's amazing year-round! Come during the spring for the lush greenery and roaring falls, and return in autumn for the color and again in winter for the waterfalls in freeze mode! Do note that there's a river crossing right at the beginning of the trek, so make sure to wear shoes you're fine with getting wet. While you're here, explore nearby Columbus. Anderson Falls is one of Indiana's easiest waterfalls to access.

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Up next are the awe-inspiring waterfalls at Muskatatuck Park.
Muscatatuck Park/Facebook
Muscatatuck Park Road, Muscatatuck Park Rd, North Vernon, IN 47265, USA
Muscatatuck Park/Facebook
Established in 1921 as Indiana's fourth-ever state park, the title didn't stick, and now it's a county park instead. No worries, though - it's absolutely lovely, and hiking around the grounds will lead you past multiple cascades. There are 215 acres and about 10 miles of trails to explore, so you might want to turn this one into a day trip! There are plenty of other cool things to do in Indiana, but especially in this area. Check out the abandoned pioneer mill nearby!
Our fourth (and second-to-last) stop is at Nine Penny Branch Preserve, in Charlestown.
Brandi Ashpaugh/AllTrails
Nine Penny Branch State Nature Preserve, 3019 Tunnel Mill Rd #3143, Charlestown, IN 47111, USA
Enrique Rodriquez/AllTrails
The falls at Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve are a little misleading, at least in photos. They tend to look a lot smaller in pictures than they are in real life - so prepare to be amazed! You'll encounter a few falls along the way when you do the Nine Penny Branch Loop Trail. Just how many you find depends on the season and how much rain there's been recently, though - but they're just as rewarding when you find them.
We'll end this epic Indiana waterfalls road trip at a stunningly beautiful state park, where there's plenty more than just the waterfalls around to keep you occupied.
Kendra Miller/AllTrails
12500 IN-62, Charlestown, IN 47111, USA
Jessica Brown/AllTrails
We'll hit Charlestown State Park last (but not least). This park is a fascinating place for LOTS of reasons - not just for its waterfalls! For those, though, take Trail #6; it leads you through some fairy-tale-esque landscapes before you arrive at a delightful little footbridge that extends right over one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indiana. It can get muddy at times, but its beauty makes it worth it. Oh, and while you're here, you can't resist checking out the ruins of an abandoned amusement park that remain on the grounds.

Any plans to embark upon an epic road trip to see these gorgeous waterfalls in Indiana? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

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Waterfalls in Indiana

Jackie Ann | August 29, 2022

What are the best waterfall hikes in Indiana?

The best thing about hiking to waterfalls in Indiana is that they are beautiful year-round. Seeing them in different seasons really shines new light on these natural wonders, and you might be surprised to learn that some of the best waterfalls in Indiana can be viewed from relatively short hiking trails.

  • The Kokiwanee Nature Preserve Trail near Largo clocks in at about 1.5 miles and takes you to one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Indiana.
  • The 5.8-mile loop to Clifty Falls in Clifty Falls State Park is one of the longest waterfall hikes in Indiana, but well worth it to see the incredible rock formations and, of course, the waterfall itself.

 

What is the scenic waterfall in Indiana?

Did you know that there are more than 20 waterfalls in Indiana? And that’s just the officially named waterfalls, there are countless others that spring up all around the state just after a rainfall.

  • Anderson Falls, mentioned above, is one of the most popular waterfalls in Indiana
  • If you want to see the tallest waterfall in Indiana, head to Williamsport Falls in Williamsport. This majestic fall cascades down for 90 feet, and the 1.5-mile trail to see it for yourself is just as beautiful as the fall itself.

 

What are the best road trips through Indiana?

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned road trip through Indiana. It’s the best way to see the sights, especially the small towns that make up the real heartbeat of the state. We’ve got a road trip for just about everything you could possibly imagine, you just need to decide what the target is!

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