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