Cataract Falls — 86ft Cascade in Indiana

Cataract Falls is a 86-foot cascade waterfall in Owen County, Indiana, reached by an easy walk over 1.4 miles.

Cataract Falls is Indiana's largest waterfall by volume — a two-tier 86-foot total drop on Mill Creek inside Lieber State Recreation Area in Owen County, about 90 minutes southwest of Indianapolis. Upper Cataract Falls is the more impressive single drop at 30 feet wide and 20 feet tall; Lower Cataract Falls (about half a mile downstream) is a 18-foot drop. The 1.4-mile Rim Rock Trail loop reaches both. The falls run year-round but are most dramatic in spring runoff (March-May). The historic 1876 covered bridge over Mill Creek is in the same recreation area.

What to expect

Drive into Lieber State Recreation Area. Pay the Indiana state park day-use fee at the gate. Park at the Cataract Falls lot. The 1.4-mile Rim Rock Trail loops past both Upper and Lower Cataract Falls, with overlooks at each. The trail is mostly easy with some stairs at the falls overlooks. Pair with the Cataract Covered Bridge (5-minute drive within the park) and Cagles Mill Lake for boating or paddling.