Indiana's Largest Waterfall Is In An Overlooked Area Where Any Outdoor Lover Will Thrive

The list of U.S. states famous for incredible outdoor adventures is fairly long, but many deserving entries still tend to be left out. One excellent example of this is the humble Midwestern state of Indiana. Though the Hoosier State is well known for things like college basketball and a thriving agricultural industry, few travelers associate it with America's sublime natural beauty. 

However, despite such a snub, Indiana does have plenty of amazing natural beauty to go around.  Indiana Dunes National Park is a perfect lakeside escape for outdoor enthusiasts, while Indiana's 24 state parks preserve some of the loveliest scenery in the Midwest. Surprisingly, Indiana's natural wonders offer a bit more than "just" the flat, Midwestern landscape most travelers are expecting. 

For example, you're probably not expecting to encounter a stunning waterfall when exploring Indiana's forests. This, however, makes the state's Cataract Falls such a pleasant surprise. Sitting in an overlooked but surprisingly rich region, Cataract Falls and its surrounding recreational area may be the most underrated spot for outdoor lovers in the entire Midwest. 

Cataract Falls is Indiana's largest waterfall by volume. State records aside, the waterfall's enchanting profile and top location along Indiana's scenic Mill Creek are more than enough to justify a visit. For fans of waterfalls in general, a trip to Cataract Falls will net you two amazing waterfalls for the price of one! This is because Cataract Falls divides into two distinct cascades, one upstream and one downstream, about 0.8 miles from each other. Upper Cataract Falls reaches a height of 45 feet, while Lower Cataract Falls reaches a height of around 30 feet. Both of these sections are gorgeous in and of themselves. But taken together along with Mill Creek, they present a truly brilliant snapshot of nature that rivals anything found in states with better reputations for natural beauty. 

The dual cascades of Cataract Falls also maintain their splendor year-round. In the spring and summer, the falls offer a beautiful space to explore Indiana's greenery in the warm weather. Autumn offers exceptional views of the falls dressed in ravishing fall foliage. Even in the winter, Cataract Falls transforms into one of the country's best frozen waterfalls for a worthwhile winter hike. 

Even better, both the upper and lower falls are quite accessible to most hikers thanks to the Ed Dailey Nature Trail, a relatively easy loop trail consisting largely of well-maintained pavement and stone. With a length of only around 1.6 miles, the Ed Dailey Trail can usually be completed in around 30 minutes, giving hikers more than enough views to last them an entire day. Plus, the trail goes right up to the edges of the gorge surrounding the falls, so hikers will have plenty of scenic spots for photos!

Superb views of two magnificent waterfalls are more than enough to justify a trip to Cataract Falls. But even outside of terrific photo opportunities, the falls offer visitors some of Indiana's best outdoor amenities and activities. Cataract Falls is located in the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. Combined with the adjacent Lieber State Recreation Area, the region features picnic areas, playgrounds, and several great campsites (as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming). 

Mill Creek and its twin waterfalls feed into the nearby Cagles Mill Lake, a 1,400-acre reservoir that offers some of Indiana's best lakeside views and water-based activities. But the cherry on top of Cataract Falls' amazing views may very well be the charming Cataract Falls Covered Bridge. Dating back to 1876, this red, rustic bridge is both a historical landmark and a beautiful complement to the waterfalls it overlooks. While this type of covered bridge was once abundant in the 19th century, today the Cataract Falls Covered Bridge is the last one in Owen County.

Hikers visiting the falls can take a side quest and walk through the actual bridge, all while getting fantastic views of the falls below through the bridge's observational cutouts. Though Cataract Falls Covered Bridge is much more low-key, its historical significance and exceptional views rival those of the most amazing bridges around the world. With so many enchanting views, immersive hikes, and historical sites, Cataract Falls is undoubtedly a strong contender for Indiana's most underrated outdoor destination.