Cataract Falls
Cataract Falls
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
121 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
37
Average
11
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Eunice V
Indianapolis, IN7 contributions
Oct 2019
Because we live near Cataract Falls, we have visited numerous times, and we usually take first-time visitors to see it. They are always pleasantly surprised to see the falls in an area where you would not normally expect to see such a sight. Both the Upper and Lower Falls are always a fun place to visit!
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have Camera, Will Travel
South Bend, IN3,573 contributions
Oct 2022
I first went to Cataract Falls in September 2019 and, while it was nice, it was a bit melancholy feeling and I can't point out exactly why. Probably because I was alone and nobody else was there. It was just felt a little off.
This time, I was with my partner and we had a great time. She is a photography nut, just as I am. The fall colors where at peak, so it was beautiful. We went down along the creek on both the Upper and Lower Falls areas. We went under the Upper Falls and took so excellent photos. I was expecting to spend maybe 30 minutes there total, but we stayed for 2 1/2 hours. It was an excellent stop.
I highly recommend going in the fall. The downside was that the bathrooms are vault toilets and smelled absolutely terrible. Best to go before you get there.
This time, I was with my partner and we had a great time. She is a photography nut, just as I am. The fall colors where at peak, so it was beautiful. We went down along the creek on both the Upper and Lower Falls areas. We went under the Upper Falls and took so excellent photos. I was expecting to spend maybe 30 minutes there total, but we stayed for 2 1/2 hours. It was an excellent stop.
I highly recommend going in the fall. The downside was that the bathrooms are vault toilets and smelled absolutely terrible. Best to go before you get there.
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce Kamplain
Carmel, IN25 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Went on Sunday 2/20/2021, photographing the upper and lower falls while they were still capped in snow and ice. Great day. Falls were draped in ice, however, the water was running with vigor.
Written February 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shrngoss
Indianapolis, IN104 contributions
Aug 2020
I had not been to Cataract Falls in almost 50 years. The falls have not lost any of their beauty. The recreation area consists of the Upper Falls, Lower Falls, one hiking trail, two shelter houses and picnic areas. It is not a place where you could spend the day but is well worth a couple hours for a picnic in beautiful surroundings. We plan to go back in October to enjoy the fall leaves.
Written August 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy O
Sauk City, WI1,197 contributions
Mar 2022
We visited these falls in the spring of this year. We only went to the upper falls because it was a cooler day, but discovered the covered bridge and upper falls easy to access and right off the parking lot. The water was moving through quite rapidly. We were unsure if this was a higher or lower amount of water than a usual spring, because we noticed some high water marks on the trees at the bank. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
Written March 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bouffie
North Manchester, IN93 contributions
Apr 2021
Can't believe that I was a student at IU for 4 years and never knew about these beautiful falls. Went on a spring day when the foliage wasn't fully out but the wildflowers were glorious. Somewhat rugged hiking - a couple of surprising ledges / drop offs. I'm not great with heights so I'll admit it caught my breath. My teenage son really enjoyed it. Didn't see a lot of wildlife - but did spot several Pileated Woodpeckers. Great place to take a picnic and plan for 2-3 hours.
Written April 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ALMA
Louisville, KY61 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
It is a beautiful place to spend the day. We say the falls, walked in the covered bridge and played in the playground. We hiked for a little bit but it was muddy since it had just snowed recently. We then drove to the lower falls and they were beautiful to see too. When the weather is sunnier, it’s a great place to go. There’s tables and bbq grills. There’s also restrooms and pavilions.
Written March 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellinginUSA
Illinois34 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Nice visit. There are an upper and lower falls with a covered bridge at the upper falls. There is a hiking path to get between to two or you can drive on a paved asphalt road. There had not been a lot of rain before going there so the falls were not bursting with water. We enjoyed some fall colors. It is $7 for in-state and $9 for out-of-state vehicles. No restaurant on site so pack a lunch and some drinks.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adriana GS
Kentucky18 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Excellent place, beautiful view, very clean at least at this time of year when I went. I thought it would be cumbersome to get to the waterfalls but nothing to see in front of the parking lot. Very accessible, I recommend it beautiful.
Written February 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jpete02
Lansing, MI887 contributions
This is a great day trip from Indianapolis and goes to show that there is a lot of hidden beauty in Indiana if you know where to find it.
Cataract Falls is in a state park and is actually two waterfalls located about a hour west of Indianapolis, near the town of Cataract.
These are the largest waterfalls in Indiana and while this isn't exactly Niagara Falls, they are both in pretty settings and impressive enough.
To top it all off, there is an authentic covered bridge located behind the upper falls that you can also walk through.
The lower falls seems to be a good place to fish as there were many people fishing when we went. There is also some interesting geological formations close to the lower falls.
Cataract Falls is in a state park and is actually two waterfalls located about a hour west of Indianapolis, near the town of Cataract.
These are the largest waterfalls in Indiana and while this isn't exactly Niagara Falls, they are both in pretty settings and impressive enough.
To top it all off, there is an authentic covered bridge located behind the upper falls that you can also walk through.
The lower falls seems to be a good place to fish as there were many people fishing when we went. There is also some interesting geological formations close to the lower falls.
Written September 14, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do y'all have venues or areas that a marriage ceremony can be rented or reserved or however ? Can I get married at Cataract Falla
sammy w
Indianapolis, IN50 contributions
Is there somewhere you can rent kayaks at nearby? If so, where?
Can I use my Indiana state park pass for entrance here?
Brittany L
West Lafayette, IN225 contributions
Since this is part of a state park, you should be able to.
Marti G
Westfield, IN
Have there been any serious falls or accidents in 2017?
Brittany L
West Lafayette, IN225 contributions
It looks there were two deaths in July of this year.
Chrislyn R
Anderson, IN2 contributions
What other activities are around the area to do?
Scuffy13
Glendale, AZ747 contributions
Just a few miles to Richard Leiber State and Cagles Mill Lake with busting, hiking, and camping.
Alicialee45
Effingham, IL12 contributions
Does anyone try to swim here when the falls are low in the summer time?
Indychick66
Indianapolis, IN9 contributions
It's not allowed & you can get ticketed if caught. It's dangerous, there have been a lot of drownings there. You can swim at Lieber beach, one receipt from either park will get you in the other.
laska1955
Lafayette, IN6 contributions
I will be traveling with my two beagles. Looking for a cabin that allows pets near the falls
Indychick66
Indianapolis, IN9 contributions
Try Cataract Lake Cabins, Wasatch Lake or Hickory Hills Campground.
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