Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall by volume in Indiana. PHOTO: Indiana DNR
“The waterfalls you can enjoy at Indiana state parks, state forests and nature preserves are good reasons to be reminded that Indiana is more than a ‘fly-over’ or ‘drive-through’ state,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of State Parks. “These cascades are a reminder of the geological processes that framed (and are still framing) the Hoosier landscape.” Clifty Falls State Park near Madison was named for its most spectacular features – roaring Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls and Tunnel Falls. Hike through a rugged landscape on the park’s 10 miles of trails to discover them and other smaller ones, as well. As with all waterfalls, the activity at these falls depends on the amount of rainfall in the area. And their personalities change, depending on the time of your visit. Spring will find them cascading at full force while in winter they become a frozen spectacle. Upper and Lower Cataract Falls are the largest in the state by volume.
Salamonie State Forest PHOTO: Indiana DNR
A part of Mill Creek, which feeds the 1,400-acre Cagles Mill Lake in the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area near Cloverdale, they were formed because of pre-glacial bedrock ridges buried beneath ancient lake sediments. Also here are volleyball courts, a swimming pool and a playground as well as lots of tables for lunch while you watch the activity around you. Be sure to pack a picnic!
Not far away near Spencer is McCormick’s Creek State Park, the first in the state. Here the namesake creek flows through a limestone canyon to form the scenic waterfall, and nature-lovers will find lots more to do, too. Miles of hiking trails lead through trees and native wildflowers, and you can also climb a vintage fire tower and cross the stone-arch bridge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It’s a good place for bird-watching, too. Turkey Run State Park near Marshall and Shades State Park near Waveland are 15 miles apart, but Sugar Creek runs through both of them. On the north side of the creek in Turkey Run is Rocky Hollow Falls Canyon Nature Preserve, and in Shades lies the Pine Hills Nature Preserve. These parks are best known for their great hiking through deep sandstone ravines, and along the way you’ll discover Silver Cascades and other smaller waterfalls. Charlestown State Park was once part of the land around an Army ammunition plant, but today it offers traveliN Spring 2021
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