Visit Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
Rating: 8.7/10

Cataract Falls State Recreation Area

Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is a beautiful place to spend the day. Under the right conditions, you can admire both waterfalls, and even walk underneath the upper falls! You can also take a short and scenic trail from the upper falls down to the lower falls. Another highlight is the historic bridge, and if you're careful, you can walk across the rocks near the upper waterfall.

Our Trip Cataract Falls State Recreation Area

This is our recommended parking spot. There are many other options, but this is the best spot to explore the top hiking trails.

Parking

We recommend using restrooms before starting activities, specially if you have kids.

Restrooms

This is the covered bridge and it's iconic in Indiana. There's a hidden trail behind the fence at the end of the walkway. It may say closed, but locals ignore it and use the trail to get to the top of the upper waterfalls.

Covered Bridge

The upper waterfall is one of the main attractions of this park, and you can even get underneath if you cross the river or if you follow the hidden trail behind the covered bridge. The best time to visit is after a rainy day.

Upper Falls

The lower waterfall is another point of interest, and the best way to reach it is hiking. For the best experience, follow the trail by the river.

Lower Falls

Always check your destination's weather forecast, & save maps offline.

Gallery Cataract Falls State Recreation Area

Cataract Falls State Recreation Area

Highlights
  • Safe
  • Good Connectivity
  • Public Transportation
  • Free Access
  • Open Year Round
Activities
  • Hiking
  • Picnics
  • Playground
  • Pet Friendly
Amenities
  • Public Restrooms
  • Grills
  • Picnic Tables
Nearby Cities
  • Spencer
  • Cloverdale
  • Gosport
  • Poland
  • Quincy
  • Ellettsville
  • Bloomington
  • Worthington
  • Martinsville
  • Brazil
Today's Forecast
96°F / 74°F

Sunny

10-Day Forecast
4.7

Based on 2678 Google reviews

"Cataract Falls in Owen County is a beautiful destination and well worth the visit. The waterfalls are unique, and the combination of scenic river rock..."
— Amos Haffner
"Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is one of the best hidden gems in Indiana. The waterfalls are absolutely beautiful—especially after a good rain..."
— Thomas Pat Rohan
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Address

2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460, USA

Hours
  • Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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