Spring has sprung, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for another warm-weather road trip to celebrate the coming warmer days of summer once school is out.
This old-school three-hour adventure will take you to some of Indiana’s most picturesque and local waterfalls, this is one waterfall road trip in Indiana you won’t soon forget.
The first stop of the trip takes you to Thistlethwaite Falls, one of Indiana’s most scenic waterfalls. These falls were accidentally created following blasting in the area long ago, but it is nothing short of truly incredible. To find this majestic waterfall, get on South US 27 until you find Waterfall Road. You will cross a narrow bridge that is just above these fantastic falls to find the parking area.
The next waterfall is the truly enchanting Anderson Falls near Hartsville at Bartholomew County Park. Take the Anderson Falls loop, which is under one mile long, to the falls. It’s easy, and it’s amazing year-round. Do note that there’s a river crossing right at the beginning of the trek, so make sure to wear shoes you’re fine with getting wet.
Moving on to the waterfalls found at Muskatatuck Park with hiking around the grounds that will lead you past multiple cascades. There are 215 acres and about 10 miles of trails to explore within the park, which could make this stop a day trip in itself.
The falls at Nine Penny Branch Nature Preserve are next on this adventure and can seem a little misleading, at least in photos. The falls tend to look a lot smaller in pictures than they are in real life, so prepare to be amazed when you visit. You’ll encounter a few falls along the way when you do the Nine Penny Branch Loop Trail. Just how many you find depends on the season and how much rain there’s been recently.
The final stop on this journey leads you to Charlestown State Park in Clark County. This park is a fascinating place for many reasons, not just for its waterfalls. Many trails lead you through some fairy-tale-esque landscapes before you arrive at a delightful little footbridge that extends right over a beautiful waterfall. It can get muddy at times, but its beauty makes it worth it. This stop also includes the Rose Island Ruins, the ruins of an abandoned amusement park that remain on the grounds.
This is a fun, and relatively cheap family adventure for all to enjoy the scenery that only Indiana can provide.
