Cataract Falls State Recreation

Cataract Falls State Recreation
Cataract Falls
Upper Cataract Falls 

A Visit to McCormick’s State Park
A Visit to McCormick’s State Park
A visit to Cataract Falls will reveal two waterfalls a half mile apart. The Falls are, by volumn, the largest waterfalls in Indiana. The Upper Falls is at the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. This Falls drops about thirty feet. Visitors will find an observation deck to observe them located adjacent to a picnic area. a walk across Cataract Falls Covered Bridge, just above the Falls, affords a magnificient veiw if the Mill Creek Gorge below the Falls. The Lower Falls is accessed by hiking, or driving, the half mile distance to a parking area. Here, visitors are treated to the fifteen foot Lower Falls. A picnic area is located here, also. Mill Creek empties into Cagle Mill Lake, visible to the northwest of the Lower Falls from the parking area. Two pre-glacial period rock ridges located beneath an ancient lake create the geological conditions that allowed Cataract Falls to form.
Lower Cataract Falls
Lower Cataract Falls


Mill Creek
Mill Creek begins just east of Danville, Indiana, south of the Ernie Pyle Highway and a short distance west of County Road 450 W. As it flows generally southwest, it touches the eastern boundary of Amo before joining the East Branch of Mill Creek just north of Stilesville. The East Fork of Mill Creek's source is a little south of West Lincoln Street in Danville. The East Fork flows through largely rural countryside until its junction with Mill Creek. Mill Creek skirts Stilesville, then flows generally south, crossing Interstate 70 just west of Exit 51. From that point it flows generally southwest, crossing Indiana State Road 42. After crossing US Route 231 just south of North Cataract Road, Mill Creek enters Cataract Falls State Recreation Area. It empties into Cagle Mill Lake. Mill Creek reappears as it empties from the spillway, flowing a short distance to its junction with the Eel River.
Cataract Falls State Recreation
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area has covered picnic pavilions at the upper and lower falls, along with outhouse facilities. There is one nature trail, about one half mile long, that travels between the two falls. There are trails others have made on either side of Mill Creek. Use state road 225/250W to access the East side of the falls and Mill Creek. At the lower falls, you could hike down Mill Creek toward Cagle Mill Lake
Cataract Falls Covered Bridge
Cataract Falls Covered Bridge
Cataract Falls Covered Bridge

Constructed in 1876, by Smith Bridge Co. of Toledo, Ohio, Cataract Falls Covered Bridge conveyed travelers across Mill Creek until 1988. The 140 long bridge spans Mill Creek just above Cataract Falls. Replaced by a concrete bridge, the Smith type #4 through truss bridge is now open to foot traffic. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources began restoring the bridge, completing restoration in 2006 for $410,257. The National Register of Historic Places listed the bridge on April 27, 2005. The bridge is located in Cataract Falls State Recreation Area.
Mill Creek Gorge
Mill Creek Gorge

Cagle Mill Lake
Constructed in 1952, the 1400 acre lake serves as a flood control resevoir that protects Mill Creek and the Eel River from severe flooding. This was the first flood control lake built in Indiana. Cagle Mill Lake has picnic areas, a modern aquatic center, a volleyball court and a playground. Other activities include boating, fishing, hiking and pontoon boat rental.
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
Below the bridge Cataract Falls begins its half mile, eighty-six foot descent to Cagle's Mill Lake. Cataract Falls is the largest waterfall in Indiana. There are two sets of falls, Upper Cataract and Lower Cataract. Both drop about twenty feet with a long system of rapids between them. Cataract Falls State Recreation Area has covered picnic pavilions at the upper and lower falls, along with outhouse facilities. There is one nature trail, about one half mile long, that travels between the two falls. There are trails others have made on either side of Mill Creek. Use state road 225/250W to access the East side of the falls and Mill Creek. At the lower falls, you could hike down Mill Creek toward Cagle Mill Lake
For more information, contact:
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
N Cataract Rd, Indiana 47460
Phone:(866) 622-6746
http://cataractfalls.com

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