The wider, downstream of two falls on Mill Creek at Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, reached from its own parking area near Cagles Mill Lake.
Lower Cataract Falls is the downstream of two falls on Mill Creek at Cataract Falls State Recreation Area, part of Indiana DNR's Cagles Mill Lake property near Spencer. The falls sit at the head of Cagles Mill Lake, formed where Mill Creek crosses pre-glacial bedrock ridges buried under ancient lake sediments. The area carries real frontier history: the DNR's own property map notes that the 1809 Ten O'Clock Line treaty boundary crosses both the adjoining Lieber State Recreation Area and Lower Cataract Falls itself. A smaller cascade, Little Sister Falls, sits just upstream along the same access road.
Lower Falls has its own parking lot, pit toilet, and shelter house off Lower Falls Road, separate from the historic covered-bridge area at Upper Falls, connected by the 0.5-mile, moderate-rated Ed Dailey Nature Trail (pavement and stone) or the longer Creekside Trail along the water. DNR rules prohibit swimming, wading, or climbing on the falls, and close the water immediately above and below them to visitors. Standard Indiana DNR property entrance rates apply; check current fees, the recreation area's posted hours, and any lake advisories before visiting.
Know before you go
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area (Cagles Mill Lake complex), 2605 N. Cataract Rd., Spencer, IN; Lower Falls has its own parking area off Lower Falls Road, downstream from Upper Falls.
Open year-round; check current DNR notices (a blue-green algae advisory is posted for Cagles Mill Lake) before a visit.
Ed Dailey Nature Trail: 0.5-mile moderate loop (pavement and stone) connecting Lower and Upper Falls; Creekside Trail runs along the creek between them. Swimming, wading, and fishing from the falls are prohibited.
Standard Indiana DNR property daily vehicle entrance rates apply per the general state park fee schedule; verify current rates and whether a gate is staffed on your visit date.
Lower Falls has designated parking and a pit toilet; the Ed Dailey Nature Trail is paved/stone but rated moderate, not flat. The separate Covered Bridge Nature Trail near Upper Falls is wheelchair accessible.
2026-10-12. Conditions and requirements can change; confirm with the land manager before travelling.
Sources & further reading
- Indiana DNR — Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber and Cataract Falls SRA) ↗
- Indiana DNR — Cataract Falls SRA property map (PDF) ↗
- USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) ↗
This is a researched visitor guide, not a claim that our editors have personally visited. Trail conditions, permits, and access can change.
