One of my passions is waterfall hunting or “waterfalling”. There is a something about a waterfall that shows you how powerful nature can be, but also how beautiful it can be at the same time. I have compiled a list of my top 10 favorite waterfalls around the Midwest that I have been to. I am sure there are a lot of other ones that can be added to this list one day when I make the trip, but for now, here is the list. Be sure to click on the link to the original blog post to see more information and an exact location for each waterfall.

Note: Some people have said that the states I chose are not all in the Midwest. Ok I get you. Being from St. Louis, I tend to think that anything within a days drive is the Midwest. Not so. But I hope you enjoy the list anyway. Maybe it should be called “Top 10 Waterfalls within 8 hours of St. Louis”. 🙂

1. Rock Island State Park – Tennessee

While Rock Island State Park is home of the Big Falls on the Caney Fork River, there is a hidden waterfall on the trail down to the gorge that flows freely from the bluff overhead. It is absolutely magical.

2. Starved Rock State Park – Illinois

Starved Rock State Park has about 10 canyons with seasonal waterfalls, but my favorite waterfall is in Wildcat Canyon. This time, we were lucky enough to see a double waterfall. My other favorite waterfall here is in French Canyon.

3. Burgess Falls – Tennessee

The Big Falls on the Falling Water River is a waterfall that is not to be missed. Be sure to do the strenuous hike down to the bottom of the falls for an impressive view.

4. Rutledge Falls – Tennessee

Rutledge Falls is your picture perfect waterfall. This waterfall is on private property though so please be respectful.

5. Old Man’s Cave Upper Falls – Ohio

These falls are part of a beautiful trail system at Hocking Hills State Park. Three other waterfalls are located in this park including the Lower Falls, Broken Rock Falls, and Cedar Falls.

6. Cataract Falls – Indiana

Cataract Falls has an upper and lower falls, but be sure to take the back roads to get an even better view of the falls.

7. Matthiessen State Park – Illinois

This is a really fun park to hike at and after hiking the Upper Dells, you are rewarded at the end with a beautiful waterfall.

8. Greeter Falls – Tennessee

Greeter Falls in the Savage Gulf State Natural Area has both and upper and lower falls and of course, there is a spiral staircase in the middle of nowhere to get down to the lower falls.

9. Fall Creek Falls – Tennessee

Fall Creek Falls State Park features the tallest free fall waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Be sure to do the hike down to the bottom of the waterfall!

10. Haw Creek Falls – Arkansas

Haw Creek Falls is not the tallest waterfall, but its’ beautiful setting makes up for it. The water is the most beautiful shade of turquoise.

OK, so I am updating this since I have visited some more waterfalls since I posted this! Bonus Content!

11. Ferne Clyffe State Park – Illinois

This is a beautiful, seasonal waterfall. Be sure to catch this one after a heavy rain!

12. Hickory Canyons Natural Area – Missouri

A short hike leads to a beautiful, seasonal waterfall.

13. Lake Kindcaid – Illinois

So this waterfall is created by the Lake Kindcaid spillway in southern Illinois. It is beautiful and you can even hike up the side of the waterfall which makes this place so much more amazing. Be sure to check this place out if you are near the Shawnee National Forest.

I hope that this list inspires you to take a trip and see what nature has to offer! If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks!