Nature lovers unite for a two-hour waterfall hike in Richmond, Indiana that is full of intriguing points of interest. From ancient ruins to natural attractions, this three-mile path has it all.
Make a morning or afternoon out of exploring behind the scenes of this wonderful Hoosier town. Check it out:
One main point of interest along this 3.5-mile Whitewater Gorge Trail in central Indiana is Thistlethwaite Falls. You might consider this the Niagra Falls of Indiana. It is part of an ancient waterfall that has been migrating upstream for too many years to count.
Facebook/Visit Richmond - Indiana Click here to learn more about the history of Thistlethwaite Falls from previous coverge by Only In Your State.
South of the falls is a 20-acre floodplain that is kept as a bird sanctuary. There are about 50 species of indigenous Indiana birds that live there at any given time of year, and you never know how many you will see.
Flickr/John Brighenti
The trail continues to follow the river and features some interesting natural attractions. You’ll witness layers of rock that have created cliffs. Here, you’ll find fossils and all sorts of interesting things. This portion of the two-hour waterfall hike also features Happy Hollow, a narrow portion of the gorge that forks.
Wikipedia/Wilson44691
The next architectural attraction you’ll come across is Weir Dam. It used to help operate the local power plant, but today people just enjoy it for photos.
Flickr/Rayven Nearby this point of interest is the old ruins of an 1864 flour mill. It was once a seven-story building but all that is left today is a crumbling foundation.
If you wish to divert from the trail a bit and go sightseeing, there are some other pieces of history to see in Richmond that are not far from this two-hour waterfall trail. One is a demolished brick building from 1958 that produced resources for energy, and the other is the Wayne County Courthouse.
Google/Danny Couch The courthouse is made from limestone and was completed in 1893.
Back on the trail, there are several bridges that cross the Whitewater River, but the oldest one is no longer in use. National Road Bridge is in ruins, but it is still a sight to see. It was once a covered bridge in use between 1834 and 1895, possibly like you see here, but is now just rubble.
Wikimedia Commons/Jack Boucher
The history continues as this two-hour waterfall hike leads you to Starr Piano Company. This important and unique building sits across from the river and was built in 1872. At one time, it produced 20,000 pianos per year.
Wikimedia Commons/Cathy Cline
Not far from the factory, Gennett Recording Studio, which was a subsidiary of Starr Piano Company for several years, produced three million records per year before the Great Depression. Greats like Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, and Bix Beiderbecke all recorded here.
Flickr/Rayven
Once you get past these local treasures, you’ll find yourself back in a world of nature again. More bridges and floodplains will get you through the next segment of the trail.
Flickr/James St. John
You’ll enjoy wonderful views of the Whitewater River as you traverse this magnificent path. Definitely not for beginners, this trail requires some preparation before setting out on the adventure.
Facebook/Visit Richmond - Indiana Be sure to bring plenty of water, good walking shoes, an extra pair of socks, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, and any other supplies you might need to keep yourself comfortable despite the elements. Always check the weather before setting out on your journey.
Limestone quarries, myriad trees, and the decaying remnants of the Test Woolen Mill mark the end (or beginning) of this two-hour waterfall hike. In use from 1855 to 1900, the mill used to be three stories high and transported water.
Facebook/Visit Richmond - Indiana
For more like this, check out this bucket list of waterfall hikes in Indiana that everyone will love.
Facebook/Visit Richmond - Indiana
Click here to learn more about the history of Thistlethwaite Falls from previous coverge by Only In Your State.
Flickr/John Brighenti
Wikipedia/Wilson44691
Flickr/Rayven
Nearby this point of interest is the old ruins of an 1864 flour mill. It was once a seven-story building but all that is left today is a crumbling foundation.
Google/Danny Couch
The courthouse is made from limestone and was completed in 1893.
Wikimedia Commons/Jack Boucher
Wikimedia Commons/Cathy Cline
Flickr/James St. John
Be sure to bring plenty of water, good walking shoes, an extra pair of socks, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks, and any other supplies you might need to keep yourself comfortable despite the elements. Always check the weather before setting out on your journey.
If you’ve ever been on this two-hour waterfall hike, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.
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Address: Thistlethwaite Falls, 65 Waterfall Rd, Richmond, IN 47374, USA
