Thistlethwaite Falls is a scenic, easy to visit falls located in Richmond Indiana. This is a man made waterfall. In 1854 Timothy Thistlethwaite dammed the river, forcing the the water to flow over a rocky ledge, creating the falls. Several mills were built at the site. The mills are gone, but the falls remain.

This waterfall is very easy to reach. From I-70, head south on US-27, aka Chester Boulevard. After 1.5 miles, turn right on Waterfall Road. This is a narrow, curving road. After a half mile, you will cross a bridge just above the falls. There is a parking area on the left just beyond the bridge. A trail leads to the top of the falls, and an old stairway leads down to the base. You can also walk across the bridge and walk down to the base of the falls on the opposite side. Be careful cross the bridge, as the road is narrow and there is no shoulder.

The main trail is part of the Whitewater Gorge Park, a 3.5 mile trail that follows the river.

The name Thistlethwaite comes from Middle English. 'Thwaite' means meadow, and thistlethwaite is a meadow overgrown with thistles.

Nearby Falls

Elkhorn Falls is about 5 miles to the south, but it is surrounded by private property. It might be possible to canoe up to the falls, if you could find an appropriate put in. Ohio's Ludlow Falls and Greenville Falls are about 45 miles to the north east. Anderson Falls is about 80 miles to the south west.

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Last Modified: Tuesday, 18-Jun-2013 20:22:22 MDT.