I made it to one of Indiana’s most beautiful areas – Hemlock Cliffs Scenic Trail near English Indiana! It was a wonderful hike and it is only about 80 miles from Evansville, IN. The trek is bookended by waterfalls and creeks on each end of the hike. It is a true highlight hike of Southern Indiana and can be enjoyed by a lot of people.
Useful Links
Pros
- Awesome waterfall views
- Lots of terrain, trees, and cliffs to explore
- Accessible to all levels of hikers
Cons
- Parking is limited so get there early
- There is some moderate terrain to navigate at certain places
- Far from any amenities or services
Starting the Trek – Waterfalls Galore!
The hike is a great easy to moderate hike. The east end start takes you straight to the main waterfall. The most difficult part is just after the eastern end start and includes rock stairs and some muddier areas. The west end start will be more of a trail hike and take you to the main waterfall but after about a mile of hiking without rock stairs. Be careful with any parts of this trail because there is ample water and rocks to cause a slipping hazard.
I took the eastern start and it took me straight to the main beautiful Hemlock Falls! The trail travels a few hundred feet before you break out on top of a cliff and are looking at the main waterfall. Be careful in this section as you have to walk down slippery rock stairs, tree roots, and mud.
The view of Hemlock Cliffs Waterfall as you first see it on the trail. 
Hemlock Cliffs Waterfall as it falls from the cliffs. You can walk right up to the very bottom of the cascade. 
This is the creek that is formed from the waterfall and follows much of the trail through the forest.
The water was flowing a lot during my visit due to the heavy rainfall just a few days before. The trail takes you right up to the base of the waterfall and the start of the creek. You can get as close as you want! The waterfall was very tall and there was a ton of foliage around. There are also several smaller creeks and waterfalls throughout the cliffs so if you see a cove in the rocks or a stream off the creek, there’s probably a waterfall not far away!
Following the Creeks – So Much More!
You’ll want to spend ample time at the main Hemlock Falls but when it’s time to continue the trail will continue along the creek the waterfall forms. The rest of the trail is well-treaded and follows the creek for the majority of length. There is still a lot to see along the trail and even a climbing area off the main loop to enjoy climbing activities. There is still so much to see along this more leisurely part of the trail including smaller waterfalls and streams. The day I was there I took almost 3 hours to enjoy all the side stops to sit and relax even though the trail is 1.25 miles long!
A small waterfall along Hemlock creek right next to the trail. 
A view of the cliffs along the trail at Hemlock Cliffs Scenic Trail.
This trail is so worth the visit! It is somewhat secluded and far away from several larger cities but even if it’s far away you should still make a weekend visit to this awesome location and waterfall. It is an easy hike, child friendly, and even people unable to tackle the more moderate portions can still enjoy this trail by taking the long way around (western start). This spot should surely be on your must-see weekend trips!
The Trail Quality
Difficulty (1 Easy – 5 High)
Things to See
Access & Parking
According to the US Forest Service, the trail is a day use only trail and open year round.
The trail is approximately a 1.25 mile loop.
Yes, there is a small parking lot at the trailhead. Please get there early to ensure you find space because parking along the entrance road is prohibited.
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