Cataract Falls are the result of oceans and ice.
The limestone outcroppings that form Cataract Falls formed millions of years ago when this region was covered by a large shallow ocean.

Layers of calcium-rich materials fell to the ocean floor.
As layers accumulated, their weight pressed down, creating limestone.
More recently, glaciers extended south into the Cataract Falls area. Ice blocked the natural drainage of Mill Creek, creating a large lake. The limestone bedrock became buried under lake sediments.
Once the glaciers receded north, the lake drained and Mill Creek carved its path across the dry lake bottom.
It cut through the soil deposits until it encountered two limestone ridges. These would become the Upper and Lower Cataract Falls.

Cataract Falls carries the largest volume of water of any falls in Indiana. The upper falls is 20 feet high. The lower falls are 18 feet high.

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Show me all markers in:  Spencer, IN  |  Owen County  |  47460  |  Indiana  |  United States of America

Cataract Falls Covered Bridge
The Cataract Covered Bridge
The Ten O'Clock Line
Camp Hughes
Ferry Bridge
Owen County (Indiana) War Memorial
Owen County War Memorial
Owen County Courthouse
American Revolution War Memorial
To the Memory of Those Who Served Their Country

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