Hike to Wolf Creek Falls

Just off of Highway 35 near Sandstone, Minnesota, Banning State Park provides several areas to explore including the Kettle River, Historic Sandstone Quarry, and my favorite - Wolf Creek Falls.

While the Kettle River is a popular attraction for hikers as well as kayakers, the scenic hike to Wolf Creek Falls is well worth the trip. Added time to explore other areas of Wolf Creek is highly recommended.

There are a number of trails you can take to get to the Wolf Creek Trail if you are exploring other areas of the park, but the shortest route is 1.2 miles round-trip. The trailhead begins at the parking lot next to the campground. Upon entrance to the park, follow the signs for the campground and you will come to the parking lot, which will be on the left. There will be an obvious sign marking where the trail begins. Follow the relatively flat trail a short 0.6 miles to reach the falls.

Once you get to Wolf Creek Falls, you will feel as though you have found a waterfall in the middle of nowhere. Going in the spring or early summer is ideal as the water levels will still be high enough to produce the waterfall as it is pictured above. There are several other small rapids upstream that are fun to explore and photograph on your way out of the park.