WolfCreekFalls-BanningStatePark

Hiking to Wolf Creek Falls

by Banning State Parksecret waterfall

Hiking To Wolf Creek Falls from Robinson Park in Sandstone, MN – It’s an easy 1 mile hike from the parking lot in Robinson Park to the falls.

Hiking Map to Wolf Creek Falls

Parking – hike to Wolf Creek Falls

Robinson Park, located in Sandstone, MN makes a convenient access to Wolf Creek Falls. Follow Main Street to Third Ave. Go East on Third, 5 or so blocks to Old Wagon Rd and the entrance to Robinson Park. The trail to the falls starts here.

Hiking to Wolf Creek Falls

Don’t bother looking for signs, just start walking north. The first half mile follows the old railroad grade. Pass under the BNSF railroad bridge that crosses the Kettle River. Yes, walk under the bridge that goes over the Kettle River.
The rail bridge is the boundary between Robinson Park, a Sandstone city park, to Banning State Park.

The bridge is 120 feet over the Kettle River. Originally built in 1890, the rail bridge continues to operate with 8 to 10 trains passing through daily.

Train Bridge, Robinson Park

After the first half mile the easy going trail turns into a real hike. The railroad grade comes to a sudden stop and you are forced to scramble down a slope of large jumbled rocks.

The second half of the trail continues along side the Kettle River. Prepare yourself for a more vigorous hike following the uneven terrain.

Robinson Park to Wolf Creek Falls

Distance – 1 mile.
Time – 20-25 minutes

The hike from Robinson to the falls is not recommended for small children or anyone not comfortable hiking over rough terrain.

More information on Banning State Park.

More information on What to do in Sandstone MN

directions to Big Spring Falls

Getting to Big Spring Falls

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Big Spring Falls Directions

directions to Big Spring Falls
map to Big Spring Falls

Here at the Sandstone Visitors Board we are constantly answering calls and emails from travelers hoping to visit Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River.

Getting to Big Spring Falls

From downtown Sandstone, Minnesota follow main street in to town, turn East on 3rd street.
Turn right on Pine Ave. – continue on Pine Ave for 1.5 miles or so.
The road will bend to the right then back to the left down hill to a small parking lot.
A clearly marked trail brings you to the river, continue up the river to the falls.

Getting to Big Spring Falls from Sandstone, Minnesota

To get to Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River you must first get to Sandstone, MN.  We’re easy to find- we’re halfway between Minneapolis and Duluth just off interstate 35.

Big Spring Falls Banning State Park

Big Spring Falls
Big Spring Falls

The Falls are part of Banning State Park but are not in the main park.  Big Spring Falls is located 1 and 1/2 miles south of the town of Sandstone, Minnesota.   From the main park entrance hikers can access trails to Wolf Creek Falls and Hell’s Gate, but to get to Big Spring Falls you’ll want to drive to Sandstone.

Paddling to Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River

Another option is to canoe the 1.5 miles downriver from Robinson Park in Sandstone, MN.  Always check water levels and the recent rainfall before making paddling plans on the Kettle River.
Most of the summer the Kettle River flows through this section a a gentle pace and you can easily paddle back up the river to the boat launch in Robinson Park.

Visit Big Spring Falls – it’s worth it

However you get there – get there.  Many people say “Big Spring Falls on the Kettle River ranks as one of the most beautiful places in Minnesota.”  Judge for yourself, you know how to get there now…

More information on Big Spring Falls

and  Wolf Creek Falls