Hike (and Scramble!) at Banning State Park - Sandstone + Whistle Stop Cafe

Let's start off our final summer holiday weekend with a ~7 mile hike at scenic Banning State Park! At this beautiful park along the Kettle River, we will hike amid dramatic sandstone rock formations, the peaceful Wolf Creek Falls and the historic ruins of Banning Sandstone Quarry. Following the hike(optional), join us for a late lunch/refreshments/pie! along the way back to the Twin Cities at Whistle Stop Cafe - Hinckley, 305 Old Hwy 61 S, Hinckley, MN 55037
https://whistlestopcafehinckley.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Whistle-Stop-menu.pdf

THE HIKE: We will hike along challenging trails on the banks of the Kettle River, where we are certain to go off trail and do some rock scrambling, then head out to the waterfall at Wolf Creek. The trail to Wolf Creek will take us by the historical ruins of the old sandstone quarry. Expect to hike approximately 7 miles over ~3+ hours, including occasional short breaks. Trails are of bare earth, rock, turf, with hills and wetland areas. Expect to scramble up hills/cliffs, very rocky terrain and some wet or muddy trail conditions. The rugged nature of the trails and rocky off-trail terrain makes this hike suitable for experienced hikers. Please assess if this hike is for you.

FACILITIES: There are vault toilets at the trail head, and a camp restroom along the trail.

PARKING: Each car will need a MN state park pass. The prices are: $35 for an annual pass and $7 for a daily pass.

IMPORTANT: Please honor your RSVP and if your plans change, update your status to Not Going as soon as you know, even if you are on the Waitlist.
HIKE AT YOUR OWN RISK: By signing up for this event, you agree to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with this event, and release the organizers, event hosts, and other members of the venue, from any liability.
Furthermore, all participants are expected to adhere to the guidelines agreed to when signing up for Meetup which can be reviewed at: Meetup.com > Policies and Community Guidelines > Community Guidelines (https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002897532-Usage-and-content-policies-Rules-for-using-Meetup)

After turning into the park, follow the road to the “Picnic Area,” where we will park.
We will meet at the south end of the parking lot, on the trail by the pit toilets.

I’m looking forward to this adventure!