Big Spring Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (4)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Big Spring Falls
Big Spring Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Banning State Park, Minnesota. It is known for its serene setting and the clear, spring-fed water that flows over a rocky ledge into the Kettle River. The falls are relatively small but offer a peaceful and scenic destination for visitors.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Big Spring Falls is a short and easy hike, suitable for most visitors. It follows a well-maintained path through a wooded area, leading to the falls. The trail is relatively flat with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for families and casual hikers.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Spring Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $7.00
Permit required
A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required for parking. Daily permits cost $7, and annual permits are available for $35.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Spring Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a unique view of the frozen falls.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Exercise caution near the falls, as rocks can be slippery. Be aware of changing weather conditions and avoid the area during heavy rain or flooding.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Kettle River, 0.7 miles away, not on Big Spring Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
311 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 59 years of record
4.54 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge KETTLE RIVER BELOW SANDSTONE, MN (1 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
311 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
304 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
296 cfs
5/10Wed
Barely Flowing
293 cfs
5/10Thu
Barely Flowing
288 cfs
4/10Fri
Barely Flowing
318 cfs
3/10Sat
Low
328 cfs
4/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early June, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Sandstone hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Spring Falls Frozen?
Updated about 17 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Big Spring Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 38°F to 21°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 332 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Minnesota.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 27 feet through Big Spring Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 954 feet.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. Facing southwest, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 954 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 27 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Southwest
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading southwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Big Spring Falls is located within Banning State Park, near Sandstone, Minnesota. Visitors can access the falls via the park's trail system. The trailhead is accessible from the main parking area of the park.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at Banning State Park's main parking lot. A Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is required to park.
Elevation
935 feet above sea level
Coordinates
46.113889° N, -92.857778° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during the summer months. Consider visiting early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Where to Stay
Postcard Cabins Kettle River, Outdoor Collection by Marriott Bonvoy
Days Inn by Wyndham Hinckley
Bed and breakfast suite at the Wooded Retreat
Americas Best Value Inn Hinckley
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other attractions in Banning State Park include Wolf Creek Falls, the Quarry Loop Trail, and the Kettle River rapids.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter deer, squirrels, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to unique plant life, including wildflowers in the spring.
Cities near Big Spring Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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