"My favorite place to get away from it all."Banning State ParkVenture there series • No. 1 • 5 May, 20211 hour 30 min NE of Boundary Clothing in Sandstone, MNThis is my favorite spot to get away from it all. For one it's rich in history with some of the old relics still standing that you can walk around and into. For me the key is being able to always have the sound and sight of water at your disposal. Many small rapids are along this river. For the more adventurous you can walk along the rock cliffs watching all that river rush past you. On a sunny day I'll just sit out on these rocks and literally feel a tinge of nirvana. No matter how many times I come here I never travel the same path twice. There are so many routes and paths along the river, you joyfully get lost. Heading further south you come upon the piece de resistance of Banning, Hell's Gate Trail. A quick, but a fun menagerie of endurance, jumps, slippery slopes and climbs before you end up at what I've dubbed the Crying Wall (moisture seeping through the rocks) but best of all, a private island you can jump to. I've taken countless naps there. On the way back there is one more destination to visit, Wolf Creek Falls. Albeit a small falls, but something out of a movie, a truly blissful personal lagoon.- Banle Gaar is a professional venturer and brewery reviewer, along with his dog Topper. Follow him @banlegaarYour venture starts at Boundary Clothing:Adaptable clothing to get you there.He wearsPack a light shell and dress in layers for spring's unpredictable nature. Stretch and quick dry performance fabrics are your friends on the trail.Mt Hardwear Echo Lake HoodyFjallraven Abisko Hike SS ShirtKuhl Rambler ShortShe wearsBreathable layers and sun protection so she can spend more time chasing her kids down the trail and less time worrying about sunburns.Kuhl Vantage PantKuhl The One JacketMt Hardwear Crater Lake HoodyMap it: Banning State Park
