Judge C Magney State Park was like a fresh breath of air on a hot and sticky day. No really.. it was hot and sticky.. but the river in this park sent up cool breezes.
We arrived to find the park had just about Zero mobile coverage, but the beauty of the weekend is not really needing it. We were able to tap into the Park Office Wi-Fi with our Winegard, but it was limited to when we had enough power to spare. I do love those days when unplugging is a welcomed break from life.
With just one night in the park we took advantage of having a gorgeous evening available to us and took off on a hike described as this:
Devil’s Kettle Trail 1 mile one-way
https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00193.pdf
Steep terrain • Stairs • Packed dirt • Rocky
Hike along the Brule River, down about 175 stairs, and past the Upper Falls to reach the Devil’s Kettle Falls. Here, the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock, half plunging 50 feet into a pool and the rest pouring into a massive pothole. Plan to spend 1 ½ to 2 hours on this hike.
We weren’t entirely sure what to expect of a “Devil’s Kettle”, but the hike and the stairs did not disappoint.
Along the trail is a lower falls as well… such lovely spots to stop and contemplate the nearly 200 stairs waiting for you to climb your butt back out of there.
We survived it and might do it again in better shoes. Better off than those who forgot water.
Off to the next!
Totally Nuts in a Van 