Four Quarters Farm

Near Hagerstown (Md) in Pennsylvania, Four Quarters Farm offers a straightforward outdoor swim on Sideling Hill Creek.

Access to this private retreat requires either a membership or registration for one of the seasonal festivals held on-site. A small hoop to jump through that keeps the crowds away and the atmosphere genuinely special.

Once you're inside, you'll find yourself in a rustic, unhurried world where Sideling Hill Creek does exactly what a creek should do on a hot summer day: it invites you in. The land surrounding Four Quarters Farm feels ancient and alive. The creek winds through a landscape shaped by geological formations that push up through the streambed and banks, giving the area a raw, sculptural character unlike a manicured park or a groomed beach. Hardwood canopy filters the light overhead, dappling the water in shifting patterns throughout the day. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the banks and the hills surrounding the property flush green almost overnight. By fall, the same hillsides ignite in amber and crimson, making early morning and late afternoon visits especially rewarding for anyone who brings a camera. Wildlife is a constant presence here. Expect to hear birds you can't quite name and to catch glimpses of creatures that treat this place as their home as much as you do. Sideling Hill Creek runs clear and cool, the kind of water that feels genuinely refreshing on a summer afternoon rather than just wet. Creek . You're reading the water yourself, finding your own depth, picking your spot along the bank.

Swim at your own risk at Four Quarters Farm. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.

Four Quarters Farm works well as a day trip from Hagerstown (Md) or Cumberland (Md). Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Blackwell Region Swimming Holes or browse more Pennsylvania creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Pennsylvania, see our state directory.

Access is managed by Four Quarters Farm. Swimming is typically available to registered campers, members, or attendees of organized festivals. A membership or event registration fee is required; contact the farm directly for current access policies and pricing. Do not assume public access is available.

The farm hosts numerous festivals celebrating nature and community, fostering a deep connection between visitors and the environment.

Four Quarters Farm emphasizes sustainability and urges visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles to protect Sideling Hill Creek’s delicate ecosystem.