Wintergreen Gorge
Swimming hole in Erie, Pennsylvania · Creek
Wintergreen Gorge is a creek swimming hole. It is near Erie, Pennsylvania. Access is free. Best season: Late spring through early fall are a strong choice for.
Typical season: Late spring through early fall are a strong choice for
About Wintergreen Gorge
Near Erie in Pennsylvania, Wintergreen Gorge offers a straightforward outdoor swim on Fourmile Creek.
Carved over millennia by the steady work of Fourmile Creek, this dramatic ravine cuts through ancient layers of shale and sandstone, exposing a geological story written in stone.
Towering wooded walls close in around you as you descend into the gorge, and the sound of rushing water grows louder with every step. It's the kind of place that feels genuinely wild, even though the city sits just minutes away. The gorge is a study in contrasts. Rugged rock faces draped in moss and fern, interrupted by open pools where Fourmile Creek slows and widens into shimmering, clear-water . Ancient shale and sandstone formations line the canyon walls, their layered bands telling a story of deep time. The Wintergreen Gorge Bridge frames the scene from above, offering a dramatic vantage point that photographers and casual visitors alike tend to linger at longer than planned. Spring brings a riot of woodland wildflowers and the fresh scent of new growth, summer settles into a cool, shaded green canopy overhead, and autumn transforms the gorge into a corridor of gold and amber that rivals anything in the state. You'll find pools suitable for wading and splashing, with calmer stretches that invite a longer soak. Come prepared to pick your spot, read the water, and exercise your own judgment. There are no lifeguards or safety staff on site. The joy here is in the discovery, in finding your own perfect creek-side perch on a flat sandstone ledge and letting the sound of moving water do the rest.
Swim at your own risk at Wintergreen Gorge. Check conditions after rain and respect any posted closures.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Creek
- Water body
- Fourmile Creek
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Erie
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Best season
- Late spring through early fall are a strong choice for . Autumn provides spectacular foliage, while summer is perfect for water activities.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate: Trails are well-marked but can be steep and uneven in places. Proper footwear is recommended, and some routes require creek crossings.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Lifeguard
- Present (seasonal)
- Camping
- None at site.
- Activities
- Hiking, Water play, Swimming
- Facilities
- No on-site facilities, but nearby Erie offers restaurants, shops, and accommodations. Parking is available at multiple access points, including Penn State Behrend.
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visit Late spring through early fall are a strong choice for . Autumn provides spectacular foliage, while summer is perfect for water activities.
- Access Moderate: Trails are well-marked but can be steep and uneven in places. Proper footwear is recommended, and some routes require creek crossings.
- Facilities No on-site facilities, but nearby Erie offers restaurants, shops, and accommodations. Parking is available at multiple access points, including Penn State Behrend.
- Camping nearby None at site.
Highlights & features
- Crystal-clear pools of Fourmile Creek
- Scenic hiking trails through lush woodland
- Dramatic geological formations
- Seasonal beauty from spring blooms to autumn foliage
- Abundant wildlife and photography opportunities
- Geological formations showcasing ancient shale and sandstone layers
- Wintergreen Gorge Bridge framing the landscape
- Proximity to Erie for easy access to urban amenities
How to get there
Wintergreen Gorge lies in Pennsylvania near Erie. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go. Wintergreen Gorge is a beautiful wild spot in Erie, PA, offering scenic trails and . Below are clear, turn-by-turn directions to access the gorge from Interstate 90 (I-90). Please review the parking and trail details carefully to ensure a smooth visit. Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
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Starting Point: Exit 32 on I-90 in Erie, PA
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From Exit 32 on I-90, take the Bayfront Connector (PA-290) heading north.
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Access Option 1: Cooper Road Access Directions
Continue on the Bayfront Connector until you reach the intersection with Station Road (PA-430) near Penn State Behrend. Turn right onto Station Road (PA-430). After about 0.5 miles, turn left onto Cooper Road . Follow Cooper Road until it intersects with Shannon Road and crosses Four Mile Creek .
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Park along Cooper Road near the intersection (GPS Coordinates: 42.12579, -79.99849 ). Trail Details
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From this parking area, hike upstream along Four Mile Creek to reach the . Be prepared for some walking in the creek itself, so wear appropriate footwear.
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Access Option 2: Penn State Behrend Campus, Dormitory Parking Directions
Continue on the Bayfront Connector until you reach the intersection with Station Road (PA-430) near Penn State Behrend.
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Turn left
into the Penn State Behrend campus entrance. Follow Jordan Road up the hill behind the dormitories.
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Park in the lot behind the dorms (GPS Coordinates: 42.11507, -79.97922 ). Trail Details
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From this parking area, follow the well-marked trails leading to the gorge. Note that the .
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Access Option 3: Penn State Behrend Campus, Engineering Building Parking Directions
Continue on the Bayfront Connector until you reach the intersection with Station Road (PA-430) near Penn State Behrend.
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Turn left
into the Penn State Behrend campus entrance. Follow Behrend College Drive through the campus to the parking lots behind the engineering building complex (GPS Coordinates: 42.12009, -79.98894 ). Trail Details:
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From this parking area, follow the well-maintained trails leading to the gorge. Similar to the dormitory access, the .
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Parking Notes: Weekday Parking
From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, a parking permit is generally required for Penn State Behrend campus lots. However, parking is typically free and unrestricted on weekends and evenings. Cooper Road Parking: No permits are required, and parking is along the roadside. Be mindful of local traffic and park safely. Additional Tips: Wear sturdy, water-resistant footwear for hiking and creek walking. Bring any supplies you may need, as there are no facilities directly at the gorge. Respect the natural environment and follow Leave No Trace principles. Have a safe visit to Wintergreen Gorge!
Plan your visit
Wintergreen Gorge works well as a day trip from Erie. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Combine the swim with camping at Hammersley Hole or browse more Pennsylvania creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Pennsylvania, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via unofficial trails. Parking on Cooper Road is roadside; campus parking at Penn State Behrend may require a permit on weekdays (8 AM-5 PM). The swimming holes are reached by hiking upstream along Fourmile Creek.
Top picks for this trip
Merrell Hydro Moc
If you want one shoe that handles the walk in, the swim, and the lounge afterward, the Hydro Moc is the easiest pick.
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Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
Buy two — a large for drying off and a small for gear — and you still spend less than one cotton beach towel.
Check price onDisclosure: Gear links may earn a commission as an Amazon Associate — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What to pack for Wintergreen Gorge
Gear we compare side by side for creek swims like this one — water access, sun, and the hike in.
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Wintergreen Gorge?
Yes. Wintergreen Gorge near Erie in PA is a creek swimming spot on Fourmile Creek. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Wintergreen Gorge free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “None”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Wintergreen Gorge?
Wintergreen Gorge is in PA within day-trip range of Erie. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Culture & history
The gorge’s formation is tied to the glacial history of the region, and its proximity to Erie highlights the area’s role as a hub for trade and settlement along Lake Erie. The bridge adds a modern layer to this historical landscape.
Conservation
Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles, respect the delicate ecosystem, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Help preserve the gorge’s natural beauty for future generations.
Sources & updates
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.