The best walks and hikes around Penn State Erie (Behrend)

The hiking trails in this area are generally considered easy. The primary hiking area, Wintergreen Gorge, features a renovated trail system with a compacted aggregate surface and boardwalks, making it accessible for a wide range of hikers, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. All four routes listed in this guide are rated as easy.

You'll primarily explore the unique landscape of the Wintergreen Gorge, a 250-foot-deep chasm carved through shale and sandstone. This area offers rugged, scenic views with diverse plant life. Beyond the gorge, the campus also features the Arboretum at Penn State Behrend, providing a different natural setting with various trees.

Yes, there are circular options. For example, the Wintergreen Gorge loop from Wintergreen Gorge is an easy 2.2-mile (3.6 km) path that allows you to experience varied terrain within the gorge in a loop. Another option is the Lake View Trail loop from Erie, which is a longer 3.7-mile (5.9 km) easy route.

Within the Wintergreen Gorge, the Devil's Backbone is a particularly impressive spot, offering a high overlook of the entire chasm. The gorge itself, with its unique geological formations, provides many scenic moments. Additionally, the campus features the Arboretum at Penn State Behrend for appreciating diverse plant life.

Yes, many trails are family-friendly. The renovated trail system in Wintergreen Gorge, with its compacted aggregate surface and boardwalks, is designed to be accessible. The 'Nurture in Nature' program along the Wintergreen Gorge Trail also offers self-guided activities that encourage mindful engagement with nature, which can be a great experience for children.

While the guide data doesn't explicitly state dog-friendly policies, natural areas like Wintergreen Gorge often permit leashed dogs. It's always recommended to check local signage at trailheads or the Penn State Behrend campus regulations for the most current information regarding pets on trails.

The main entrance to the Wintergreen Gorge trails has a renovated parking lot located at 3399 Cooper Rd, Erie, PA. Additional trailheads with access to parking are available on the Penn State Behrend campus, specifically near the School of Science and Ohio Hall.

The natural areas are home to various wildlife, including squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and occasionally black bears and snakes. Hikers should be aware of their surroundings. Regarding plant life, while diverse, be cautious of poison ivy, poison hemlock, and poison oak, which are present in the area.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 3 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique geological features of the Wintergreen Gorge and the accessibility of the well-maintained trails.

While most routes are shorter and easy, the Wintergreen Gorge route offers a longer experience at 4.0 miles (6.4 km), typically taking around 1 hour 49 minutes to complete. This allows for a more extended exploration of the main chasm.

After your hike, you can explore several nearby attractions. These include the historic Perry Monument, the scenic Lake Erie Beach or Gull Point Beach, or cultural sites like the Erie Art Museum and Warner Theatre.

Yes, the main trail system within Wintergreen Gorge has undergone significant improvements, including a 165-foot boardwalk over wet areas and a compacted aggregate surface on the primary trail. This makes it accessible even for strollers or wheelchairs, allowing more people to enjoy the natural beauty of the gorge.