Wintergreen Gorge Update May 16, 2022
We have a lot of favorite spots in Erie that we wander to several times; Wintergreen Gorge is one of them. Here’s a quick update on the Gorge and some tips on one of our favorite trails from our trip out there on May 16, 2022. If you want more information about Wintergreen Gorge, click here to read our full blog post.
We arrived at Wintergreen Gorge around 6:45 p.m. and started at the Prischak lot trailhead. If you enter this way, be careful as you will encounter a slightly steep hill to go down (and back up on your way back to your car) very quickly. It’s not too bad, and our kids were able to walk it while holding our hands.
The trail was beautiful, the greens on the trees were so bright as the Gorge prepared for the rain showers that were about to hit within the next half hour. The trail was slightly muddy, but not enough that would make you slip and fall. Now that it has gone through a little more rain, we would imagine that today (May 17) it is slightly more muddy.
Even though we knew it was going to rain, we decided to be extra adventurous and go down to a lower trail to admire the waterfalls. The hill we went down was steep, but tree roots provided many “steps” that we were about to take to get down. One of our littles had to be carried. Getting back up the hill was much easier than going down, as we were able to hold on to the roots for support.
If you are able to, we highly recommend walking the lower trail which runs higher but alongside the creek. You’ll actually travel back in the direction you came from, so remember where you went down. We knew where our climbing spot was because of giant cement blocks that are near a wide waterfall. Once you get down to the trail, Wintergreen Gorge boasts some absolutely beautiful views of the nature and wildlife. We saw several waterfalls along the walk, and the sounds that go along with them were music to our ears. And we love the fact that you’re higher than the creek so our littles didn’t feel tempted to go in the water.
We will say, this trail was slightly more muddy than the one that runs above it. Be careful as you will have to cross a few spots that can be slightly tricky. What is a hop, skip, and jump for an adult can be a scary situation for a kid! Keep them close to you and away from the edge as you are still walking on a cliff above the creek.
Keep your littles close and take safety precautions!
As we were making our way to another waterfall view, we started to feel some raindrops, so that’s when we decided to head back. We ended up making really good time, as the rain began pouring just as we got back up that first hill by the parking lot!
We know going for a walk in nature like this before the rain can be very intimidating as you don’t know exactly when the rain will start, but it is also very beautiful. There was a different feeling at Wintergreen Gorge last night. Everything was a bit brighter, contrasting colors really stood out, and the rushing waters of the creek were a sight to see.
Don’t forget, this is a dog friendly environment! Just make sure your pup can handle the slight climbing you’ll have to do if you want to walk the trail above the creek that we described!
And one thing we want to add is that you should always remember to check for ticks after walking in the woods this time of year! After we got home, we found one on one of our littles.
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