By Amy Evans, AICP

While you’re in Erie for the Chapter’s Annual Conference (and hopefully enjoying beautiful October weather), don’t forget to visit the Fourmile Creek Trail at Wintergreen Gorge. Fourmile Creek Trail is a 2022 Great Place in Pennsylvania located on the campus of Penn State Behrend. The trail follows Wintergreen Gorge for 1.2 miles, moving from the bottom to the top. Eco-friendly design elements like the trail surface, boardwalks, rain gardens and stone benches will catch your eye along the way. People come from near and far to experience the unique geologic and natural features of the Gorge, fishing access, interpretive signage, important bird habitats, and distinctive plant species, meadows, and floodplain forest. Additionally, the Trail and Gorge serve as an outdoor laboratory for student projects. Access to the Trail is available from trailheads at either end, as well as from the Bayfront Bikeway and Erie bus system.

Bonus Great Place: If your route to Erie takes you through Meadville, make a pit stop to see The Arc Community Green Space adjacent to the Arch Street Gateway to downtown, a 2023 Great Place in Pennsylvania. The Greenspace project convened the community to turn a previously blighted lot into a bright and lively community gathering space.