7th & Peach - Parking Garage
Parking garage
3.9 (42)
712 Peach St, Erie, PA 16501
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Historical Creek Route With Separate Public State-Forest RecreationNY
Chautauqua Gorge Swimming Destinations
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Separate Hannum Road's public state-forest facilities from the historical Taylor Road Skinny Dip Falls route and creek sections with private access limits.
Swimming permission unconfirmed
Stay within mapped public land. Do not continue along private creek bed without permission. No clothing-optional authorization or current bathing permission is established by painted signs or the old visitor report.
Water type
Historical Creek Route With Separate Public State-Forest Recreation
Access
Swimming unconfirmed
Fee
The state forest is listed as free. That does not establish public admission to private creek sections or the historical falls route.
Best season
DEC lists year-round forest access. Creek flow, seasonal road conditions and land ownership still govern a visit
Nearby towns
Buffalo, Erie (Pa), Westfield
Water body
Chautauqua Creek Gorge
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Buffalo, Erie (Pa), Westfield
Access location not verified
WESTFIELD, NY
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check with the land manager before entering the water.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Chautauqua Gorge and Taylor Road
The preserved account names Skinny Dip Falls via a rough Taylor Road descent and downstream creek walk. It is not interchangeable with DEC's public Chautauqua Gorge State Forest access at Hannum Road. DEC warns that it owns very little creek bed and that continuing beyond state-owned sections can be trespassing.
Choose a public forest visit deliberately
DEC's access and summer day-use services are at the end of Hannum Road. The preserved swimming account instead starts at Taylor Road. Keep those approaches separate rather than sending visitors down an old rough descent as if it were the official forest entrance.
The creek is not entirely public
DEC explicitly warns that the state owns very little of the creek bed and that travel beyond its property can be trespassing. A creek walk, a popular swimming name or painted nudist rock does not override parcel boundaries or establish bathing permission.
Use facilities only where they are documented
Hannum Road has eight designated first-come campsites and a summer picnic area with an outhouse and parking. Primitive camping is not allowed in the day-use area; other sites follow DEC setbacks and permit rules. None of these services verifies a second historical swim stop or a Taylor Road changing area.
Check current destination information
Getting There
For a confirmed public forest visit, use DEC's Hannum Road parking and mapped state boundaries. No current public bathing permission or lawful descent for the old Taylor Road route is established.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
For a confirmed public forest visit, use DEC's Hannum Road parking and mapped state boundaries. No current public bathing permission or lawful descent for the old Taylor Road route is established.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Stay within mapped public land. Do not continue along private creek bed without permission. No clothing-optional authorization or current bathing permission is established by painted signs or the old visitor report. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
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Park
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Barbecue grillPicnic tables
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Campground
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Public Restroom
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chautauqua Gorge Swimming Destinations
Where is DEC's public forest entrance?
DEC directs visitors to the Hannum Road access and mapped state-owned land. It is separate from the archived Taylor Road falls approach.
Can we walk the whole creek bed?
No blanket right is established. DEC says it owns very little creek bed and warns that continuing beyond state-owned sections can be trespassing.
Is Skinny Dip Falls confirmed public bathing access?
No current lawful bathing descent or owner authorization for the archived Taylor Road route was established in this review.
Does the painted nudist rock establish clothing rules?
No. An old painted landmark is not current landowner permission or clothing-optional authorization.
What public facilities are confirmed?
DEC lists summer Hannum Road picnic tables, a fire ring, an outhouse and parking. Do not transfer them to Taylor Road.
Where is camping allowed?
DEC lists eight designated first-come sites at Hannum Road and separate primitive-camping rules. The day-use area is excluded, and private creek parcels require permission.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints; no exact water-entry photograph is approved here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
DEC lists year-round forest access. Creek flow, seasonal road conditions and land ownership still govern a visit; the old painted rock is not current authorization.
Difficulty Level
Use the named lawful route and assess your party's abilities. No surveyed accessible bathing entrance or guaranteed easy descent established.
Fee
The state forest is listed as free. That does not establish public admission to private creek sections or the historical falls route.
Facilities
DEC's Hannum Road summer day-use area has picnic tables, a fire ring, an outhouse and parking. These do not belong to the unverified Taylor Road falls entrance.
Activities
Named hiking, viewpoints or regional recreation where lawful; exact historical bathing permission unresolved.
Phone
716-363-2052
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
DEC lists eight designated first-come sites at Hannum Road. Primitive camping is excluded from the day-use area and has setback and permit requirements; do not camp on private creek parcels.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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