The snow has arrived in Erie and that means SNOW MUCH FUN is waiting to be had!  So layer up, grab your friends and family and head outdoors for some wintry adventures!  

Asbury Woods

With over 216 acres, 5 miles of trails, cross country skiing and snowshoeing is a great way to embrace Erie's chilliest season.  Fun for all ages and skill levels. Check out clinics, rentals, nature explorations, bird watching, community and school programs and the popular Maple Festival populate the winter months. Winter Wonderful is coming back to Asbury Woods! The boardwalk adjacent to the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods will be lit up each night in December (except December 24 and 25) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. for the community to enjoy a peaceful evening stroll on the boardwalk through the woods. Holiday lights will twinkle in the woods and wetlands along the boardwalk which covers 1/3 of a mile. Stop inside the Nature Center and view the animal exhibit and browse holiday items for sale in the expanded gift shop with products from local artisans.

Ice Fishing

Presque Isle Bay was named as one of the Top Winter Fishing Destinations in the Country by FishingBooker.  When the ice is at least 6” thick, Presque Isle Bay is the most popular ice fishing spot along with Horseshoe Pond and Misery Bay in Presque Isle State Park. Most ice fishing is for pan fish, especially perch or the occasional steelhead. Fish USA is a great resource for ice fishing tips.

Mount Pleasant of Edinboro

Featuring downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snow programs, lessons and a tuning shop, Mount Pleasant offers so much for winter lovers in the heart of Erie County’s Snow Belt.  Six manmade trails and four natural trails with most trails lit up at night to allow for safe night skiing and snowboarding. The 600’ tubing hill has 8 lanes for the ultimate outdoor winter fun – bring your own tube or use theirs! A new addition has been added, a 120-foot long covered conveyor lift!  This conveyor lift will greatly increase the beginner terrain and allow for more effectively educate new skiers and snowboarders.

Presque Isle State Park

Open year-round the Park’s multi-purpose trail is cleared of snow from the main entrance to the Public Safety building.  Call ahead to check which areas are open for walkers, cross country skiers and snowshoeing. Ice dunes along the shorelines are popular with visitors, however, due to hollow, hazardous conditions, please enjoy them from a distance.  

Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF)

Frontier Park features paved, natural and gravel paths for walking, cross country skiing or snowshoeing. While there, discover the Benjamin Winter Garden, only the third of its kind in the United States.  The garden showcases plants that are at their best when most other plants are asleep. Bring your sleds and enjoy an afternoon of fun on the hill. Photo by @Lake_Erie_Photo on Instagram.

Peek 'n Peak

Get ready for a totally tubular experience on one of the Peek’s 14 tubing lanes.  Ride the “Magic Carpet” lift, try Lunar Lights Tubing or test yourself at the Peak’s progressive Terrain Parks (180, 360 and 540 degrees) that are designed to challenge skiers and riders.  

Erie Bluffs State Park

Erie Bluffs is the largest undeveloped stretch of land overlooking Lake Erie and is a great place for a natural winter nature hike.  The Park features a variety of environmental education and recreational programs year-round including guided walks, hands on activities and evening programs.