The Great Outdoors in Erie PA!
Wednesday Mar 18th, 2020
Take some time to check out the many outdoor options available to you in Erie County. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air and outdoor recreation.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Presque Isle State Park/Erie Bluffs State Park - With 11 miles of trails to explore at Presque Isle, there's plenty of room to discover Mother Nature at her finest. Make note that with rising water levels, some parts of the trails (the unpaved ones) may not be passable. Some of our favorite trails includes Gull Point Trail Graveyard Pond Trail and Long Pond Trail which provides beautiful views of the lagoons. For those less adventurous, there is the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose National Recreation Trail; a 13.5 paved trail that is popular with bicyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and walkers. It is also ADA accessible. Erie Bluffs State Park - The 587-acre Erie Bluffs State Park lies along the Lake Erie shoreline in western Erie County, twelve miles west of the city of Erie. The park has one mile of shoreline (swimming not permitted), 90-foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie, forested wetlands, various plant species and more. The only developed areas in the park are the Elk Creek Access area and the Main Entrance parking lot. Erie Bluffs State Park is designated as a day-use park, with the exception of fishing and boating.
Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs encourage social distancing while enjoying open spaces avoiding groups and crowds, and visitors should be respectful of its natural places. Beaches and associated parking areas will be limited to 75 percent of normal capacity in green counties. Possession of a mask is required and recommended to wear when not in the water. Visitors are asked to follow social distancing mitigation measures. Reservable boating facilities, restroom facilities, pavilion rentals, kayak/canoe rentals, park offices are OPEN. Masks are required to be worn in park offices and any other indoor public space. Masks are also requested to be worn during your visit throughout the park when you are unable to adequately social distance.
- Greater Erie Regional Trail Network – Erie County has a vast array of park and recreational opportunities for you to explore. On their website you can find a trail nearest to you, see maps of the trail routes, and view photos of the venues and terrain.
- Asbury Woods – Although the Nature Center and Browns Farm are closed (opening Mid-August), their trails are open from dawn to dusk. Their 205 natural acres of fields, forests and streams offer over 5 miles of breathtaking trails that are open to the public during daylight hours. Take a leisurely stroll along the serene woodland Boardwalk Trail, or hike the Greenway Trail to experience a scenic steel foot bridge that spans Walnut Creek. Asbury Woods has also recently unveiled their new low ropes course! Perfect for small groups (6 person minimum).
- Great Lakes Seaway Trail – The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518-mile scenic driving route that follows the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River in New York and Pennsylvania. One of the first roads to be designated as a National Scenic Byway, the Trail includes unique historical locations and cultural heritage sites in addition to outstanding views and scenic vistas. In Erie County, the Great Lakes Seaway Trail encompasses Route 5, Alt Rte. 5 and Presque Isle State Park.
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Golf - Erie County’s golf scene is “above par”. Tee off from any of these top picks ranging from challenging to beginner. Test your handicap on a sprawling fairway or relax with the family for some playful miniature golf. Our partner golf courses have taken the necessary steps to ensure a safe and socially distant experience. Our hole-in-one picks:
Consider booking a hotel to complement your Erie Staycation and make a night or two of it! Erie County has plenty of lodging opportunities from first-class hotels to quaint Bed & Breakfasts, family-owned motels, cottages and campgrounds. For a complete list of lodging options, click here.
