The Erie region calls out to adventurous souls looking to embrace the thrill and serenity that only the great outdoors can offer. Whether you find joy in gliding down snowy slopes, exploring rugged trails, seeking tranquility while casting a line, or simply reveling in the beauty of nature, Erie has it all. With expansive landscapes and pristine waters, it’s the perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.
Presque Isle State Park is more than just a beach destination: it’s Erie’s top location and year-round playground for outdoor recreation.
Hiking and Biking
The 13-mile paved Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail encircles the entire park and is great for nature walks and bicycling adventures set among the scenic shorelines of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Coastal Living Magazine ranked the multi-purpose trail fourth on its list of the 18 best bike rides at beaches. For more rugged explorations, Presque Isle features fifteen unpaved trails ranging from easy to challenging. Bicycle rentals are available at Presque Isle Yellow Bike Rental located on the park grounds
Sailing and Boating
Set sail on Lake Erie or the waters of Presque Isle Bay: the picturesque environment and stunning views create an idyllic backdrop for your maritime adventure. Whether you’re gliding across the tranquil bay or exploring the open waters, there are ample opportunities for leisurely cruises, thrilling water sports, or simply enjoying a peaceful day on the waves. For a scenic ride and a history lesson, embark on a 90-minute narrated boat tour aboard The Lady Kate. Docked at Perry Monument, the tour offers day and sunset sails for a unique view of Presque Isle’s shores, lighthouses, wildlife, and other historical sites.
Fishing and Wildlife
Presque Isle is home to an assortment of wildlife, including migratory birds, numerous species of fish, white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and amphibians. Cast your line and test your angling skills in Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay. Common species found in Lake Erie are perch, bass, walleye, trout, and steelhead while Presque Isle Bay catches can include panfish, northern pike, crappies, and muskellunge. Popular fishing locations are the lagoons, all boat landings, the East and West piers, Waterworks area, the Perry Monument, and The North Pier. Presque Isle is considered to be one of the top birding hot spots in the country due to its location along the Atlantic Flyway, making it a favorite spot for birds to stop, feed, and rest on their migration across Lake Erie. More than 339 species of birds have been documented at the park.
Presque Isle State Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset. Restroom facilities are located throughout the Park, with three open year-round: Public Safety Building, Rotary Pavilion, and the Perry Monument.
Hiking is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the Erie region’s natural beauty. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the lush woodlands and scenic trails found at Asbury Woods, Erie Bluffs State Park, and Wintergreen Gorge. Wintergreen Gorge, part of the Greater Erie Regional Trail Network, was named a "2022 Great Place in PA" by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association. Traverse the rugged paths where sunlit filters through the canopy of trees, as you wind your way along gurgling creeks and serene streams, it’s the perfect setting for contemplation and rejuvenation. From the breathtaking lake views atop Erie Bluffs to the colorful wildflowers at Asbury Woods, Erie’s hiking trails cater to all skill levels.
With a network of well-maintained biking trails and scenic roadways, Erie is the only county in Pennsylvania with three official BicyclePA State Routes (A, Y and Z) and three national bike routes: Northern Tier Bicycle Route (4,265 miles), the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route (2,006 miles) and the Underground Railroad Spur (153 miles). Enjoy the freedom of being on two wheels as you pedal along the shores of Lake Erie on the Bayfront Promenade, part of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, and experience refreshing breezes and stunning views. Explore Erie’s beautiful countryside, where farmlands and charming towns are nestled among acres of vineyards, rolling hills, and forests. Each July, Erie hosts Lake Erie Cyclefest, an all-cycling weekend for cyclists of all ages who are invited to participate in self-supported rides on routes that feature Erie’s vast terrain from sandy beaches and Downtown Erie to old-growth forests and fragrant vineyards.
With the perfect location along the shores of Lake Erie, the Erie region is renowned for its abundant fish populations and diverse angling opportunities. Lake Erie was recently ranked #3 out of the Top 100 Best Bass Lakes of the Decade by Bassmaster magazine and is a popular haven for anglers seeking adventure and the chance to reel in a memorable catch. Whether you’re casting your line from a pier, fishing from a boat on the open waters of Presque Isle Bay or Lake Erie, or wading through creeks and streams, you’ll be greeted by a wealth of species including walleye, steelhead, pike, panfish, bluegill, yellow perch, and large and smallmouth bass. Lake Erie’s nutrient-rich waters and favorable conditions contribute to the exceptional fishing experience, drawing anglers from across the globe.
Read more about fishing in Erie County here.
With expansive coastline and calm waters, Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay is a fantastic destination offering the perfect setting for beginner and experienced watersport enthusiasts. Feel the adrenaline rush as you zip across the water on a jet ski or enjoy the peaceful serenity of gliding atop the water’s surface from a paddleboard, kayak or canoe. Get connected with nature by spending time out on the water on a relaxing sailboat or a thrilling power boat ride. Bring your own or find a variety of personal watercraft available for rent from Port Erie Sports or Hidden Harbor Water Rentals.
Erie isn’t just a warm weather destination. Erie is a winter wonderland of exhilarating winter sports activities. With snowy landscapes and cold temperatures, the region transforms into a winter playground for snowboarding, skiing, ice skating, and more. Peek’n Peak Ski Resort and Mount Pleasant of Edinboro provide excellent downhill skiing, tubing, and snowboarding trails for all skill levels, complete with well-groomed slopes and amazing views. For those who prefer a more laid-back experience, Asbury Woods and Presque Isle State Park provide trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing among beautiful winter scenery.
Need inspiration for your next adventure? For wooded or water trails, these songs are perfectly paired for a day in the great outdoors. Check out all of VisitErie's playlists here.
814-835-5356
4105 Asbury Road
Pet friendly (outside trails only)
Erie, PA 16506
814-734-3114
301 W Plum St #2122
Edinboro, PA 16412
716-736-4418
5811 Welch Hill Road
Ripley, NY 14775
814-474-2356
7085 Van Camp Road
Fairview Township
Girard, PA 16417
814-833-7424
11100 West Lake Road
Lake City, PA 16423
814-734-6699
221 Waterford Street
Edinboro, PA 16412
814-454-1770
150 East Front Street, Ste 300
Erie, PA 16507
814-898-4653
3730 Harbor Ridge Trail
Erie, PA 16510
814-602-5846
12 East Dobbins Landing
next to Woody's Backwater BARge & Grill
Erie, PA 16507
814-453-5323
1501 West 6th Street
Erie, PA 16505
814-796-2767
10760 Donation Road
Waterford, PA 16441
814-734-1641
14510 Mt. Pleasant Road
Cambridge Springs, PA 16403
814-838-3938
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle Canoe & Boat Livery
Erie, PA 16505
814-836-0201
Perry Monument at Presque Isle
Erie, PA 16501
814-833-3272
6300 Sterrettania Road
Fairview, PA 16415
814-833-7424
Foot of Peninsula Drive
Erie, PA 16505
814-835-8900
Waterworks Beach area
Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA 16505
814-398-4692
24527 U.S. Highway 6 & 19
Cambridge Springs, PA 16403
724-880-1283
Captain John E. Lampe Marina, Foot of Port Access Road
Erie, PA 16507
814-922-3261
352 Holliday Road
North Springfield, PA 16430
Wolverine Park Marina
34 State Street
Erie, PA 16507
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