Parks & Trails in Erie

Erie's State Parks

Erie is home to two spectacular Pennsylvania state parks, each offering sweeping Lake Erie views, but distinctly different outdoor experiences. Erie Bluffs State Park features more natural topography and trails for hiking and mountain biking, leading to its namesake bluffs with sweeping water views. Presque Isle State Park is the most visited of all of Pennsylvania’s state parks, offering visitors extensive lake access, world-class birding, paved and natural trails, and unlimited ways to spend a day or two in nature.
Hiking in Erie

Whether your hike is more of a walk, or you’re seeking a strenuous day in nature, Erie’s hiking trails are varied and immersive. Outside of Erie’s state parks, some of the region’s top-rated hiking trails are located at Wintergreen Gorge and Asbury Woods.

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Biking in Erie

With a network of well-maintained biking trails and scenic roadways, Erie is the only county in Pennsylvania with three official BicyclePA State Routes and three national bike routes. The Northern Tier Bicycle Route is the longest national bike route in the United States, crossing through the entirety of Erie County on Route 5 alongside Lake Erie. Erie’s naturally flat landscapes and lakeside scenery make it an ideal location for road cyclists.
Winter Outdoor Recreation

Averaging more than 100 inches of snow per year, Erie’s parks are groomed for winter outdoor recreation. Take advantage of the region’s signature lake effect snow on skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. Many of Erie’s parks maintain trails for winter use when there is at least 4 inches of snow.

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A woman paddles away from the camera in a kayak at sunrise at Presque Isle.

Presque Isle State Park

Simply put, Presque Isle is special. Pennsylvania’s most visited state park arches into Lake Erie, offering stunning water views alongside its accessible trails, with miles of memory-making opportunities in between. The 13-mile paved Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail encircles the park, and is a National Recreation Trail, distinguishing it as one of the country’s most notable outdoor pathways. In the park’s interior, 11 miles of hiking trails lead to breathtaking views and historic locations. Presque Isle features six distinctive ecological zones, each with a specialized plant and animal community, making for interesting and diverse wildlife watching. Its location on the Atlantic Flyway contributes to the world-class birding opportunities on Presque Isle, where more than 300 species have been identified, with more being added regularly.

Where are the best trails for hiking?

One of Erie’s more intermediate-level hiking trails is Wintergreen Gorge, located near the Penn State Behrend campus. If you’re looking for something a little easier, Erie Bluffs State Park and Headwater Park both offer water views, one of Lake Erie and the other of the headwaters of Millcreek.

Are there trails for mountain biking in Erie?

Erie Bluffs State Park is a great spot for mountain biking with scenic, natural terrain. Six Mile Creek Park offers more traditional wooded singletrack trails for a range of skill levels.

Are Pennsylvania state parks free to visit?

Yes! All Pennsylvania state parks are free to enter, though some amenities within Presque Isle State Park, like boat and bike rentals, may require a fee.

Which parks have the best playgrounds?

Some of the best playgrounds can be found at Picnicana Park, Greene Township Paradise Park, and Bayview Park, which also features a splash pad..

Are Erie’s parks good for seeing wildlife?

Yes, some of Pennsylvania’s best birding and wildlife watching happens at Presque Isle State Park. With six distinct ecological zones, each featuring a different plant and animal community, Presque Isle is an interesting location to spot a diversity of wildlife all year.