Most people who live in Northwestern Pennsylvania are familiar with Presque Isle State Park. Offering many the fresh water beaches we have come to know and love, scenic drives, biking, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and many developed areas designed for tourism. What you may not be aware of is one of Pennsylvania’s newest State Parks which is also located along the scenic shores of Lake Erie.
Lake Erie Bluff State Park became a state park just recently in 2004, it is the largest parcel of land along the Lake Erie shoreline that is not developed and offers quite a bit to those who do not want the hustle and bustle of some of the more popular parks and tourist locations. Gorgeous views from the 90 foot bluffs overlooking the lake are a treat for photographers and nature lovers alike. You would swear you can almost see Canada but at the very least you are likely to be able to view a large ship carrying cargo through from the east coast.
Located near Lake City, Pa the address for the main parking area is located at 11122 West Lake Road, Lake City, PA 16423 right off Route 5 about 12 miles or so from Erie. The Park is just shy of 600 acres and sports 1 mile of shoreline. There are several easy walking trails along the plateau of the bluff with a few very good photo opportunities. The trails are marked with paint on the trees, so watch for it.
Maps of the trails and more park information can be found at the Pa Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website www.dcnr.pa.gov . My personal favorite is to take Transition Trail straight back to Bluffs Edge Trail or Lookout Trail for a great view. From there you can go west to Timber Trail which is a great walk through the forest to the West Overlook Trail (another scenic area for photos) and then eventually you will loop back to the parking lot. There is a bit over 5 miles of trails in the park and this route will take well over half of them, but it is a fairly level walk and a leisurely chance for a bird lover in the group to possibly spot one of documented 80 species of birds found in the park including Bald Eagles.
I normally go to the east however and walk along the Bluff Edge Trail which starts to drop in elevation and joins to the Fisherman’s Footpath (if you go to the right you actually end up at the other parking lot, so be aware of this as you may get turned around). The Fisherman’s Footpath winds down the bluff and comes out on the shoreline where there is an excellent opportunity to find sea glass and wave polished rocks. It also as the name states gives access to fish the shoreline in possibly a less crowded area than Presque Isle due to the walking. The area prohibits swimming, but there is still plenty of places to dip your toes as you stroll. Since you started on the bluff, which is 90 feet above you, be sure to leave with enough time to get back to the vehicle prior to dark and also be sure on the way back up you take the marked trail to the right this time or you will pop out at the Elk Creek access point and have quite a hike to backtrack to the main parking lot. I can tell you from experience that it is a very long walk.
Be sure to bring drinking water with you as there are no facilities at this Park, it is designed to be wild and stay wild. Also remember to pack out what garbage you may take in as the saying goes, “Take only Photos and Leave only Footprints”
While you are visiting the area, take the opportunity to stop for a frozen treat at a mom and pop dairy isle or check out a gift store. Remember to bring your face masks though if you do stop as we are still required to wear them in indoor public places or within 6 feet of non family members.
Not all who wander are lost, some are just looking for the correct trail to get back to their car.
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