Presque Isle State Park
(Click to enlarge)
With the bland technical name of the Presque Isle Multipurpose Trail, this trail is located on Presque Isle, near Erie in Erie County, Pennsylvania. You can get directions from the PA Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources website. The trail runs a loop around the island, so you can jump on almost anywhere in the park.
Forget the bad rap that Lake Erie got in the '70's. This is a beautiful trail with environment a'plenty to enjoy. The trail loop brings you along the protected bay side of the island, with wonderfully preserved wetlands, and a number of walking trails and vistas where you can take a break. Coming back along the northern side of the island, you follow behind the beaches. You can access all of the amenities of the state park from your bicycle, including a nature center and lighthouse.
The trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail. It's also a great site for birdwatching. Easy access and park activities make for a nice family outing.
- Completed Length: 10 miles (loop)
- Connecting Trails: None
- Surface: Asphalt
- Topography: Elevation of pretty much 580 ft MSL the whole way around. Grade to low to calculate from USGS mapping.
- Perry Monument commemorating Admiral Perry's role in the War of 1812
- Several beaches
- Lighthouse, built in 1872.