Presque Isle State Park in PA
Pennsylvania’s place for hiking, biking and beach fun on Lake Erie
An introduction to Pennsylvania's Presque Isle State Park, located on Lake Erie, with beach fun, a 13.5 mile multi-purpose trail, and picnic facilities.
For beach fun, hiking, communing with nature or just for quiet bike rides or walks with the family, Presque Isle State Park is a great place to spend the day.
The park is near Erie, Pennsylvania. The name means literally not quite an island, and the park is actually located on a peninsula which curves into Lake Erie, and affords beautiful views of the lake and the city. Presque Isle is easily accessible off Interstate 90.
For detailed information on the park as you arrive, stop at the Tom Ridge Center, which includes the park offices, exhibits and concessions. Inside the park, the Stull Interpretive Center and Nature Shop has maps, exhibits and helpful staff.
Trails
Both a park and a nature preserve, Presque Isle has put in easy ways to enjoy the splendor of the area. A 13.5 mile multi-purpose trail circles the park. Bring you own bike, or there are bicycles for rent in the park. You can also rent a carriage with pedals, for a slower pace to enjoy the views.
For large sections of the park, the trail is separated from the road, making it safe for bicyclists and walkers. Even though the park is filled with people on sunny days, the long trail makes it seem uncrowded.
There are 16 marked hiking trails in the park. Because the area is a fragile ecosystem, trailblazing is frowned upon. You should be able to find enough to enjoy on the nearly 11 miles of trails, which include views that those traversing only by car or bike cannot reach, including an observation platform at the Isle’s end.
Pets are welcome, but must remain on leash, and are not allowed in the swimming areas.
Beaches
There are 11 guarded beaches at Presque Isle. The beaches are both named and numbered, which can be confusing. Swimming is only permitted in guarded areas. As you enter the park, sign boards list the hours that beaches are open, and the hours vary by day and by beach.
Many of the beaches offer concessions. The beaches are wide, and are all sand, with no grassy areas to set up, so you will need the shower facilities to clean up.
Activities
The park contains two lighthouses, with informational exhibits adjacent. There is a marina with boat rental, and a water taxi takes trips to Erie. The park includes the Perry Monument and exhibit, picnic facilities, a playground, and numerous parking areas to stop, hop on the multi-purpose trail, or just to enjoy the views. Fishing is popular at several spots in the park with Lake Erie perch a favorite catch.
The park remains popular in colder weather, as the hiking still offers the beautiful views enhanced by fall color and ice formations, and recreational activities such as ice fishing and ice skating are available.
Any time of year is a great time to enjoy Pennsylvania’s Presque Isle State Park.
