IN Millcreek Fall 2019 | Page 57

North Pier and Beach 11, along one of the sand ridges. An old firing range used for training during World War II may be seen along this trail. Visit the website for descriptions of the 21 miles of pristine trails that the park offers. Tom Ridge Environmental Center Naturalist-Led Hikes Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie; trecpi.org Let the experts inspire you with their knowledge about Lake Erie nature and wildlife! Themed hikes are available at Presque Isle State Park and Lake Erie Bluffs State Park. IN MILLCREEK Asbury Woods Nature Center 4105 Asbury Road, Erie; 814.835.5356, or asburywoods.org With 205 natural acres of fields, forests and streams that offer 4.5 miles of breathtaking trails, this nature center is perfect for a hike or mountain bike ride. Try the Greenway Trail to experience a scenic steel footbridge spanning Walnut Creek. Karl Boyes National Multipurpose Trail Presque Isle State Park Entrance, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie; 814.833.7424, or trecpi.org Breathe in the fresh air of the lake as you take a hike or bike ride on this 13.5-mile loop around the park! The trail provides a nice, even terrain and spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Headwaters Conservation Park 1927 Wager Road, Millcreek; 814.825.6403, or erieconservation.com/ headwaters-park Combine learning with a hike! This 70-acre conservation park features 3 miles of trails with 6 geocaches, a self-guided tree trail and a quest focusing on the Mill Creek Flood of 1915. Visit the website for details. Presque Isle State Park Trails Presque Isle State Park, 301 Peninsula Drive, Erie; trecpi.org Did you know that Presque Isle State Park has 13 paved and natural trails for hiking and biking? Try hiking on the 0.7 mile North Pier Trail, which follows the shoreline between Cooper Road, Erie; erietrails.org/ wintergreen-gorge/ This spectacular 250-foot-wide chasm was formed more than 11,000 years ago when rushing water beneath a melting iceberg carved its way through shale and sandstone en route to Lake Erie. Adjacent to the Penn State Behrend campus, this 1,000-acre site includes a wide variety of trails for the novice to the expert hiker or mountain biker. IN WEST COUNTY Fairview Flag Park Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park West 8th Street and Seminole Drive, Erie; 814.453.5323, or leaferie.org The beauty of 250 varieties of blooming trees combined with a unique labyrinth at this arboretum makes the perfect setting for a hike! The park includes a wide variety of hiking and biking trails. Wintergreen Gorge Trail IN HARBORCREEK Harborcreek Community Park Trail Clark Road, Erie; 814.899.3171, or harborcreektownship.org Relax with a hike close to home! This 1-mile trail winds through lush and tranquil woods at this 130-acre park. You may spot some brightly colored birds or trees and shrubs in bloom on your hike. Shades Beach Park 7000 East Lake Road, Erie; 814.899.3171, or harborcreektownship.org Put on your muck boots and explore this park that’s full of diverse terrain. The 27-acre park includes a beach, the Eight- Mile Creek, woodlands with informal trails, natural cliffs and panoramic views of Lake Erie. Six Mile Creek Park Clark Road, Erie; 814.899.3171, or harborcreektownship.org Don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to capture a variety of nature scenes on a hike through this new 425-acre park! Eight native species of trees, 10 varieties of native perennials, a scenic overlook and more are featured on the quarter- mile trail. Other trails are available to the east and west of the parking lot. Visit the website for more information. I-90 and Avonia Road, Fairview Township; 814.474.5077, or [email protected] Put your dog on a leash and take a hike in this park that’s located on 18 acres in the Fairview Business Park East. With lots of green space and a pond, it’s a great place to unwind after work. Visit the website for more information. Girard Trail 260 Main Street, Girard Township; 814.774.9683, or girardtownship.com History buffs will appreciate this 3.5-mile trail. It passes by no less than 27 historic landmarks! The points of interest include buildings and sites from before and after Girard Borough was incorporated in 1846. Call the borough office for more information. Pleasant Ridge Park Trail 8271 Barker Road, Fairview; 814.474.5077, or parks-rec@ fairviewtownship.com A tranquil hike or mountain bike ride awaits you close to home! This park features a 1.5-mile trail that winds through a forested area with natural vines and a charming wooden bridge over wetlands. Wildflowers and native birds in the meadow complete this idyllic scene. n MILLCREEK ❘ FALL 2019 55