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
throughout the spring at Presque Isle State
Park and Lake Erie Bluffs State Park.
IN Harborcreek
Harborcreek Community
Park Trail
Clark Road, Erie; 814.899.3171, or
harborcreektownship.org
Relax with a spring 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.
Presque Isle State Park Trails
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 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.
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.
Wintergreen Gorge Trail
Cooper Road, Erie; behrend.psu.edu
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
I-90 and Avonia Road, Fairview
Township; 814.474.5077, or
fairviewtownship.com
Put your dog on a leash and take a
spring 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 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. ■
MILLCREEK
❘
SPRING 2020
67