Explore the best rated trails in Erie, PA, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Western Reserve Greenway and Queen City Trail . With more than 14 trails covering 164 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Warm and sunny Spring day parked in Petroleum Center next to the Park Office. Very well shaded. Biked to Titusville and back for a 25 mile round trip. While in Titusville also rode on Queen City Trail and rode through Drake Well park. The vehicle bridge in Petroleum Center has been closed at least 18 months and a new one isn't scheduled to be rebuilt until 2026. In the meantime, the bridge is open for pedestrians and cyclists. And as always, our State Parks in Pennsylvania are free to visit.
Biked from Meadville (Beans Trailhead) to Conneaut Lake, approx 11 miles one way. First 4.25 miles are asphalt paved. Cross over route 19 and go approx 2 miles on gravel section to the Bailey Road trailhead. Continue West using the new Watson Run Bridge. The remaining 4 miles are dirt and grass and follows the old canal. This is very peaceful and scenic. Trail ends behind Conneaut Cellars Winery in Conneaut Lake. Doable on a hybrid bike but a gravel bike would work better. Saw a Beaver Dam, family of geese and various birds. The last 4 miles pass thru PA State Game Lands. Dress accordingly per season.
Trail is paved and wide enough, so you will have no problems riding recumbant tricycles. It can get a little crowded with all the park visitors, especially with surrey rentals heading out to the monument.
On a cold, blustery, cloudy, gloomy early October weekday, I ventured out on the loop with low expectations for this bike ride. In an effort to beat the rain and just get in my Pennsylvania ride to check off state #36 in my quest to bicycle all fifty states, my negativity soon changed to joy as I thoroughly enjoyed my surprisingly fun trip around the peninsula.
Trail Link states it's a 13.4 mile loop, but I managed to do 18 which shows how often I was tempted to veer off the main path to enhance my experience, views, and photo ops.
There's so much to savor as the trail meanders through woods with the beginnings of fall color, goes by a multitude of ponds and bays, sandy beaches, and delivers you to several lighthouses. What was especially fun for this Southern Californian was the contrast between the relatively calm Presque Isle Bay side of the peninsula, and the sandy beaches with its wind driven waves crashing upon the shoreline. It truly sounded and looked like one of my beloved SoCal beaches.
If you're worried about the portions of trail where you have to ride on the road, don't be. The speed limit for autos is 25 MPH, and the bike lane is often just as wide as the auto lane.
For what it's worth, Trail Link's GPS helped me out quite a few times when I made a wrong turn, was unsure where to go, or was not quite sure where I was on the loop or peninsula. Thanks Trail Link!
I'll bet this park is a beehive of activity and swarming with people in the warmer months, but I thoroughly enjoyed the seclusion and beauty the time of year and threatening weather provided for me. It was almost as though I had the whole place to myself. I'm so glad I chose this location for my Pennsylvania bike ride. All in all, this retired teacher gives Presque Isle and Karl Boyes Trail an A+.
Walked the John C. Sheldon trailhead with my dog. Always mindful of checking for ticks, I proceeded to remove 10 of them from my dogs jacket and fur!!! Otherwise a very enjoyable walk.
3rd week of October, foliage was peaked. Enjoyed a lovely bike ride.
Many improvements have been made to this trail in the last couple of years. There are no longer any wet or muddy areas. It is now part of the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail as well.
Mid October, some pretty fall foliage but not full color. Parked at the Spillway and fed the fish, don't forget to bring (old) bread. Biked the trail back and forth a few times. Enjoyable ride!
From Bailey Road towards Conneaut Lake, Ernst Nature Trail, 4.5 miles. Surface is dirt, cinder and some gravel. They are still working on this section. From Kerrtown in Meadville to Conneaut Lake the trail total length is/will be 12 miles.
Pretty flat, but all in the woods. Use to live in Titusville and always have to come back once a year atleast. I usually go to Caseys in Oil City for food. Big hill climb in between!
...but it gets you back to the trail. Caseys bar is at the end in oil city. Stop for water and/or food.
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