10 of the best scenic views in Erie County everyone should see
When it comes to inspiring natural scenery, Erie County doesn't disappoint.
Prefer spectacular beach sunsets? There's plenty of sandy spots at Presque Isle State Park where you can park a lawn chair and watch the sun dip below the horizon as you call it a day.
Keep reading: Does Erie have the 2nd-best sunsets in the world?
If you fancy views from aloft, you can't go wrong with a visit to Erie's Bicentennial Tower, or a trek along an Erie Bluffs State Park trail overlooking the Lake Erie shoreline.
For those who wish to reconnect with nature, plentiful trails abound that offer a peaceful walk in the woods.
Here is a subjective list of some of Erie County's most visually stimulating scenic views, in no particular order:
1. Erie Bluffs State Park
This 587-acre Erie Bluffs State Park in Girard and Springfield townships in western Erie County features 90-foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie. A short hike from the parking lot takes visitors through a meadow to access the park's wooded trails. You'll enjoy wonderful views as you trek past the mouth of Elk Creek toward a one-mile stretch of Lake Erie shoreline. Views from atop the bluffs offer spectacular vistas and a great spot to catch a sunset. The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset. Day-use areas close at dusk.
2. Wintergreen Gorge
This nearly 4,000-foot-long, 250-foot-wide chasm in Harborcreek Township is popular with hikers, bicyclists and dog walkers. The gorge trail offers nice vistas of Four Mile Creek, the gorge overlook, a couple of waterfalls and wildlife viewing.
3. Erie Bicentennial Tower
An elevator ride to the observation deck of the Bicentennial Tower on Erie's bayfront is a must-see, must-do, bucket-list item for every Erie tourist. Plenty of locals still draw inspiration when they visit this 187-foot-tall Erie downtown attraction at Dobbins Landing. Up top, you are presented with commanding views of Presque Isle Bay, Presque Isle State Park and downtown Erie.
The Bicentennial Tower in 2023 is open daily in May from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Memorial Day through Labor Day; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m in September after Labor Day; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays October through April. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 for ages 7-12, and free for children 6 and under. There is free public admission on the first Tuesday of each month. There are holiday exclusions.
More: Love locks at Erie’s Dobbins Landing tell stories of romance, friendship
4. Andrew J. Conner Nature Center at Asbury Woods
A walk along the Asbury Woods Nature Center's Greenway Trail takes you past streams, through forests and fields and across a steel bridge that offers spectacular views of Walnut Creek. In late spring, sections of wetlands are ablaze in yellow when marsh marigolds bloom and brighten the landscape. The nature center trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. Call 814-835-5356 or visit www.asburywoods.org/visit/trails
More: Asbury Woods to receive James Preserve land near nature center from Mercyhurst University
5. Howard Eaton Reservoir
Located in portions of North East and Greenfield townships, this 246-acre-sized lake features a 3-mile loop that takes visitors along Eaton Reservoir's picturesque shoreline. The trail offers great access for fishermen, who can cast for several varieties of game fish — bass, northern pike and walleye — the reservoir supports. Birders flock here, and the trail offers a variety of activity options for hikers, runners and walkers. Dogs and horses can also use the trail.
6. Headwaters Park
Three miles of meandering, well-maintained trails lead hikers and walkers along Mill Creek and through a network of forests and meadows at Headwaters Park, a 35-acre Millcreek Township recreational attraction near Route 8 and Interstate 90. New boardwalks were installed in 2020 in a marsh area with a viewing deck for bird watchers.
More: Why you should take a winter hike at Erie County's overlooked public park
7. Scott Park
Take a hike in Scott Park to the bluffs at this 108-acre Millcreek Township park and you will be afforded expansive views of Presque Isle Bay and Presque Isle State Park. A well-maintained trail system cuts through dense forest canopy and woodlands. This is a good locale for viewing birds, wildlife and wildflowers.
8. Erie Land Lighthouse
A 69-step, cast-iron staircase leads visitors to the lantern room near the top of the 48-foot-tall, sandstone Erie Land Lighthouse at the foot of Lighthouse Street in Erie. From there, you can see Presque Isle State Park's Gull Point, the North Pier Lighthouse on the channel leading into Presque Isle Bay, and sometimes the U.S. Brig Niagara in full sail.
More: New keeper: Historic Erie Land Lighthouse operations turned over to Presque Isle Lighthouse staff
9. Six-Mile Creek Park
A descent from the parking lot at Six-Mile Creek Park, in the 7700 block of Clark Road in Harborcreek Township, takes visitors through a three-quarter-mile forested trail loop that leads to Six Mile Creek. This is a great place to view migrating birds in the spring and a wonderful display of fall foliage colors. The trail is ideal for hiking, walking, trail running and birding.
10. North Pier, Presque Isle State Park
There might not be a better place in the region to see the first rays of light of a new day. A sunrise at the North Pier should be on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list. Set up a lawn chair and enjoy watching an endless stream of vessels maneuvering in and out of Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Fishermen flock here, and you wildlife lovers might catch sight of a mink begging for a handout from an angler. The lighthouse is located at the east end of the North Pier. The tower is not open, but the public has daily access to the pier.
More: Presque Isle Lighthouse nonprofit interested in taking on North Pier Light maintenance
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: 10 scenic views in Erie County that everyone should see
