Tag Archives: Birdwatching Erie PA

Pleasant Ridge Park 42322

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Pleasant Ridge Park April 23, 2022

What do blooming cherry blossom trees, construction equipment, frisbee golf, and muddy trails have in common? You can find all of these things right now at Pleasant Ridge Park!

Weather reaching up to 70 degrees brought us to Pleasant Ridge Park for a little stroll. Even though it rained early Saturday morning, we decided to grab the dog and head to the park; clearly we were hoping it wasn’t too muddy throughout the woods.

FYI: Because this is an update on a previous wandering, we’re linking the article with general information on Pleasant Ridge Park here. With that in mind, check out how our visit on April 23, 2022 went!

With the rain, comes mud.

Currently, the park is pretty muddy. On our walk, we went through several areas of thick, wet, “your shoe will stick in this” mud. The kiddos had a really hard time getting through some of it and had to be picked up. The dog needed a bath when we got home. Our shoes are all being washed. If you don’t like mud, don’t plan a walk here for at least a week. If you don’t mind mud, head on over!

A section of the trails through the woods
“Your shoe will stick in this” mud

It’s that time of year…

Another thing we would caution you about is to check yourself and your dog for ticks. We found 2 on our pup when we arrived home. This shouldn’t deter you from going as it is to be expected in the woods this time of year, but be aware of it and make sure to check your dog any time they spend long periods of time outside.

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Get out your camera!

On another note, the cherry blossom trees are starting to bloom and they are absolutely gorgeous. If you’re a fan of pink trees, head to the park and get some photos as they have 2 on the outskirts of the parking lot, across from the sports fields.

Blooming Cherry Blossom Tree
Perfect Photo Spot

Construction Vehicles

Upon entering the parking lot, you’ll see several construction vehicles currently parked (or at work, depending on when you visit) on the edge of the lot by the fields. They were simply parked during our visit as it was a Saturday afternoon, so we were unable to tell exactly what they were there for. From the looks of the parking lot and the vehicles, our guess is the parking lot refurbishment. If you know what’s going on, please drop us a comment!

Parking Lot

No matter what reason they were there, we had fun looking at them. The littles loved seeing the big vehicles. If you head to the park be sure to take a peek, but remember to keep a safe distance; we kept about a 15 foot distance. It’s important to let kids know this is a “looking” experience and not to touch them. If they look forward to seeing construction vehicles up close and personal, Equipment Day at the zoo is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2022.

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Golfing at the park…with a frisbee?

Walking around, we saw several “holes” (they look like big metal and chain baskets) set up as we went on our walk, and noticed several signs warning you to watch out for flying discs. Pleasant Ridge Park now boasts a disc golf course throughout their 80 acres of park. If this is something you’re interested in, you should definitely go check it out. Although we didn’t play ourselves, we did see other people playing.

Frisbee Golf Hole

We never saw a flying disc or feared getting hit by one, so don’t let this stop you from coming to the park. There are strict rules the disc golfers must follow, signs posted throughout to let you know where you could run into someone playing the sport, and pathways to walk as they play the course.

For more information about disc golf, specifically at Pleasant Ridge Park, please click here.

Final Thoughts:

Although very muddy, we still managed to have a lot of fun on our visit! The mud is not bad at all in the grass near the cherry blossom trees, so if you just want to visit those and play at the small playground, you won’t end up with soaking wet shoes like we did after venturing through the trails. If you do want to venture through the trails, in its current state after the rain, we would recommend visiting the open areas before you head into the woods and get muddy.

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On this trip, we were thankful to be wearing our Vessi shoes. Our feet were completely dry because of our Vessi’s yet again! A walk in the wet, sticky mud never felt so dry! Vessi makes 100% waterproof sneakers that we highly recommend. We have an exclusive code for $20 off your first purchase of $100 or more. Click here to be directed to Vessi’s website to browse and use our code!

[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with The Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around Erie as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA area can be hard.]

This post contains affiliate links for a product. If you buy something, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Site Highlight: Presque Isle Lagoon Area Picnic Spot

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Site Highlight: Presque Isle Lagoon Area Picnic Spot

Entrance Sign

We recently found a great spot at Presque Isle State Park, and wanted to share it with all of you!

Lagoon Viewing

In searching for a place to enjoy our dinner at the beach, we found an incredible location we just have to tell you all about it! This area is serene, romantic, and truly majestic. The sounds of nature fill the air like music, and the peaceful tranquility of the lagoons of Presque Isle will leave you with a calming feeling.

Kayaks

There are plenty of picnic tables and a viewing deck for the lagoon, which has benches for you to relax on. You could even set up a great picnic on the viewing deck, if you wanted to.

One of many picnic tables

We picnicked at the table right by the viewing area, and enjoyed watching kayaks and small pontoons travel through the waters.

Boats passing through

There is ample room for parking in the designated lot, and plenty of picnic tables stationed throughout the area. Charcoal grills are provided if you would like to use them.

Ample Parking

We’ve included a map below, to try and give you an idea of where the Lagoon Area Picnic Spot is located. If you search “Evening Lagoon by Pontoon” in Google Maps, it will take you to the general area.

Location

Again, we really enjoyed this spot. Having grown up in Erie and been to Presque Isle so, so many times, this outing was the first time we had ever seen this area! If you’re looking for places to eat at Presque Isle, this could be a great spot for you! We hope you check it out and love it just a much as we do!

[Note: This is a Site Highlight post, a short and sweet yet informative look at a place within a place.]

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[Editor’s note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Presque Isle in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can be hard.]

Shorewood Park

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Shorewood Park

On our mission to bring you several locations to enjoy the beauty of the sunset in Erie, PA (click here for more locations), we were lucky enough to stumble across Shorewood Beach in Harborcreek, PA.

Unedited. Unfiltered. The beauty of a sunset on Shorewood Beach.

Location:

Shorewood Park is located along Lake Erie at the intersection of East Lake Road and Moorheadville Road.

Property Description:

Shorewood Park has over 14 acres of land. 12 Mile Creek intersects with the property, and we saw some great views from the beach. The park has over 1,200 feet of shoreline, which is known as Shorewood Beach.

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Be aware that the park and the beach both close at 10:00 p.m. daily.

What to Do:

Shorewood Park is beautiful, with many stunning views of nature. You can enjoy some time staring at beautiful Lake Erie on the rocky beach, or enjoy the lush, vivid greens of the leaves on the trees on the land surrounding.

You will see a playground when driving towards the beach, and alongside is a picnic table with a charcoal grill, making this a great place to enjoy a meal with your family.

One of the things we would highly recommend doing here is watching the sunset. We have only visited Shorewood Beach once, so we’re not sure if we got super lucky, but the sunset was absolutely phenomenal from this location.

We were also very fortunate on our trip to see a helicopter flying over the water as the sun set. It got extremely close to the water, and seemed like it was coming in right over our heads! It was honestly one of the coolest things we’ve ever seen, and we’re not sure if it was a one time thing or not, but you just might see it for yourself if you decide to visit!

Who Can Go:

Anyone is welcome at this park, but please be aware that accessibility to the shore isn’t necessarily easy. The shore is surrounded by rocks, making it very hard for anything to wheel near the water. Before the rocks, there is a sand and concrete parking area with ledges that reach out towards the water, and those ledges allow anyone who is unable to get into the rocks the ability to look out over the water. The good thing is between the creek and the countless feet of beach, you won’t ever feel cramped or shoved up against other people if you decide to come here. And while this might not be the beach most think of if they are searching for the best beach in Erie, PA, this is certainly one of the calmer beaches we have been to.

Final Thoughts:

We really appreciated the simplicity of this Shorewood Beach. The park was not crowded at all, and we only saw about 3 other groups of people besides us. This is highly desirable compared to a place like Presque Isle that is a high traffic area.

We really enjoyed our time at Shorewood Park. The views were stunning, and the waves rolling in made for the perfect soundtrack to our evening.

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[Editor’s Note: Please be aware that we are not affiliated with Shorewood Park in any way. This is true of all of our posts. We simply enjoy wandering around the Erie area as we know finding what to do in Erie, PA can be hard.]

Presque Isle Lights

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After heading to the Festival of Trees event at Fairview Business Park, we were excited to hear about the light event down on Presque Isle, sponsored by the Presque Isle Partnership. While the Festival of Trees was about the lights, this event was actually scaled back a lot more to focus on the nature and wildlife of Presque Isle.

In fact, Presque Isle Partnership even listed some information as a caution for those expecting this event to be full of lights, and they even say “if you’re expecting a Chevy Chase style Christmas show and all 3,000 acres lit up, your expectations are a little high. None-the-less, we’re hoping you choose to take an evening drive around Presque Isle throughout the month and appreciate all the hard work many groups and organizations have put into the event. Think of it as a nighttime scavenger hunt for lights and displays around the park.”

Location

This event begins on Presque Isle, and the hours are from 6-9PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until January 1st-3rd weekend. As you enter the park there will be signs, and individuals can use the right-hand lane for the distribution of programs as well as accepting donations at the 2nd parking lot. In addition, the 4th parking lot will have hot cocoa for individuals, and you should also use the right-hand lane. This is a popular event and the traffic can get pretty backed up, so if you don’t want either of these items you can stay in the left lane and continue to drive. Also, be sure to turn in to 95.5 FM for the holiday music.

Property Description:

If you’re from Erie, you’ve been to Presque Isle. Seriously. But, because of the nature of this being a state park, have you ever been down around the peninsula in the dark? There may be some wildlife (hence the reason for too many lights – as not to disturb them). In addition, there are some great views so have your camera ready. As you make your way out the peninsula you actually get great views of the bay. And on the way back you can see some excellent shots of the sky, as well as the famous lighthouse being lit up. Along the way you will also find the occasional light display, and think of this as a “scavenger hunt” where you can slow down and get a quick photo at any point.

Things to do:

With a combination of hot chocolate as well as the music, this can be a fun drive. In these times if you are looking to just get out of the house, then it certainly is a great way to break the monotony.

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We want to emphasize this so that you are aware and we set the right expectation. This is not a lights fest. Rather, this is a drive through the scenery of Presque Isle with the Christmas and holiday spirit, and expect to see some lights along the way. But this is not a “lights fest.” The only reason we point this out is because there have already been some complaints online about how this wasn’t a lights event and there weren’t enough displays, but that’s not what the event is supposed to be. If you are looking for just bright lights, you may want to go to check out some lights in local neighborhoods (in fact, that may be one of our upcoming posts … )

Who Can Go:

In addition to the music and the hot chocolate, this can be a good event for children to either look for some of the lights, or you may even let young ones fall asleep before bedtime! It could also be a great idea for a date, as there is ample time to talk. We waited in the program line, and also waited in the hot chocolate line for about half of the way before we decided to skip the drinks for taking too long. From the time we were coming down the hill (right under the Waldameer roller coaster), until the time we were heading out (again, right under the roller coaster heading up the hill), we were there for 1 hour and 15 minutes. We took our time with the lines and could have bypassed those, but it still can be a scenic drive. Other recommendations some have pointed are to bring some snacks or cookies, and even go to the McDonalds right outside of Presque Isle and get a coffee drink or Hot Chocolate there if you want to skip that time. But, all in all this could be done in as little as a half of an hour or 45 minutes, or possibly even longer if you want to park and eat, drink, or talk.  

Final Thoughts:

As long as you know what you are getting into, this really is a fun event. In fact, the fact that this is being done specifically due to COVID reasons and this is the first year they are doing it, it is a great way to enjoy something outdoors in Erie in the evening. We strongly recommend you have a plan and are prepared to be patient as this is a very popular event. We also recommend you know your time limits, as we arrived slightly before 6 and the traffic was already backed up the hill. When we were leaving, incoming traffic was backed up to almost the intersection with more cars trying to turn in. But, as long as you are prepared and have realistic expectations, this was a great event to break up the monotony and get into the holiday spirit. 

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Lake Erie Community Park

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After taking the time to wander Brown’s Farm, we needed a simpler plan. It’s one thing to enjoy the summer heat, the sun, and longer trails, but when fall starts to creep around the corner it is important to enjoy the summer before they’re gone for the year. That’s why we headed down to Lake Erie Community Park.

Location

Lake Erie Community Park is a small park in Lake City, PA. It is located at 10192 West Lake Road in Lake City, PA 16423. It has recently been renovated. It used to be full of campers and seasonal living, but those have been removed which makes this an ideal location to enjoy peace and quiet, events, using the baseball field, or just taking a walk. It is also conveniently located right on the water, so many people enjoy ice cream from the also conveniently located Dairy Oasis right at the entrance to the park.

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Property Description:

The property itself is a simple one, but has ample space. In addition to the already mentioned items, there are benches facing the water with a beautiful view from the cliffs to the lake down below. There is also a pavilion for events. Technically there are 4 pavilions, each with grills, electrical outlets, water, etc. – but only one pavilion has walls and can hold more than 180 people.  

Things to do:

In addition to the baseball field, there is a lot of walking space. This location technically has a west side to the park, with some trails and the ability to actually get down to the water. All in all, the park is 125 acres. Dogs are welcome (but as always, you are responsible for them and any cleanup you may need to do). Besides hosting parties, weddings, graduations, and more, there is also a playground for children to play. This is also another popular destination for photography, as the views of the trees and nature, combined with the cliffs and the lake, make for a photogenic location.  

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Who Can Go:

If you are looking for an opportunity to get out to an area of privacy, this is a location for anyone. It’s a simple park, but the views and opportunity to find a quiet location are enough to bring anyone down to relax.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you grab ice cream, have an event to celebrate, want to play on the baseball field or at the playground, or just want to see nature, this is a simple location. In times where social distancing is the norm, this is a great location because it’s not often overcrowded, and it tends to be a little more hidden compared to some of the parks and playgrounds where children can usually go. But, whatever your purpose, this is definitely a spot to check out and bring your friends or family, whether younger or older. 

Interested in finding out about more parks in Erie? Click here.

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Browns Farm

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It was a great opportunity to go out and see the waves while collecting glass at Avonia Beach. As you know, we have continued to find opportunities to get outdoors and social distance, but also to try and find some shade from the sun. It has been warm over the last few weeks with temperatures easily reaching into the 80’s and 90’s consistently. That’s why we decided to wander around Brown’s Farm in Millcreek, Erie, PA.

Location

Brown’s Farm itself is an interesting place with respect to the location. While the main entrance of Brown’s Farm has the actual barn and a parking lot, the farm itself goes from a field with trails, then connects into woods along Walnut Creek, crosses a bridge, and eventually links up with Asbury Woods. This is a large property and easily one you can wander for hours. The specific location is on Sterrettania Road, across the street from Asbury Elementary School and Walnut Creek Middle School, and just North of Frank’s Farm Market and Bakery.

Property Description:

The property does have a Barn which is used for special events, educational programs, and more. The property also has a strong focus on understanding agriculture, watersheds, and land maintenance. The trails are long as well, as local schools continue to use Brown’s farm as their course for cross country running events. Brown’s Farm also uses the land in conjunction with Asbury woods, where they have multiple trail races and can easily fit a 5-mile-run onto the property.

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Things to do:

The trails themselves are a great item to explore. There is access to Walnut Creek, room to walk, jog, or run, bike, fish, watch birds and look for other wildlife. This is an excellent spot for photography as there are many locations such as hills, bridges, and foliage throughout the property.

The woods also have more hills, while the front of the property is more of a field. This means you can venture as deep as you would like while being able to complete one of many loops or trails, depending on your preferred level of exercise in the day.

Even in the cooler weather Brown’s Farm remains popular, as the fall brings changing of the leaves and bright colors, while the winter allows for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Pets are also welcome here, as numerous dogs are found along the trails. As always, be sure to be responsible for your pet, and remember that dogs must remain on leashes. There is also a dog waste station at Brown’s Farm Barn. A note of warning, Pets are not permitted at festivals or events, and this is just for the safety of all guests as well as pets.

Who Can Go:

The trails are for anyone who wants to go, including pets, as already mentioned. The trails are open year-round during daylight hours, so whether you want to take a morning jog at sunrise, or go for a stroll in the evening, this is a great spot. Be aware that some of the terrain may be more difficult for those who don’t get around as easily. We had to leave the stroller in the car. And, while carrying a little one isn’t too difficult for most of this property, be aware the trails and paths do contain some hills, some roots, and some slightly uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts:

Remember that Erie, PA is in a cool climate. Depending on when you are watching or reading this, we are down to only a couple of weeks left of official summer. The days will get cooler soon, and if you are trying to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine before fall arrives, you really only have another month or two left. With that being said, Brown’s Farm is not just a great place to wander in the late summer, but even as we transition to fall.

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Avonia Beach

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We had a ton of fun being spectators at the Erie Ultimate Disc Dogs event (which are still going on, so be sure to check them out!), it was time to let our toddler run around and explore. For that reason, we headed to Avonia Beach in Fairview, PA. We were also strategic in choosing a day after a storm for a handful of reasons.

Location

Avonia Beach Park can be found somewhat easily. Find Avonia road which cuts through Fairview, PA, and then head north. There isn’t technically an address that we could find, but there are many signs. You will also know you are there when you’ve reached the parking lot as well as where trout run empties into the lake.  

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Property Description:

The property itself has a decent sized beach. This is yet another way to get into the water without having to fight some of the larger crowds of Presque Isle. And if you are out in the west county area, this is a quick place to get to without needing to head down into the heart of Erie.

There is a long beachhead which stretches nearly 1,000 feet. And, though this isn’t the miles and miles of Presque Isle, it is certainly a great place to enjoy the waves and breeze if you are trying to have some privacy and maintain social distancing.

Things to do:

This access to the lake is not only a great place to enjoy sights, but it is a place to fish or swim. However, because fishing is allowed along trout run and at the beach, please be cautious when swimming as there could be lures. This is probably not a beach to travel on with bare feet, but wading in the water with shoes or crocs is completely doable.

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We specifically chose to come out to this beach the night after a rainstorm (and it was still raining at the time) to look for beach glass! The rains and storms cause enough disruption in the lake that stones and glass are pushed around and have a better chance of floating into the shore during higher tides.

It also just so happens that if a toddler is going to splash in the water anyways, it doesn’t matter if it’s lightly raining outside! Just remember to bring a towel!

Another item to note is that there is a house available for renting. The Brugger house is a popular place to host parties for graduation, wedding receptions, showers, and more. Just contact Fairview Parks and Recreation at 814-474-5077.

Who Can Go:

This is a great spot for anyone in the family. The access to this beach can be a little harder to get to the water because there is a lot more rocks mixed in with the sand than in some places. However, you can park literally just feet away from the beach itself, so as far as accessing the beach – it’s not going to be hard to get to it. There are also benches and places to sit just off of the beach which make this have availability for all to enjoy the water.

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In addition, there are plans in the works to install a viewing platform over trout run, and to have a handicap accessible fishing platform, so anyone can find something to do here when it comes to the water, and more accessibility and additions are on the way.

Final Thoughts:

Besides just the water itself which could be for splashing, swimming, or fishing, this is a quiet park with ample wildlife. In addition to the Brugger house for possible rental, this is a place where some can come and just walk and talk, take photos, skip rocks, or hunt for beach glass. If you are looking for a place to go when it comes to the outdoors, this is another place to check out. It’s worth the drive if you aren’t on the west side of Erie, Pa, and if you’re already out there it’s a quick spot to get away and enjoy the view while passing the time for anyone in the family.

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Corry Junction Greenway Trail

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We took a fun trip recently to Presque Isle State Park, and while we have been active zigging and zagging around town for the Park Bingo event, one of the stops we decided to hit was the Corry Junction Greenway Trail. It was a great destination, a fun event, and one we would recommend. It was cut short, however, and that’s just part of the fun of wandering to new locations. 

Location

Corry Junction Greenway Trail is a trail that starts in Corry, Pennsylvania, however, it travels up near Clymer, New York in Chautauqua county. This trail is accessible from both ends. In Pennsylvania, the entrance is near the intersection of Sciota Road and Sciota Street in Corry, Pa. In New York, it is at Knowlton Road.

Property Description:

This roughly 13.1-mile trail is something we were looking forward to doing, as there are many sights to see along the way. There are various forms of terrain on the trail itself, as it is not exactly paved. However, it is smooth enough with some rough spots, and some hilly portions of the trail. However, for the most part this is a very simple, clear, flat trail that attracts many individuals looking to get some exercise out and about in nature.

This trail is a straight line, in and out. It is mostly crushed stone, but not quite dirt for the ground itself. And, while you could always coordinate the trail to have a car waiting on the other end of the trail, most people head in and then either turn around at some point, or make the full distance before heading back.

It’s important to note that the entire trail from one length to another is only about six and a half miles, but that means heading all of the way down and then coming back would be the full loop of basically a half of a marathon.

Things to do:

At first glance, this trail literally seems like a simple activity. You walk down a well-maintained trail, through mostly nature and serene sights. However, it’s a lot more exciting than that. In addition to the countless opportunities for photography, there are runners and joggers, bike riders, hikers and walkers down and through the trail. Dogs are allowed so long as they are leashed, and while the terrain isn’t paved, it is easy enough for a stroller or a wheelchair. This is a warmer weather type of activity, however, as you probably don’t want to be trying to trek this trail with snow on the ground. However, at that point individuals have suggested this is an excellent trail for cross country skiing. And, though unconfirmed, snowmobiles may also be able to access this trail.

While unconfirmed, the historic site has also been classified and listed as a place for things such as ATVs and Horseback riding. We can’t confirm that at this time, but it would make sense as the trail is wide enough to support many people walking shoulder to shoulder.

And, while the number of animals to be seen is vast, you do want to keep your eyes open. This is the wild after all. For example, we were able to see birds, butterflies, and then a black bear crossed our path, right in front of us. With this in mind, we left! It is important to be safe in this process, and we wanted to go deeper, but it’s probably important to respect the bear’s wishes!

Who Can Go:

As long as you remember you are in the middle of nature, then this is a trail for anyone. If you are looking for a place to exercise, to photograph, to find animals, or just take a long walk, then this is an ideal location for you. In addition to the sites, the sounds of nature are something you should be able to enjoy. And, because the improvements and maintenance of the trail itself, whether keeping things properly mowed or having the correct drainage, this is a tremendous trail to explore.

Final Thoughts:

Be aware of what your goal is. Some of our wanderings have been places you can slip in and slip out. This is a great trail but it could take a bit of time to complete the whole thing. If you head deep into the trail and realize it’s been a while (or if you run face to face into a bear), then simply turn back! Don’t forget that however far you walk into the trail, you are going to need to walk that far back out!

This is a wonderful trail, regardless of your purposes, and the best thing is that every time you go you get a different experience. Sights, sounds, flora and fauna, the chances of experiencing something new are great. In a time of social distancing, this is one wander you should try. 

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Park Bingo

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We love exploring local parks, so when we found out about Erie County Park Bingo, we gathered up information and wandered some parks so we could let you guys in on the fun!

Park Bingo gives you the opportunity to explore nine different parks in Erie County. These parks include Pleasant Ridge Park, McClelland Park, Eaton Reservation/Bull’s Dam, Lake Erie Community Park, Headwaters Park, 6 Mile Creek Park, Frontier Park, Corry Junction/Greenway Trail, and Asbury Woods at Browns Farm.

Each park you visit of the nine will have a wooden letter tag hanging from a tree near the entrance. All you have to do is take a selfie with each tag and email ALL of them AT ONCE to kcurrier@erieconservation.com by September 30, 2020! If you send them in, you’ll be entered into a raffle of $200 worth of local gift cards! So, let me get this straight, they want us to go have fun at some parks while exercising PLUS give us the opportunity to win gift cards?! Sign me up!

Above are the Park Bingo cards and rules. If you can’t find the letter for some reason, feel free to take a selfie with the park sign pictured on the bingo card. And if you don’t want to take selfie, that’s completely fine; you can use the same item in every photo, or even your dog if you’d like! We chose to use our hand sanitizer; we thought it was fitting for this era we are living in!

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Girard Waterworks Park

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After spending a few different days picking fruit, including raspberry picking at Mason Farms, we got back into the parks and trails. We visited Waterworks Park, also known as the old Girard Borough Park, in Girard, PA. This is definitely a longer trail and one with large amounts of nature, multiple elements, and not a lot of competition for space when it comes to this social distancing season.

Location & Property Description:

The official park is located off of Lake Street, shortly before the high school if you are headed north, in Girard. Once you have turned to head down into the park, there are multiple access points and things to do. You first come to a pond at the bottom of the hill. This pond is suitable for fishing and includes a fishing pier, and while there you may be able to catch some wildlife here. There is also a small shelter in case of rain or wind.

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When you get to the fork, you can either head left to go down past the sewage treatment plant to find access to Elk Creek and a trail, or you can head right. By heading right, you can see one of the most popular sled riding hills in the area. This spot is always crowded in the winter. Continue driving down the path and you arrive at a one-way loop which circles around the multiple baseball/softball fields, which are popular during normal summer seasons.

If you follow the loop, you will also arrive at another access point to Elk Creek where you can fish, swim, or just take a walk along the water. There is also a picnic shelter which can be rented out by reservation, and there are bathrooms available as well.

Things to do:

Girard Waterworks park is certainly quiet. There are many acres and not a lot of crowds. It’s also important to know that they are pet friendly. You can fish (with the proper license), and in the winter individuals have been known to skate on the pond as well. (Please skate at your own risk, and verify whether the ice is completely frozen!)

In addition to the sights and activities you can do right within the park itself, it’s important to know that the park itself is the start of the Elk Creek trail. This trail follows along Elk Creek for about 1.75 miles, and makes for a peaceful jogging trail or biking trail out in nature. The other end of the trail comes out very close to Elk Valley Elementary school, where long distance runners can simply take lake street to jog back and make it a longer loop, or you can turn around and head back for a 3.5-mile run.

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While the exact amount of wildlife you will see is never predictable, there are many different birds, fish, and animals in this park. On the trails you can see multiple tracks, and there is ample evidence of nature. We saw a lot of very small frogs jumping around the stones by the water; make sure you watch your step! These guys are super tiny and easy to miss; please be careful not to hurt them!

Who Can Go:

There are some targeted activities in this park, so it really depends on what you want to do. In normal seasons, you can find organized activities like softball games being scheduled. In addition, there are spots to fish and swim. Jogging, biking, or running are also the case. And, while it makes the most sense to drive to the park, some individuals in the area will walk down as well from lake street. Keep in mind that the front portion of the park is paved and easy to navigate, but for the most part you are on a dirt and stone road. This can be great for joggers and mountain bikes, but this is not the long slow park for anyone with trouble walking or who may need assistance. Even by the water you don’t find sandy beaches, but rather many rocks. This is expected at a fishing creek or when you go swimming, but it’s probably best to be aware of this before you go.

Final Thoughts:

As long as you have a purpose to go to the Girard Waterworks park, then this is a great location to go. In addition, the park is so large that there is always space available. Whether you want to wander the dirt-paved roads, the trails, or just sit by the water, it certainly is a great location to explore. 

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