Presque Isle State Park Discovering Presque Isle and it Nature Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches lakeward into Lake Erie. The park is reached by PA Route 832 or by boat. The road system within the park forms a loop approximately 13 miles in length. The neck of the peninsula is attached to the mainland four miles west of downtown Erie. The park creates Presque Isle Bay, a wide and deep harbor for the city of Erie. The bay attracts many pleasure boats and worldwide freighters, making Erie an important Great Lakes shipping port. Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state's endangered, threatened and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle is a major recreational landmark for about four million visitors each year. As Pennsylvania's only "seashore," Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and in-line skating. Whether you come to enjoy the sandy beaches, study ecological diversity or learn about the historical significance of the peninsula, there is something for everyone at Presque Isle State Park. Recreational Opportunities Presque Isle is a day use park that provides year-round recreational opportunities. Overnight accommodations are available nearby. (Nearly 11 miles of hiking trails appeal to hikers, nature walkers and cross-country skiers. The paved Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail provides nearly 14 miles of scenic trail along Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and in-line skaters.) Presque Isle offers swimming, boating, fishing and beautiful sandy beaches to its summer visitors. Winter enthusiasts visit the park to enjoy the outdoors and participate in a variety of ice and snow activities. Boating: Both non-powered craft and registered motorboats are permitted. Internal combustion engines are prohibited in the interior lagoons, which are defined as the continuous body of water between Misery Bay and Marina Bay, excluding Grave Yard Pond. A boat rental concession is located in the Grave Yard Pond area and provides a variety of powered and non-powered craft. Beaching of boats along Presque Isle shoreline is permitted except at the Gull Point Natural Area between April 1 and November 30, and within 100 feet of designated swimming areas. A slow minimum height swell speed must be observed within all park waters which includes all waters within 500 feet of the shoreline. Water conditions can change dramatically in a very short period of time. Please heed all weather notices. Listen to marine channel 16, the Coast Guard Emergency Channel on a VHF radio, or NOAA Weather Radio 162.400 MHZ, for current boating conditions. Boat Launches: A total of four launching areas are available which can accommodate various sizes of craft. Vista Launch is only recommended for small watercraft and personal watercraft (jet skis). Niagara Launch has two ramps and can accommodate small to medium sized craft. West Pier Launch area is the largest facility with four launching lanes and is recommended for larger watercraft. The Lagoon Launch area can accommodate small to medium sized craft. Fluctuations in lake levels may impact launching procedures. Marina: A marina with nearly 500 slips that can accommodate boats up to 42 feet in length is open May 1 through October 31. Individuals wishing to moor their craft on a permanent or temporary basis need to contact the marina office or park office to determine slip availability as waiting lists exist for permanent assignments. For more information call the Marina Office (seasonal) at 814-833-0176. A park concession, located in the marina, has gasoline and diesel fuel, a sewage pump-out station, and a variety of food and refreshment items. Water Skiing: Water skiing is permitted in Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie. Water skiing is prohibited within 500 feet of the shore except for the purpose of takeoff or approach. Recreational Scuba Diving: Recreational scuba diving is permitted in designated waters of Presque Isle State Park. Divers must be certified and must register at the park office and receive information on waters open for diving. Snorkeling is not permitted in Presque Isle State Park waters. Hunting: Hunting is prohibited in the park except for controlled duck and goose hunting in season. Hunting is restricted to designated and authorized blinds only. Regulated wildlife management hunts may be conducted if needed. Firearms may be uncased and ready for use by properly licensed hunters only in these designated areas. Possession of firearms in other park areas is prohibited. Fishing: Common species are perch, bass, walleye, trout and steelhead in Lake Erie, and panfish, perch, bass, muskellunge, walleye, northern pike, crappies, smelt and steelhead in Presque Isle Bay. Bowfishing is permitted. Popular shore fishing locations are Waterworks and Ferry Dock ponds, East and West piers, Perry Monument, North Pier, lagoons and all boat landings. Picnicking: Picnic facilities with tables, grills and charcoal disposals are available throughout the park. Refer to the map for locations. Picnic Pavilions: A number of picnic pavilions are available for rental, accommodating from 30 to 200 people. Please make advance reservations by calling 888-PA-PARKS. Pavilions that are not reserved are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic Shelters: There are three enclosed day use picnic shelters in the Waterworks Area. Shelters include electricity, water, picnic tables and a fireplace. Advanced reservations must be made by calling 888-PA-PARKS. Winter Activities Popular winter activities include ice fishing, iceboating and ice skating which occur on Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay and in the Marina area. Contact the park office for conditions. A cross-country ski concession, located at the picnic shelter area, operates during the winter, conditions permitting. Equipment rental is available. In addition to recreational activities, experience the natural wonders of Presque Isle during the winter months. Look for the impressive ice dunes, formed by the combination of lake ice, wave surge and freezing spray. Take a walk along the beach and you will likely see animal footprints in the snow. Swimming The sandy beaches, washed by the clear waters of Lake Erie, provide visitors with the only surf swimming within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Beaches are open daily from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day unless otherwise posted. The regular hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call Lifeguard Headquarters (seasonal) 814-833-0526. Beach 1: This long stretch of sand is located near the park entrance and has a beach house (without concessions). Barracks Beach: Near Beach 1, this beach has modern restrooms and three first-come, first-served picnic pavilions. Beach 6: This large beach has sand volleyball courts, a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and a food and beverage concession. Beach 7: (Waterworks Beach): In addition to modern restrooms, this beach features a ramp that provides ADA access to the water's edge and is adjacent to picnic areas, including playground equipment and pavilions. Beach 8: (Pettinato Beach): This wide expanse of sandy beach has a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and food and beverage concession. Mill Road Beaches: (Stone Jetty, Short Jetty, Saw Mill, Ainsworth, Goddard) These beaches allow visitors to enjoy unspoiled, relatively quiet beaches. Restrooms are located at Short Jetty and Saw Mill. The Mill Road beaches incorporate swimming areas with shaded picnic facilities. Beach 9: (Pine Tree): This beach has picnic facilities, a picnic pavilion and a restroom. Beach 10: (Budny Beach): Equipped with a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and food and beverage concession, this beach lies between the Sunset Point area (popular with kite flyers and wind surfers) and Gull Point. Beach 11: This is the most sheltered beach and features shallow water, a large sandy beach, and a beach house with changing areas, restrooms, and a food and beverage concession and is adjacent to picnic areas, including playground equipment and a picnic pavilion. Hiking Trails There are approximately 11 miles of hiking trails at the park. Bicycling and in-line skating are not permitted on hiking trails. Due to fluctuating lake levels, portions of trails may be seasonally flooded and not passable without appropriate footwear. Fox Trail: This trail winds through wooded swamps and oak-maple forests. It is maintained and groomed as a cross-country ski trail in the winter. (.5 miles) Old Gas Well Trail: This trail follows a ridge between Beach 7 and the Marina. The trail passes a gas well that produces gas used at Presque Isle State Park. (.5 miles) Canoe Portage Trail: This short walk between sand dunes and forest connects Pettinato Beach (Beach 8) to Marina Lake. (.25 miles) Ridge Trail: This trail follows the edge of Cranberry Pond along a portion of ridge that was a beach dune 300 years ago. (.5 miles) Marsh Trail: This trail bisects Cranberry Pond, one of the many ponds on Presque Isle. The pond formed as water was trapped between two ridges. (.25 miles) Sidewalk Trail: This historic trail was originally constructed by the U.S. Lighthouse Service as a path from the Presque Isle Lighthouse to the U.S. Lighthouse Service boathouse in Misery Bay. The trail was once a wooden boardwalk and was resurfaced with concrete in 1925. (1.25 miles) Dead Pond Trail: This trail leads over several former dunes and through several distinct ecological zones. You will walk through oak-maple forest, pines and sandplains. (2 miles) A-Trail: This short trail connects Pine Tree Picnic Area to Dead Pond Trail and passes through a vernal pond. When the vernal pond fills with water in the spring, the trail is wet. (.2 miles) B-Trail: This short trail connects Pine Tree Road to Dead Pond Trail and passes through a stand of pines. (.25 miles) Pine Tree Trail: This trail follows the edge of a sandplain community and a stand of pines. Located along this trail are the remains of the Biology Field Lab that was used by Dr. O. E. Jennings to study plant succession on Presque Isle. (.7 miles) Gull Point Trail: This trail begins at the kiosk at the east end of the Budny Beach (Beach 10) parking lot and makes a loop through Gull Point. At the southeast end of the loop, a trail leads to the edge of the Special Management Area and an observation platform for viewing shorebirds. (1.5 miles) North Pier Trail: This trail 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. (.7 miles) Graveyard Pond Trail: This trail follows the shoreline along Grave Yard Pond, which as legend has it was the final resting place for many of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's men during the winter of 1813-1814. Two boat landings along the trail offer scenic views of the lagoons and Big Pond (.75 miles) Long Pond Trail: This trail follows the shoreline of Long Pond, one of the ponds within the lagoon. Approximately halfway along this trail is a boat landing. The landing is a popular fishing spot and offers a scenic view of the lagoon. (1 mile) Duck Pond Trail: This trail begins at Duck Pond and intersects the Canoe Portage Trail and connects with the Old Gas Well Trail. (.5 miles) Duck Pond Trail: This trail begins at Duck Pond and intersects the Canoe Portage Trail and connects with the Old Gas Well Trail. (.5 miles) Karl Boyes Multi-purpose National Recreation Trail The Multi-Purpose Trail and extension makes a 13.5-mile circuit of the park. This paved trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail. This ADA accessible trail is popular with bicyclists, in-line skaters and joggers. During the winter, the trail is plowed from the entrance to the park office for hikers. For cross-country skiers, the trail is left snow covered from the park office to Perry Monument. The trail was renamed in 2003 for the late State Representative Karl Boyes. Without his vision and tireless efforts, the trail would not exist. Environmental Education and Interpretive Programs You may want to experience the natural or historic wonders of Presque Isle by participating in an environmental education or interpretive program. A variety of programs are provided for the community, scouts, civic organizations and school groups. Programs focus on historical, natural and environmental issues. Free pontoon boat programs through the interior lagoons are available at scheduled times from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Concession operated scenic boat tours are available seasonally from the Perry Monument. These tours provide informative tours of Presque Isle and Lake Erie. For more information on the environmental education and interpretive program at Presque Isle, or for program schedules, contact the Stull Interpretive Center. Stull Interpretive Center A good place to begin your visit at Presque Isle State Park is at the Stull Interpretive Center, located near Barracks Beach. At the center, you can learn about the park's resources by viewing exhibits on the ecological succession of the sand spit and the natural and man-made forces that continue to shape Presque Isle. Other displays depict the park's impressive inventory of birds, plants and flowers. Call 814-833-0351 for more information. The Nature Shop: Located inside the Stull Interpretive Center, the Nature Shop has books, artwork, field guides and other nature-related items for sale. The proceeds benefit Presque Isle State Park. Park History Eriez Nation: The Eriez Indians lived along the southern shores of Lake Erie and were early inhabitants of the area. They hunted game from the forests, gathered plants, and fished from the waters of Lake Erie in birch-bark canoes. According to legend, the Eriez ventured far into the lake to find the place where the sun sank into the waters. The spirits of the lake caused a great storm to arise so the Great Spirit stretched out his left arm into the lake to protect the Eriez from the storm. Where the sheltering arm of the Great Spirit had lain in the lake, a great sandbar in the shape of an arm-like peninsula was formed to act for all ages as a shelter and harbor of refuge for the Great Spirit's favorite children, the Eriez. Presque Isle Lighthouse: The Presque Isle Lighthouse was built in 1872 and first lit on July 12, 1873. The 57-foot tower has a redbrick dwelling at the base and is currently used as a park residence. It flashes a white light that is still maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. An educational exhibit is located adjacent to the property. North Pier Light: Guiding ships into Erie Harbor since 1858, this square, metal pierhead light is located at the end of the Erie Harbor Channel. Visitors can walk out to the light and watch the boat traffic in the harbor channel. Misery Bay and Perry Monument: During the War of 1812, Little Bay was the temporary home of the fleet of ships commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Six of his eleven vessels were built in Erie at the mouth of Cascade Creek. The shores and waters of Presque Isle protected the fleet during construction. On September 10, 1813, in the Battle of Lake Erie, Commodore Perry and his men defeated the British at Put-in-Bay (near Sandusky, Ohio). Perry's first flagship, the Lawrence, was heavily damaged during the battle, requiring him to transfer his flag to the brig Niagara. He then re-engaged and defeated the British fleet using the Niagara as his flagship. After the battle, Perry and his men returned to Little Bay and Presque Isle Bay to repair their fleet and seek medical treatment for the wounded. They stayed in the protection of the bay because of threats of another British uprising. During the winters of 1812-1814, many of Perry's crew suffered from poor living conditions and the harsh winters. As legend has it, many of them died and their bodies were buried in the adjacent pond known as Graveyard Pond. In remembrance of their hardships during those winters, Little Bay was renamed Misery Bay by the surviving sailors. The hull of the Lawrence, then eventually the Niagara, were sunk in Misery Bay to preserve and protect them from the weather. The Lawrence was raised in 1875 but was destroyed by fire in Philadelphia during the Centennial Exhibition of 1876. The Niagara was raised in 1912 and rebuilt for the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie in 1913. A replica of the Niagara sails from its dock at the Erie Maritime Museum. The Perry Monument on Crystal Point was built in 1926 to commemorate this significant battle during the War of 1812 and the valor of the sailors in Perry's Command. Waterworks Park: The city of Erie developed this area in search of a cleaner water source. In 1908, workers began placing a pipe from the lake to the settling basins. In 1917, the pumphouse was built. At that time it contained a steam boiler and engine. Water was drawn from the lake to the settling basins and then pumped across the bay to the city of Erie. This pumphouse and water supply system operated from 1917 until 1949. Currently the pumphouse is used as a zebra mussel control facility for Erie's water supply as well as a surrey and bike rental concession. The Nature of Presque Isle There are six distinct ecological zones on Presque Isle, each with a different plant and animal community. The record of geological succession can be traced through each of these zones. The zones include: Lake Erie, the bay and shoreline; sand plain and new ponds; dunes and ridges; old ponds and marshes; thicket and sub-climax forest; and climax forest. Because of the diversity of ecological zones at Presque Isle State Park, many different species of plants and wildlife inhabit the park from the shoreline to the climax forest. Of all the plants and animals on Presque Isle, birds are the most studied and understood. The peninsula's location along the Atlantic Flyway and the diversity of natural habitats make Presque Isle State Park a haven for bird life. Migrating birds, including several species of special concern, rest, feed, and nest here. Over 320 species of birds have been recorded on Presque Isle; at least 39 of these are listed as species of special concern. Birding Presque Isle State Park has been rated by Birder's World magazine as one of the top birding spots in the country. Presque Isle's location on the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorable spot for birds to stop to feed and rest on their migration across Lake Erie. Waterfowl migration occurs in March and in late November through December. Shorebird migration peaks in April and in September. Warbler migration is observed in mid-May and in September. Over 300 different species of birds have been identified on the peninsula. A bird checklist is available at the Stull Interpretive Center or the park office. A Migrating Peninsula Geologist believe that 11,000 years ago Erie was under a giant sheet of ice called a continental glacier. As the glacier melted and retreated north, rocks, pebbles and sand fell off creating a ridge called a "moraine." So much ice melted that the valley to the north of Erie became a lake. The waves of newly created Lake Erie deposited sand on the moraine and created Presque Isle. Presque Isle is a great location to see longshore drift in action. Wave by wave, eastward-moving wind pushes water and sediments. The accompanying forces of erosion and deposition continually shape Presque Isle's eastward migrating coast. This action greatly impacts the beaches and interior lands. When Presque Isle first formed, it probably was about three miles to the west. Although the French name Presque Isle means "almost an island," the area has actually been a real island several times. Storm waves have broken through the neck to isolate the main section of the spit at least four times since 1819. A number of shoreline management techniques dating to the 1800s have been used to compensate for the loss of beach sand and serve to protect the park. Since 1819, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has attempted to control erosion at Presque Isle and has successfully closed a number of breaches in the neck of the peninsula caused by storms. Efforts to control beach erosion now consists of a combined thrust of beach nourishment and 58 breakwaters. Breakwaters slow erosion by partially blocking the waves; as the waves lose energy, they drop sand. The result is less sand carried along the shoreline and a "building out" of the beaches. The breakwaters have reduced the huge volumes of sand required to nourish the beaches. For more information on park geology contact the park office and ask for these publications: Presque Isle State Park - A Dynamic Interface of Water and Land, or Presque Isle: A Peninsula that Wants To Be an Island. Gull Point A Fragile Ecosystem The most ecologically dynamic area on Presque Isle, Gull Point, harbors some of the best examples of ecological succession in the park. This dynamic area, however, is also the most fragile. Many of Gull Point's plant species are threatened or endangered in Pennsylvania. Jutting out into Lake Erie, Gull Point offers a safe haven and resting spot for migrating and nesting birds. Shorebirds migrate yearly from beyond the Arctic Circle to the southern reaches of South America and back again. To preserve the resources of this area, the easternmost portion of Gull Point has been set aside as a State Park Natural Area for rare and migratory shorebirds to rest, feed and possibly nest. The natural area is closed to all public use from April 1 through November 30. Visitors can view this area from an observation platform reached via the Gull Point Hiking Trail. Access for People with Disabilities Accessible picnic tables and parking spaces have been designated throughout the park. All restrooms at Presque Isle State Park are accessible. The 13.5-mile Multi-purpose National Recreational Trail consists entirely of a paved surface and provides access throughout the park. Access to surf-type swimming is provided via a ramp and mats at Waterworks Beach (Beach 7). There are accessible fishing piers, picnic pavilions, picnic tables and grills at the East Pier and West Pier areas, which also provide spectacular views of Presque Isle Bay and the skyline of Erie. The Stull Interpretive Center is accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks: 888-PA-PARKS (voice) 888-537-7294 (TTY) 717-558-2711 (local or international TTY) 800-654-5984 (PA AT&T Relay Services) General Rules and Safety Notices Outdoor recreational activities are restricted to locations where physical improvements or postings designate the appropriate purpose and use. Similarly, fires and the disposal of hot coals are permitted only in provided facilities. Do not bury hot coals in the sand. Place trash and all other litter in provided containers and only dispose of trash and litter accumulated during the use of state recreation areas. All pets must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length and attended at all times. Pets must be controlled at all times. Pets are not permitted in the swimming areas. Inflatable or buoyant swim aids are allowed only with direct adult supervision and on guarded beaches. Swimming is only permitted on guarded beaches during times when guards are on duty. Diving at beach areas is prohibited. This includes running entry devices and diving from the shoulders of another. Winter ice conditions on the Lake Erie side of the park are unpredictable, PLEASE STAY OFF ICE DUNES. Deer Ticks are found at the park. Precautions should be taken when walking through grassy or bushy areas. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Do your part to keep wildlife wild! Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance and do not feed or approach wild animals, including gulls and geese. All Pennsylvania state parks have instituted a recycling and waste reduction program. We urge all park visitors to join us in the recycling effort. During your stay, please use the recycling containers placed at various locations in the park. For Information on Local Attractions: Erie Area Convention and Visitor Bureau 208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 103 Erie, PA 16507 Telephone: 814-454-7191 Erie Area Chamber of Commerce 208 East Bayfront Parkway Suite 100 Erie, PA 16507 Telephone: 814-454-7191 In an Emergency Contact a park employee or dial 911. For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office. Nearest Hospital: Hamot Hospital 201 State Street Erie, PA 16550 814-877-6000 Information Presque Isle State Park Department of Conservation and Natural Resources PO Box 8510 Erie, PA 16505-0510 Telephone: 814-833-7424 e-mail: presqueislepa@state.pa.us Visit DCNR's Web site directly at www.dcnr.state.pa.us or visit DCNR through the PA homepage at www.state.pa.us Information and Reservations For general state park information or to reserve a picnic pavilion, call 888-PA-PARKS Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Edward G. Rendell, Governor Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Michael DiBerardinis, Secretary 6000-MP-DCNR5/219 Rev. 8/03 19