Presque Isle State Park Bikepath - Extensions of the Ride

The northern end Presque Isle Trail is at the Perry Monument at the end of a paneistela..

The next segment to the southeast towards the Erie to Pittsburgh Trail is the Seaway Trail (page NE-29) 0.7 miles south on Peninsula Dr. The rather narrow Peninsula Dr bike lanes leads from the park entrance toward Erie on the shoulder of PA832 for about 0.7 miles with some hills. These lanes continue to 8th St, but this route makes a left/east turn at 6th St headed for Pioneer Park. Following trails through this park connects up with the Bayfront Parkway (page NE-35) as it heads down the hill to Lake Erie and the Bayfront.

Within Presque Isle Park, two dead-end roads provide access to fishing piers. They meet the trail at West Fisher Dr (mile 2.5) and Coast Guard Rd (mile 5.9). Each is about a mile long and can be used to extend the ride. West Fisher Dr passes by a marina with lots of sailboats. Coast Guard Rd goes past Horseshoe Pond, which is dotted with small cottages on floats in the lake—giving real meaning to the term houseboats. It ends at the North Pier, which is the entrance into the Port of Erie and a favorite fishing spot for the locals.

From May through mid-October when the weather permits, a bicycle-accessible water taxi runs from the dock at the Waterworks to Dobbins Landing at the foot of State St in Erie, close to the maritime museum and Bayfront Bikeway. The water taxi also stops at Liberty Park. In 2018 the rate is $7 one-way, $10 round trip. There is no extra charge for bicycles.

There is no overnight parking in Presque Isle State Park. To arrange parking for a multiday trip on the Pittsburgh to Erie Trail, park on the Erie Bayfront or Tom Ridge Center . Check with Erie’s Port Security at 814-455-7557. Alert them that the car will be there, and they can suggest the most secure location. To start the trip at the Perry monument, take the water taxi, or bike to the monument and then retrace the route to here.

The trail passes near the Presque Isle Beaches