Erie Bluffs State Park — Attraction in Girard Township

We made a quick stop here as we were passing through. We didn't have much information about the "park" since it is newer. There were no printed trail maps available to take along so we just winged it and followed a trail through the field and into the woods, the trail led us right to the overlooks which is what we were hoping. The overlook areas a nice enough but I imagine may change in the next few years as the park gains more visitors. Being summertime, all the blooming foliage obstructed some of the view and there are no viewing platforms or areas with fences (for families who may have small children). Our real complaint though was the lack of trail markings. The trail was generally easy enough to follow as it seems to be popular with mountain bikers but there were a few times where we began to lose the trail and had to stop and try to figure out where we were going. There are also no indications at the beginning of a trail as to how long the trails are. We were expecting a short hike to the overlook and back (since we were just passing through) but ended up getting our 10,00 steps and then some! (Which was great - just not what we were expecting.) When we finally emerged from the woods and into a more open-field area we were satisfied with our hike and ready to return to the truck but there were no signs pointing you back to the parking lot. There were posts where it looked like signs would be but no actual signs. Needless to say, we went the wrong direction until running into another hiker and were able to ask if we were heading the right direction. We had not been and had to turn around and backtrack another mile(?) to get out to the parking area. Overall this is a nice stop to snap some pictures from the overlook but the DCNR needs to put more focus on marking their trails so that visitors and locals alike can enjoy their time spent...

Our family visited Erie Bluffs State Park today, and it turned out to be a peaceful, scenic stop that’s well worth the time. The park isn’t overly developed, which gives it a very natural, unspoiled feel—perfect if you’re looking to get off the beaten path and experience the Lake Erie shoreline in a quieter setting.

The hiking trails were well-marked and easy to follow, winding through tall grasslands, shaded woods, and eventually opening up to sweeping bluff-top views of the lake. The overlook areas are stunning—Lake Erie stretches out in every direction, and you can hear the waves crashing down below. It felt like a hidden gem compared to some of the more tourist-heavy lakefront spots.

We saw very few other people during our hike, which added to the sense of tranquility. There are no playgrounds, beaches, or visitor centers—just trails, wildflowers, birdsong, and a few benches for taking in the view. That’s exactly what we were looking for.

Parking was easy, and there are a few signs that help with orientation, but it’s a good idea to download a map beforehand if you’re unfamiliar. This park is more about quiet nature than amenities, which for us was a big plus.

If you enjoy quiet trails, lake views, and a bit of solitude, Erie Bluffs State Park delivers. Just lace up your hiking shoes, bring some water,...

When I lead a hike there, I have people park below the EBSP entrance area. It really connects with the Fish & Game Access Area for Elk Creek as it flows into Lake Erie. This area, not even a half mile below the EBSP area, has parking, nice pit latrines (so to speak), and picnic tables. From there, you can get on the trails and walk out onto the spit of stoney land where Elk Creek flows into Lake Erie, and then head uphill through the woods to the cornfield, or the flat area (I understand it may not be a cornfield in the years to come). I think of both these parking lots as part of the EBSP, with a lower and upper parking lot. I don't remember there being a potable water source, so bring your own water. Really a nice place to launch a kayak (lower end) into Lake Erie (usually cannot go to far up elk Creek) and a lovely hike up through the woods. I am not so keen on the cornfield part, but that should change in the years to come. I understand the PA Parks system presently has no plans to do much...