A late-fall visit to Erie Bluffs State Park in Pennsylvania offered stunning Lake Erie views, snowy scenery, and a surprise run-in with hunting season. Here’s our story—and tips to plan your own safe adventure.

During our travels up north along the Lake Erie coast, we visited the sprawling grounds of Erie Bluffs State Park in Pennsylvania. This adventure was notable for two reasons: first, it marked our very first post outside the state of Ohio. And second, we had previously adventured at another park called Erie Bluffs—only that one was in Ohio, just outside the cozy coastal town of Fairport Harbor. Both parks boast beautiful overlooks of Lake Erie, and despite being less than an hour apart, the Pennsylvania version is far larger. At 587 acres, it’s actually the largest undeveloped stretch of land overlooking Lake Erie in the entire state.

With stats this impressive, you’d expect a long, epic story about hiking wild bluffs and exploring rugged shoreline paths. But… nope. As quickly as our adventure began, it ended just as fast.

The Drive In: Snow, Pines, and a Shift in Scenery

Although our Airbnb was less than 30 minutes away, crossing the Pennsylvania border felt like entering another world. A thin blanket of snow covered the ground, and tall pines framed the road in a way that made it immediately—and charmingly—clear: we were not in Ohio anymore.

When we reached the parking lot, we noticed two things right away:

1. Lots of vehicles
2. Lots of men wearing full fishing or hunting gear

We hopped out of the car, earning a handful of curious looks. Not rude—just… puzzled. And soon, we would understand why.

Wildflower Way — And the Discovery We Didn’t Expect

Our plan was to hike the Wildflower Way Trail, a gently named path that transforms into a colorful wildflower display in spring and summer. In late fall, however, everything was muted shades of gray and brown—a quiet beauty I still enjoy, even in the cold and wind.

We chose Wildflower Way not for its floral promises, but because it’s a connector trail with great bluff overlooks and access down to the water. After cresting the first hill, Lake Erie appeared between the trees, and the excitement kicked in. We were so close to the shoreline.

Then we reached it:
A big yellow sign warning hikers that they were about to leave the safe zone and enter the hunting zone.

And suddenly those confused looks in the parking lot made perfect sense.

Into the Hunting Zone… Briefly

Despite the sign, we were only a small hill away from the bluffs. Surprisingly, I was the voice of caution for once, suggesting we turn around. But Maggie was insistent—just to the coastline, she said. It was basically right there.

So, with a mutual shrug and some suppressed common sense, we continued. We reached the bluffs, climbed down, and were instantly rewarded with a dramatic scene of washed-up trees, crashing waves, and a rocky shoreline. Under different circumstances, it would have been the perfect peaceful moment.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t listening for gunshots.

And then—of course—
Gunshot.
Followed immediately by a fisherman yelling across the river to warn us that it was the first day of hunting season and the woods were full of hunters.

We were already easing back toward “better-safe-than-sorry,” but that warning lit a fire under us. Talking loudly to announce our presence (a fun twist on “leave no trace”), we speed-walked ourselves right back through the woods to the car.The whole hike was supposed to be around three miles.
We made it… maybe half a mile.

Not exactly the day we planned, but the views were still incredible—and honestly, a little adrenaline never hurt an adventure story.

Final Thoughts & A Reason to Return

Despite how abruptly our adventure ended, the small portion of the park we did explore was gorgeous. A sweeping view of Lake Erie, a quiet wooded path along a river feeding into the Great Lake, and the peaceful hush of fresh snow—it was all worth the visit.

No one there would have deliberately put hikers at risk, but still… maybe don’t roll the dice on the first day of hunting season.

We’ll definitely be back in the future to hike the entire trail system and experience everything Erie Bluffs State Park has to offer. For now, though, this one goes on the “unfinished business” list—waiting patiently for the end of hunting season.

Quick Tips for Visiting Erie Bluffs State Park (PA)

• Check hunting season dates first. Seriously. Learn from us.
  
• Wildflower Way is best in spring or summer if you want colors.
  
• Expect minimal development—this is an undeveloped state park.
  
• Footing can be tricky near the bluffs, especially with snow or mud.
  
• Weekdays are quieter, but hunting activity may be higher—another reason to check schedules.

Interested in adventuring more? Check out all of our articles!