Along the border between Canada and the United States is one of the largest freshwater lake systems in the world. The 94,000-square-mile Great Lakes region is comprised of beaches, dunes, islands, national parks, and monuments, perfect for swimming, boating, and exploring. Among the five bodies of water is Lake Erie, bordering Ontario in the north and Ohio and Pennsylvania in the south. It's home to several charismatic towns like little-known, laidback Put-in-Bay, called the Key West of the North,
and Presque Isle, which boasts sandy beaches and outdoor recreation. Just 15 minutes from Erie, Pennsylvania, is a lakeside suburb with shores for swimming and sunbathing, creeks for splashing and hiking, and enough small-town charm to keep visitors coming back: Harborcreek Township.
It has everything you could expect from a classic suburban township, and has outdoor exploration and indoor recreation that is anything but ordinary. With airy bluffs overlooking the water and vineyards along the Lake Erie Wine Trail, this destination has every relaxing vacation experience wrapped into one.
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Beaches And Hikes In Harborcreek
Whether you prefer spending your vacation swimming in the lake, hiking through wooded trails, or indulging in local fare, Harborcreek Township has something for everyone. It is one of Erie County's lakefront towns with enough indoor and outdoor leisure to keep you entertained for the length of your visit. As a member of the 76-mile Lake Erie bluff coast, this destination is no stranger to beach hikes, overlooks, and sunshine.
To spend the day in the surf and sand, head over to Shades Beach Park on the coast of Lake Erie. In addition to the beach area, enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and a boat launch. For a stroll down over 1,200 feet of serene coast, Shorewood Beach retains remarkable views of the lake, perfect for skipping stones on the water and watching the sunset over the horizon.
If you don't want to get sand in your shoes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoor wonders of Lake Erie without hitting the beach. Harborcreek Township is full of trails through the woods, like the 2.4-mile out-and-back hike at Wintergreen Gorge, a spectacular canyon complete with a gushing waterfall in Four Mile Creek, and a 250-foot overlook of the land. If you prefer to see the forests on a bike or with a fishing rod in your hands, don't miss Cascade Creek. This gorgeous stream is stocked with trout and hosts multiple loops perfect for outdoor exploration.
Drinking, Eating, And Staying In Harborcreek
After a day of exploring, visit one of the nearby vineyards, breweries, or restaurants. Harborcreek Township is part of the Lake Erie Wine Trail, which is in a region also known as America's grape country. This underrated wine lover's oasis in Northwestern Pennsylvania is right by the lake. Indulge in drinks concocted from local Lake Erie grapes at 6 Mile Cellars. If you don't want a whole glass or just feel like tasting several varieties in one sitting, try a wine and cider tasting or flight. If you prefer hops over grapevines, grab a pint at Nostrovia Brewing and celebrate the brewery's Polish roots with a lager, stout, or IPA. To soak up the drinks and satisfy your hunger, reserve a table at the Harbor View Grill and enjoy a meal with a Lake Erie sunset over a local golf course.
No matter which side of the border you're leaving to visit Harborcreek Township, there is a nearby airport. The Erie International Airport in Pennsylvania offers mostly domestic flights and is about a half-hour drive. To fly internationally, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is around an hour and a half northeast, and the Toronto Pearson International Airport is a little more than 3 hours north. Once you arrive in Harborcreek, check into a quaint accommodation like Lakeview on the Lake or a more traditional hotel experience at the Hampton Inn and Suites Erie Bayfront.
Before you leave Lake Erie, consider a pit stop at this admission-free amusement park hidden on the coast for even more lakeside fun.
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