Gull Point Trail

The Gull Point Trail begins at the kiosk at the east end of the Budny Beach (Beach 10) parking lot in Presque Isle State Park near Erie, Pennsylvania. From the trailhead, the route follows a sandy trail along the narrow peninsula toward Gull Point, a dynamic and ecologically sensitive area within the park. Hikers travel through open dunes, low vegetation, and shifting shoreline terrain, with frequent views of Lake Erie to the north. Soft sand and occasional standing water can make sections more demanding, especially after storms or periods of high lake levels. This foot-traffic-only route ends at a bird observation platform near the tip of the point. From April 1 through November 30, visitors must remain on the marked trail surface due to seasonal protections for nesting and migrating shorebirds. The Natural Area beyond the platform is closed during that period. This trail provides access to a shoreline ecosystem where hikers may encounter diverse habitats, evidence of ecological succession, and rare bird species not commonly seen elsewhere in Pennsylvania.