Lake Erie Bluffs - Breathtaking scenery with beach access

Lake Erie Bluffs opens to the public June 30, 2012

Overlook at Lake Erie Bluffs

This 139-acre wooded parcel along the shore of Lake Erie in Perry Township provides public access to a beautiful stretch of natural beach. Lake Erie Bluffs hugs the lakeshore offering visitors a bird’s-eye view from the scenic overlook of the beauty and drama of the ever-changing Lake Erie. Throughout all seasons, the lives of resident and migrant birds are greatly influenced by this amazing natural resource. Park hours: Sunrise to sunset.

Click here for a list of park amenities and directions to Lake Erie Bluffs.

Visitors can enjoy low-impact recreational activities such as hiking and fishing at this new park. Improvements made to enhance public use include a parking lot, picnic areas, restrooms, and installation of a half mile-long loop gravel trail with a scenic overlook and a grand access point to a natural beach along Lake Erie. 

When you visit Lake Erie Bluffs, let us know your thoughts about this new treasure. 
Tweet @Lake_Metroparks and include #LakeErieBluffs in your message.

A Local Natural Area with National Significance

In 2004, a Presidential Task Force developed solutions to restore the Great Lakes. The resulting Great Lakes Regional Collaborative Strategy (GLRCS) generated nine priorities to restore the Great Lakes including “a need for significantly more habitat conservation and species management.” Preservation of prime natural coastline, such as Lake Erie Bluffs, contributes to the overall health of the Great Lakes region.

Natural Beach at Lake Erie Bluffs

Lake Erie Bluffs is easily accessible and is located within a half-mile of the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail—Ohio’s 293-mile National Scenic Byway that passes through quaint communities and historical sites, and connects a myriad of natural and cultural features including coastal marshes, prairies, rivers, waterfalls, museums and lighthouses.

This project was funded in part by NOAA, Ohio Costal Management Program, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District, The Trust for Public Land, and the Clean Ohio Fund.

Rare Species

Lake Erie Bluffs permanently protects a significant amount of wetland, meadow and lakefront habitat used by rare and common plant and animal species.  Beaches are very dynamic. Annual fluctuations in Great Lakes water levels and even one severe storm can wipe out a population of plants or bring in new seeds or roots to establish new plant communities.

Click here to see what some of the nearly 20 rare species that have been found and documented at Lake Erie Bluffs.