PA Natural Attractions

Exploring Asbury Woods in Erie County

A collage of four photos taken at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left image shows a dirt trail winding through a forest with early autumn foliage. The top right image captures a person walking a dog along a wooden boardwalk, surrounded by vibrant trees in shades of green and orange. The bottom left image depicts a serene section of Walnut Creek, with rocky banks and tall trees showcasing the beauty of fall colors. The bottom right image highlights the Asbury Woods Nature Center sign, framed by colorful autumn leaves and a bright blue sky, welcoming visitors to explore the park and its trails.

If you’re looking for information about visiting Asbury Woods in Erie County, you’re in the right place!

A peaceful woodland scene in Asbury Woods, Erie, Pennsylvania, showcasing a wooden bench positioned beneath a towering tree. The bench overlooks a scenic forest path that extends into the distance, partially covered by dappled sunlight filtering through the vibrant autumn foliage. A narrow boardwalk is visible, curving gently into the lush forest, inviting visitors to explore the tranquil surroundings. The earthy tones of the leaves, roots, and trees contrast with the brightness of the changing leaves, highlighting the serene beauty of this natural space.

Asbury Woods is a 234-acre park offering 5 miles of hiking trails, a Nature Center, and year-round outdoor recreational opportunities.

A narrow wooden boardwalk stretches through the dense, green forest at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The pathway is lined with fallen autumn leaves, adding color to the scene as it winds through the lush foliage on both sides. The vibrant greenery of trees and bushes creates a peaceful, enclosed atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore deeper into the forest. The boardwalk provides an accessible route through the natural surroundings, blending seamlessly with the landscape while guiding hikers through this serene woodland environment.

With terrain spanning fields, forests, and streams, the park is a haven for nature lovers in a suburban setting.

A calm section of Walnut Creek winds through the forest at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The creek is bordered by dense trees and foliage, with hints of autumn colors starting to appear, particularly on the left side where vibrant yellow leaves contrast with the deep green. The shallow water reflects the sky and surrounding trees, creating a peaceful scene. Fallen leaves are scattered along the creek's rocky edges, adding to the natural beauty of the landscape. The setting provides a serene, picturesque moment for hikers along the Greenway Trail, where they can enjoy the tranquility of the creek and the vibrant forest.

Directions & Hours

The main parking lot adjacent to the Nature Center at Asbury Woods is located at 4105 Asbury Road, Erie, PA 16506.

The trails at Asbury Woods are open to the public during daylight hours every day; the Nature Center is open during the hours pictured below.

A sign at the Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, displays the operating hours for visitors. From April 1 to October 31, the center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. From November 1 to March 31, the center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The trails at Asbury Woods are open during daylight hours year-round. The sign is positioned against a backdrop of trees and foliage, reflecting the beautiful natural surroundings of the park.

What You’ll See at Asbury Woods

The Andrew J. Conner Nature Center serves as a gateway to your visit to Asbury Woods, providing environmental education programs and exhibits, as well as information of the park’s various trails.

The Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, is nestled amid vibrant fall foliage, with its curved, modern architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. A pergola draped with climbing plants decorates the entrance, adding a rustic charm to the building. The sunny day and bright blue sky, with a few fluffy clouds, highlight the warmth and inviting atmosphere of the center. Surrounded by trees showing hints of autumn colors, the Nature Center serves as a welcoming hub for environmental education, outdoor exploration, and community events. The nearby greenery and landscaped grounds enhance the natural beauty of this peaceful setting.

The Nature Center features interactive displays, live animals, and educational resources about the local ecosystem.

A small box turtle is shown soaking in a shallow water dish inside an exhibit at the Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The turtle's shell is intricately patterned with yellow and black markings, and its head peeks out as it rests in the water. The surrounding habitat includes damp soil and natural materials, replicating the turtle's natural environment. This educational display allows visitors to observe the turtle up close, learning about the species and its behaviors in a controlled, interactive setting.

One of the most popular exhibits is the indoor waterfall, which creates a tranquil atmosphere for learning about water habitats.

An indoor waterfall display greets visitors inside the Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The realistic rock formation features water cascading down into a pool below, with moss and plant life adding natural textures to the scene. A wooden duck model perches on a ledge of the rock, enhancing the display's connection to local wildlife. The waterfall creates a tranquil atmosphere within the nature center, while in the background, a staff member can be seen near the reception area. This interactive exhibit offers visitors an immersive experience, blending natural elements with educational opportunities.

The gift shop inside the Nature Center features a range of nature-themed items and local crafts, making it a great stop for souvenirs.

The gift shop at the Asbury Woods Nature Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, filled with a variety of nature-themed items and local crafts. Shelves and display cases are neatly arranged with products such as handmade jewelry, stuffed animals, walking sticks, apparel, and eco-friendly gifts. A bright red flower sculpture stands out as a centerpiece among the selection of unique items. The wooden walls and counters, adorned with twinkling string lights, add warmth to the space, making it a charming stop for visitors looking to take home a memento of their time at the nature center.

The Boardwalk Trail

One of the most accessible trails is the 1/3 mile Boardwalk Trail, which offers an easy, flat path through a section of forest.

A wooden boardwalk meanders through a peaceful forest at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania, surrounded by towering trees and dense greenery. The boardwalk, lined with sturdy railings, offers an inviting path through the woods, with fallen leaves scattered across its surface, adding a touch of autumn. Sunlight filters through the tree canopy, casting soft shadows along the walkway, while the tranquil forest floor is dotted with pine needles and undergrowth. This serene trail provides a scenic and accessible way for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park's diverse woodland environment.

Adjacent to the Nature Center, this trail is ideal for people of all mobility levels, providing an opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature while surrounded by trees and vibrant foliage.

A serene forest setting at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania, featuring a wooden boardwalk winding through the lush, green canopy of tall trees. The elevated walkway, complete with sturdy railings, allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of the park without disturbing the forest floor. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting shadows across the path, while the surrounding trees, with their trunks and branches stretching skyward, create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. Fallen leaves scattered along the boardwalk hint at the changing seasons, adding to the tranquil charm of this outdoor space.

The Boardwalk Trail is perfect for a short, relaxing walk or for families with young children who want a quick and scenic stroll.

A sunlit wooden boardwalk curves gently through the forest at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania, surrounded by tall trees and vibrant greenery. The bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds peeks through the canopy of leaves, casting dappled shadows on the boardwalk. The scene captures the beauty of nature with its mix of green and golden hues as the seasons transition to autumn. The railing along the walkway provides a sense of structure amidst the wilderness, offering visitors a scenic and peaceful route to explore the park's diverse habitats.

The Greenway Trail

The Greenway Trail, a 2.3-mile path, connects the Nature Center with Brown’s Farm Barn and takes visitors on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Asbury Woods.

Starting at the Nature Center, you can follow the trail through wooded areas, across meadows, and along scenic creeks.

A scenic trail at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania, leads through a lush forest as early autumn colors begin to emerge. The dirt path is lined with fallen leaves, adding a soft crunch underfoot, while overhead, branches of green and yellow leaves extend into the air, signaling the seasonal change. The dense foliage on either side of the trail creates a sense of seclusion and tranquility, inviting visitors to enjoy a peaceful walk through the natural beauty of the park. The vibrant hues of the leaves, along with the deep green underbrush, provide a picturesque view of the forested landscape along the Greenway Trail.

A highlight of the Greenway Trail is the steel bridge that spans Walnut Creek, offering beautiful views of the water below.

A sturdy wooden bridge stretches across a scenic area in Asbury Woods, Erie, Pennsylvania. The bridge, framed by its strong wooden railings and steel supports, gently curves as it crosses over a stream below, inviting visitors to explore the natural surroundings. Lush green leaves from nearby trees almost touch the edges of the bridge, creating a serene and immersive canopy above. The well-worn path on the bridge is sprinkled with a few fallen leaves, evoking the changing seasons. This picturesque crossing provides a peaceful moment for visitors amid the dense foliage and tranquil environment of the park.

The trail also leads to the Grandmother Tree, an ancient maple that stands as a symbol of the park’s natural history.

A majestic, towering tree known as the "Grandmother Tree" stands in the forest at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. Its thick, twisted trunk rises high into the sky, branching out into multiple limbs that stretch towards the canopy, draped in lush green leaves. The intricate, weathered texture of the bark showcases the age and resilience of this ancient tree. Surrounded by a dense forest of smaller trees, the Grandmother Tree is a striking natural landmark, offering visitors a sense of awe and connection to the timeless beauty of nature along the Greenway Trail.

The Greenway Trail is perfect for hikers seeking a longer, immersive experience, allowing you to hike nearly 5 miles from the Nature Center to Brown’s Farm and back, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

A scenic view of Walnut Creek at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania, showcases the tranquil water flowing along a rocky streambed, bordered by tall trees and a steep rock wall. The trees display early autumn colors, with a mix of green, yellow, and orange leaves. The creek's peaceful flow is dotted with fallen leaves, adding to the serene, natural beauty of the forested landscape. The towering cliffs and dense foliage create a sense of seclusion, making this spot a perfect escape for hikers exploring the trails and waterways of Asbury Woods.

Along the trail, you’ll experience the calming sounds of nature and the peaceful ambiance that makes Asbury Woods a beloved destination in the Erie suburbs.

A peaceful autumn scene at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania, showing a person walking a dog along a wooden boardwalk that gently curves through the vibrant forest. The trees are in the early stages of changing colors, with leaves in shades of green, yellow, and orange surrounding the path. The boardwalk provides a smooth, natural route through the dense foliage, offering visitors a tranquil stroll amidst the beauty of nature. The person and their dog blend into the serene setting, enjoying the fresh air and quiet atmosphere of the forest trail.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking for a short walk or an all-day adventure, Asbury Woods in Erie County offers something for everyone.

A large entrance sign at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania, marks the location of the Andrew J. Conner Nature Center. The wooden sign is surrounded by lush greenery and colorful autumn foliage, with vibrant reds and oranges visible in the trees behind it. To the right of the sign is a message board announcing the "Year of Trees 2024" and noting that the trails are open from dawn to dusk. The bright, sunny day and clear blue sky add to the welcoming atmosphere, inviting visitors to explore the park’s outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.

The combination of the Nature Center and its beautiful trail system makes it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and families alike.

A wooden boardwalk curves through a vibrant autumn forest along the Greenway Trail at Asbury Woods in Erie, Pennsylvania. The trees surrounding the path are ablaze with fall colors, showcasing hues of orange, red, and yellow. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy, casting warm light across the boardwalk and the dense greenery and undergrowth on either side. The peaceful trail invites visitors to explore the seasonal beauty of the woods, offering a serene and picturesque route through the park's diverse habitats.

Nearby Attractions

Schaefer’s Auto Art in Erie is a roadside attraction featuring quirky sculptures made from repurposed car parts and industrial scrap metal.

A collage of four sculptures from Schaefer's Auto Art is displayed. The top left image shows a black Volkswagen Beetle transformed into a giant spider, with long colorful legs made from metal pipes, positioned in a grassy field with a pumpkin nearby. The top right image features a two-headed dinosaur sculpture made from rusted metal parts, with a blue humanoid figure and the spider sculpture visible in the background. The bottom left image highlights a large yellow and black striped bee sculpture made from scrap metal, with vehicle headlights and a grill forming its face. The bottom right image shows a yellow helicopter sculpture, constructed from industrial parts, sitting in front of autumn foliage with a black helmet resting on one of its wings. These eclectic and creative sculptures are set against the backdrop of trees and grassy lawns, showcasing the unique charm of this roadside attraction.

The Hagen History Center in Erie is a museum that offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore over 200 years of local history through engaging exhibits and incredible architecture.

A collage highlighting exhibits and buildings at the Hagen History Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top-left image shows a vibrant red 1950 Crosley Hotshot, representing Frank Lloyd Wright’s love of automobiles. The top-right image displays a detailed model of the USS Michigan, a historic iron-hulled warship significant to Erie’s maritime heritage. The bottom-left image captures Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry's sword and telescope from the early 1800s, artifacts connected to the War of 1812. The bottom-right image features the museum's main campus, with the Thomas B. Hagen History Center sign in the foreground and the historic red-roofed buildings, including the Wood-Morrison House, visible in the background.

The Erie Maritime Museum, located on the picturesque shores of Presque Isle Bay, highlights the region’s rich naval history and its significant role during the War of 1812.

Collage of four photos taken at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania. The top left photo shows a historical marker for the Brig Niagara, the restored flagship of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the Battle of Lake Erie, with the ship docked behind it. The top right photo depicts a detailed exhibit featuring cannons and lifelike figures recreating the ship's crew in action. The bottom left photo showcases a large painting depicting the Battle of Lake Erie, displayed prominently within the museum. The bottom right photo captures the museum’s front entrance, with its brick exterior, "Museum Open" flag, and signage, inviting visitors to explore Erie's rich maritime history.

Erie Bluffs State Park is an “unpolished gem” along the shores of Lake Erie, featuring 90-foot bluffs, one mile of shoreline, and five miles of trails, making it a top spot for fishing and hiking in northwestern PA.

A collage of four photos showcasing the natural beauty of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County, PA. The top left image shows a hiker in an orange vest overlooking Lake Erie from a high bluff, with trees and a cloudy sky framing the view. The top right image captures two hikers on a rocky beach, standing among driftwood as they observe the waves of Lake Erie. The bottom left image offers a close-up of smooth stones and driftwood on the shoreline, with waves gently washing over the rocks under a dramatic sky. The bottom right image features the Erie Bluffs State Park entrance sign, mounted on a stone base with trees and a red vehicle in the background, welcoming visitors to the park. The collage highlights the park's scenic bluffs, rugged shoreline, and tranquil wooded areas.

Presque Isle State Park in Erie is Pennsylvania’s most-visited State Park, with over 4 million people a year venturing onto this sandy peninsula that arcs out into Lake Erie.

Scenes from Presque Isle State Park in Pennsylvania.

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is the gateway to Presque Isle State Park, the gateway to learning about Pennsylvania’s only seashore, and the gateway to fun!

Exploring the Tom Ridge Environmental Center at Presque Isle State Park.

Exploring the Historic Lighthouses of Erie, PA takes you on a detailed tour of all three nautical landmarks, with maps, photos, historical accounts, and driving directions.

The Erie Land Lighthouse sits in what is now a residential neighborhood on the banks of Presque Isle Bay in Erie.

The Erie Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to more than 400 animals and 600 species of plants from around the world.

Exploring the Erie Zoo in Erie Pennsylvania.

Find even more great destinations to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!

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