Gull Point Shoreline Trail, June 2021
Sand, wind and waves constantly reshape the shoreline, so the walk from Beach 10 to Gull Point changes with every storm.
This story map gives visitors to Gull Point (the tip of the Presque Isle peninsula) an idea of what it is like to walk out to the point along the shoreline. Despite the best intentions of Presque Isle State Park management, it is not possible to maintain a well-marked trail here because of all the wind and wave action generated by Mother Nature, aka Lake Erie. The tip of the peninsula is designated as a Natural Area within the State Park system, and is closed to all human activities between April 1 and October 31, with the exception of the marked trail leading to the observation platform. People are allowed to walk on the marked (roped) trail to the platform within the closed area at all times of year.
Under severe weather conditions, do not attempt to use the shoreline "trail" shown below. Also, do not let yourself be caught out at Gull Point if a thunderstorm whips up quickly. There are no trees and it takes at least 10 minutes to get back to the treeline from the observation platform. So do keep an eye on conditions while you are out there.
Start by walking to the right (east) along the shoreline from the easternmost end of the parking area at Beach 10. Bring along whatever you will need for an hour or more of walking: water, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, etc.
Someone in great condition can get to the beginning of the closed (roped) area in as little as 20 minutes, and from there is is 8-10 minutes to the observation platform at the end of the marked trail within the closed area. For most people, allow at least 30 minutes to walk to the closed area, especially if you plan to look at things along the way. This is a relatively wild stretch of shoreline that makes you feel like you are many miles from civilization (although there are often boats in view). Please help it retain its wildness and refrain from building driftwood structures or leaving trash behind. Thank you and enjoy!
First Woods
If the waves are high, you can make your way through the woods to the right to keep dry.
Before Breach
This is definitely a place to go inland to avoid the fallen trees.
Breach
This is the spot where the lake side washed over into the Thompson Bay side a few winters ago. Since then quite a few dead trees and a lot of sand has accumulated on the lake side, keeping the land bridge to Gull Point connected.
After Breach
The view towards Gull Point after the breach area.
Entry to Inland Trail
This is where you can enter into the older, interior trail to Gull Point. Depending on water levels, you may be wading up to about knee depth in some places.
Looking along the shoreline
Seeing the Closed Area Sign
Closed Area Sign
Here is where you need to leave the shoreline and go to the right a bit to find the entrance to the roped trail. All the areas beyond the sign and rope are closed to people, boats, and dogs between April 1 - October 31 to prevent disturbance to nesting and migrating birds. Please let them have this space to themselves!
Roped Trail Begins
Stay between the ropes the rest of the way to the platform.
Inner Flats
Great shorebird habitat here!
To assist DCNR and help ensure that birds are undisturbed within the Natural Area, Erie Bird Observatory organizes a work day each year in early April to get the roping in place for the season. Each October we take down the parts that are likely to wash away or get buried in sand during the winter storms. If you would like to volunteer to help, please let us know! See our website for more information and to contact us. www.eriebirdobservatory.org