Grave Yard Pond to Grave Yard Pond 4.0 miles
Class Grad Size
(Area/Volume) Scene/Pol Level
A Lake Huge A/A
Topographic Maps: Erie
North
Other Maps: The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has a more detailed write-up of this section. See Address in Appendix D
Description: The Presque Isle Peninsula is designated a National Natural Landmark. Canoeing on the park's inland lagoon system is an enjoyable way to see some of the diverse habitats that are present on the landward side of the Isle. The lagoon system is really a series of ponds that were linked by a dredging project in the 1930's. This area is prime habitat for many different bird species and includes about a third of the rare plant species existing in Pennsylvania.
For the more adventurous, Presque Isle Bay offers relatively protected open-water paddling. This is the area south of the park between the peninsula and the main shoreline.
The still more adventurous can venture to the north side of peninsula, into Lake Erie. These are unprotected waters, and the conditions can change rapidly. Do not take this lightly. Lake Erie is accessible via a canoe portage path from the Marina Lake to the east end of Pettinato Beach near jetty 34. [Reported 2002]
Difficulties: Navigation in the ponds appears to be a problem from the maps, but this is not the case. The maze of channels shown on the map are clogged with plant life, but there are obvious cleared routes to take. If you want to get somewhere, take the widest, clearest path going in that direction. If the return is made via Presque Isle Bay rather than back through the ponds, the possibility of wind gusts and high waves should be considered. Know the weather forecast for the area as winds and storms can develop and move very quickly on the open waters of Lake Erie. Listen to VHS Channel 16, the coast guard emergency channel, for current boating conditions.
Shuttle: Four launching areas are available in the park. Pick up a park map to find one of the put-ins at the lagoon boat launch area near the east (far) end of the peninsula. The East Boat Livery rents canoes at this launch ramp. You are allowed to beach your boat anywhere along the Presque Isle shoreline, except at the Gull Point Special Management Area (east end of the peninsula) and within 100 feet of a designated swimming area
Gauge: None needed
Normal Wet Period: All year. During the winter the lagoon will be frozen. During spring and fall, storms and high winds are always a possibility.