TRAILS OF NORTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
The refuge is comprised of two different parcels of land; the 5,025-acre Sugar Lake Division east of Meadville and the 3,594-acre Seneca Division southeast of Cambridge Springs. The refuge is a popular spot for many, many species of birds to nest (Cramer, B., 2008). There are 3 hiking trails located in the Sugar Lake Division and 2 located in the Seneca Division.
Cramer, B. (Ed.). (2008). Pennsylvania Hiking Trails (13th ed.). Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books.
Beaver Run Trail (Sugar Lake Division)
Length: 1 mile
Approximate mileage from Allegheny College: 12 miles
Type: Loop
Allowed Usage: Walking
Trail Surface: Natural Earth
This 1-mile loop walks you through fields, forest, and past beaver habitat. There is an old Sandstone Springhouse located north of trail along Hank Road.
Source/ Learn more at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Erie/visit/beaverruntrail.html
Tsuga Nature Trail (Sugar Lake Division)
Length: 1.2 or 1.6 miles depending on loop
Approximate mileage from Allegheny College: 12 miles
Type: Two Loops
Allowed Usage: Walking, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing
Trail Surface: Natural Earth
The two looped Tsuga Nature Trail’s trailhead is located at the ENWR’s headquarters or visitors center in the Sugar Lake Division. The 1.2-mile loop, or the larger loop, has an interpretive brochure located at the trailhead. The other loop, 0.4 miles (together making the whole trail 1.6 miles, is often used during the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Source/ Learn more at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Erie/visit/tsugatrail.html
Deer Run Trail (Sugar Lake Division)
Length: 3 miles
Approximate mileage from Allegheny College: 12 miles
Type: Loop
Allowed Usage: Walking, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing
Trail Surface: Natural Earth
Deer Run Trail is the longest trail the ENWR has to offer and allows snow sports like cross country skiing and snowshoeing when the weather is right for it. At the beginning of the trail, there is a hill with switchbacks but has a steady descent. The trailhead is located on Boland Road in Cochranton, PA.
Source/ Learn more at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/erie/visit/deerruntrail.html
Muddy Creek Holly Trail (Seneca Division)
Length: 1 mile
Approximate mileage from Allegheny College: 16 miles
Type: Out and back
Allowed Usage: Walking, Handicap Accessible
Trail Surface: Natural Earth and Boardwalk
Along the Muddy Creek Holly Trail, you’ll find oxbow swamps, many forests and meadows. The trail also features a boardwalk so it is handicap accessible.
Source/ Learn more at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Erie/visit/muddycreektrail.html
Trolley Line Trail (Seneca Division)
Length: 2 miles
Approximate mileage from Allegheny College: 17 miles
Type: Out and back
Allowed Usage: Walking
Trail Surface: Natural Earth
Located within the Seneca Division of the Erie National Wildlife Refuge, the Trolley Line Trail follows an old railroad grade. The trailhead is located along Swamp Road. This trail is more difficult as the hiker needs to be able to navigate ravines and rope pulls.
Source/ Learn more at: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Erie/visit/trolleylinetrail.html
