Erie National Wildlife Refuge

Quick Facts

Pennsylvania

(814) 789-3585

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Erie National Wildlife Refuge is located in Crawford County, 35 miles south of the City of Erie and 10 miles east of Meadville on the outskirts of Guys Mills village.The refuge consists of two separate land units. The Sugar Lake Division, containing 5,206 acres,is the unit closest to Guys Mills. The Seneca Division, containing 3,571 acres, is 10 miles north of the Sugar Lake Division and borders French Creek near Cambridge Springs. The primary objective of the refuge is to provide waterfowl and other migratory birds with nesting, feeding, brooding, and resting habitat. Other objectives are to provide habitat to support a diversity of wildlife species and to enhance opportunities for wildlife-oriented public recreation and environmental education. Whether you want to go bird or animal watching, this is the place to go for outdoor lovers of each and every age! Make the Erie National Wildlife Range your next destination today! The diverse habitat types found on Erie NWR attract over 237 species of birds, 47 species of mammals and 37 species of amphibians and reptiles. Waterfowl migrations occur from March to early April and again from September to November.

Map of Erie NWR

Latitude, Longitude: 41.626543, -79.960384

Bird Watching
The diverse habitat types found on Erie NWR attract over 237 species of birds, 47 species of mammals and 37 species of amphibians and reptiles. Waterfowl migrations occur from March to early April and again from September to November.
Auto/Motorcycle
Cars make good observation blinds. Drive slowly along the Wooded Drive of the Sugar Lake Division, stopping to scan places wildlife might hide. This section of gravel township road is especially scenic and a good spot to observe white-tailed deer, turkey and other wildlife.
Fishing
A universally accessible fishing pier is located at Pool K. Regulations are available from staff at the visitor contact station, in boxes located throughout the refuge or by clicking on the link below: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/erie/PDF%27s/Erie%20Hunt2010.pdf
Hiking
Wildflowers and historic bridge foundations are trail highlights. You will also find boardwalk trails through beautiful wooded habitat. Most trails are about 2-3 miles long and wind through natural surroundings where visitors can observe a variety of plant and animal life
Historic Sites
Sandstone Springhouse, Sugar Lake Division: Milk, eggs, cheese and vegetables were kept cool here long before refrigerators. Located on Hanks Road.
Hunting
Refuge Hunt Permits Required -- Obtain your free Hunt Brochure/Permit at the the refuge office. Normal operating hours are 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday - please call in advance to verify. You may also obtain Hunt Brochures from the four Information Kiosks (Route. 27 and Boland Rd.; east of Route 173 and Richie Road; Route 408 and Swamp Road; outside of the Refuge headquarters off of Route 198 in Guys Mills) or download and print a copy of the Hunt Brochure/Permit here: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/erie/PDF%27s/Erie%20Hunt2010.pdf The brochure must be signed in the white box on the front page and be on the hunter's person while hunting on the refuge. New harvest reports are in effect. Follow this link for more information: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/erie/hunt%20.html