Bask in the autumnal beauty of Presque Isle State Park, improve your physical, mental health
“You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind," the naturalist and author Henry David Thoreau once noted.
Presque Isle State Park is a place to pause for a moment and drink in the beauty of nature.
Have you ever seen a sunrise across the bay’s water while walking at Presque Isle? This simple gift of nature offers the blessing of peace and quiet. Morning colors can run from combinations of blue, orange, red and even shades of gold, purple, and gray. On the morning I'm writing, the Presque Isle Bay water is unusually flat and reflects images upon its mirror-like surface.
More: Great spots to enjoy the fall colors in Erie County and farther afield
An elegant great blue heron beats a low path across the still water near the Feather platform. Its reflection looks like the letter “W” on the water’s surface. These majestic birds are plentiful at the park, and can be seen fishing in the bay’s shallows, ponds and lagoons.
We are lucky here in northwestern Pennsylvania that Presque Isle stands as a place where flora and fauna coexist. Walking is still the best way to enjoy the park. It offers visitors one of the best ways to experience the natural world while engaging in one of the best cardiovascular exercises. Ninety minutes of walking gives you the same aerobic benefits as a 30-minute run without stress on your joints and with little chance of injuries.
Starting your walking journey
Visitors enjoy the park by walking along its seven miles of sandy beaches and more than 30 miles of multi-purpose and woodland trails. How do you get started walking for exercise? One of the most important things involved in starting is a mental attitude. The hardest part will be to make a determined effort to begin and follow through. Walk solo, with a friend or in groups.
Beginner walkers should consider starting with the more leisurely walks on the Multi-purpose Trail near Vista 1 or 2 parking lots. Over time, you can gradually move up to longer, faster more challenging walks and finally onto a few of the woodland trails. You will find that your legs, lungs and heart will always tell you the proper pace. In practice, it is usually better to slow down and keep a steady pace for an extended period. Your long-term enjoyment will be much more significant that way.
You will also find that walking gives you time away from today’s hectic lifestyle as well as daily news breaks. Once you start, you will soon become eager to go outside and explore Presque Isle. You will learn to love the solitude, peace and rhythm of walking in nature.
Many people have found over the years walking on Presque Isle in the morning makes difficult decisions seem easier. They believe part of the reason is that nature’s sounds, colors and smells make their senses come alive. Won’t you join us on a morning walk and let first light be your rudder that guides you through the day?
“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” ― Henry David Thoreau.
See you at the park!
Gene Ware is the author of 10 books. He serves on the board of the Presque Isle Light Station and is past chairman of the boards of the Tom Ridge Center Foundation and the Presque Isle Partnership. Email him at ware906@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Walking at Presque Isle State Park can boost mental, physical health
