Part 1 of a special report from a great, under-the-radar “nature spot” in Erie County, PA: West Road Access Area along upper Elk Creek in McKean Twp. Close to the junction of Interstates 90 and 79 on the southwest side, this is 18+ hectares of old farmland bordering the south side of Elk Creek, one of the important riparian corridors of the Erie-area watershed.
The shot below shows the main access + main gravel trail leading along the tree line and eventually down to Elk Creek. (The creek – really a small river – is to the right of the mature trees on the right-hand side of this shot, down a steep embankment.)
Mixed open field, brush, & scattered young trees, bordered by a line of mature forest along Elk Creek – great for Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, & probably the most reliable spot around (seasonally) for amazing Indigo Bunting:
Directions: Take I79 to the McKean, PA exit. Turn left or right westwards onto West Road. Drive 2 kilometers (1.3 miles) to the parking lot on the right.