it is a paved trail that you can take the kiddies on or pull the kiddy trailer and also hit the beaches, there are a lot of beach shacks to get goodies from so bring some cash. also look for the side trails , if you wanna ride some sandy trails and fly through the sand dunes and trees, have at it.
get directions to Erie PA, you can get there many different ways, but i'll give ya the way from rt 79, coming from 79 north, take the 12th st exit, drive west, you will eventually get past a lot of lights and get to a road called penninsula drive, turn right on it and drive into the park area, find a spot to park and ride, also on the east side you will see the bay and on the west side of it you will see the open lake and a lot of beaches.
http://www.singletracks.com/item.php?c=1&i=1383