Camillus Forest Unique Area

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Camillus Forest Loop

Hiking in Onondaga County

New York State Lands

Camillus Forest

Located in the town of Camillus, just outside of the small village of Amboy and near the Old Erie Canal Trail, Camillus Forest Unique Area might be overlooked at only 355 acres; but it's worth a visit. Some hiking books have the parking area listed as off NY 173, however the DEC has built a newer, better parking area off Thompson Road. I have read in a hiking book which stated that dogs are not allowed here. This is untrue. Dogs are welcomed on a leash.

Camillus Forest Unique Area was purchased by New York State in 1926. It was administered by the Syracuse Developmental Center until March 1997 when Governor George Pataki transferred stewardship to the NY DEC.

Although this is a "forest", there are 145 acres of open fields. This creates some very surprising views as well as makes it sometimes difficult to follow the "trails". There is a map of the area with numbered trails, however the trail numbers DO NOT match the map. Most of the trail discs are "trail 1". Check the link below the map below for a suggested loop hike within this truly unique area (Camillus Forest Loop). Try to go on a clear day and you will be able to see points as far away as Lake Ontario, Oneida Lake, Tug Hill region, NY State Fair, Brighton Towers, and the Mohawk Valley area.

This is a great place to practice your gps or compass skills as the trails are truly hard to follow. We found a well worn path at the far western and northern end of the area boundary that wound back toward the old parking area within the woods. Check the topo map below for more info on this path, which we have called the "Forest Trail".

DIRECTIONS: NY 173 to Thompson Rd. Parking area is on the right.

Pictures from Camillus Forest Unique Area

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