There are a series of looping trails throughout the unique area that make for excellent hiking. At present there are six different designated trails with a combined distance totaling almost 4 miles. We will do a loop hike covering 2 miles, most of which is through open fields. The 355-acre Camillus Forest Unique Area, on the east summit and slopes of a large hill due west of the hamlet of Amboy, includes an island of undisturbed forest surrounded by farm fields and woodlots. Under NYSDEC stewardship, the area is an exceptional and diverse open space resource. The "crown jewel" of the property is a 40-acre sylvan sanctuary of old growth hardwoods located in its southwest corner. It is a magnificent old sugar maple and American beech forest that is nearly two centuries old and is one of the finest examples of a mature northern hardwood forest in Central New York. The trees' tall, straight, unbranched boles and deeply fissured bark are ample evidence this is an ancient forest. A few of the maples are well over 200 years old; one was dated by annual growth rings at 285 years old. The forest is magnificent and if we are lucky we may be treated to a thick carpet of herbs and fragile woodland ephemerals. Also, the forest is on a high point with spectacular views of distant places, including Onondaga Lake six miles east, and downtown Syracuse eight miles southeast. NOTES: Bring water (and snack if desired). Expect muddy areas so wear sturdy hiking shoes or other appropriate footwear as it will be very wet in spots. Bring hiking poles if desired. Dress for weather conditions, as in any hike in CNY, take normal precautions for deterring ticks (long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, repellent, etc.) There are no rest room facilities in the immediate area so please plan accordingly. Spring wildflower enthusiasts might want to bring a camera! Directions: From Syracuse, NY take I-690 WEST to NY 695 South to NY 5 WEST. Take the NY 173 "Warners" EXIT. Turn left on NY 173 and go through the small village of Amboy. Turn left on Thompson Road (look for Erie Canal Towpath signs). The DEC parking area is on the right where we will meet at 11am. (For GPS address: plug in 6185 Thompson Rd, Camillus NY 13031) *** RSVP and Cancellations – IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ *** Please respect the trip leader and update your RSVP if you sign-up but then are unable to attend. Please also RSVP early, especially if there are only a few signed up. Events may be cancelled due to lack of attendance, as well as changes in weather or other circumstances. So be sure to RSVP and share your cell phone number when asked, as events may have changed and you will not receive notification. If you must cancel at the last minute, call or text the event host/trip leader, as not all leaders have access to the Meetup app on their phones (let her know who it is who is calling/texting). Be sure to copy down the address, directions, and trip leader contact information to bring with you as there might not be good cell service at the event location. By clicking the "Yes" option on the RSVP link you are agreeing to the Assumption of Risk.
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