Camillus Unique Area

This is truly the area’s best-​kept wilderness secret: a surprisingly remote hike that provides a stunning view of Onondaga Lake and the city of Syracuse.
In CNY, it’s uncanny how the suburban area never grew west of the lake. Ever since the Erie Canal-​era, the area has been left to farms and forest. Since it was chartered in 1927, the Camillus Unique Area has let 350 acres of this western expanse go wild.
And now, forest and field have settled into the 310 foot prominence. From the base, trails climb through tall grass and wild flower meadows. At the top, you’ll meet the edge of an old maple forest. Look north-​east and you’ll get a sprawling view Onondaga Lake and the full city (dome and all). In the forest, a canopy of tall old maple trees has snuffed out the brush, so you can look the grove from nearly end-​to-​end.
The trails are decently well-​kept, though some spots require ducking and bushwhacking. Start from the parking lot on Thompson Rd. There, you’ll find a map and access to the best kept paths. For the geocachers, there are some fun caches in here, too.
Not only is the park itself beautiful escape, but the way surrounding landscape lets backcountry meet city is a rare pleasure!