Nelson Swamp Unique Area

• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 7 Sherburne Office (M-F, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM), (607) 674-4017; [email protected]
  • Search, rescue, wildfire, and enforcement matters: 911- or - 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) 
    A local Forest Ranger is a valuable source of information for the state land you would like to visit.
• Location: Towns of Cazenovia, Fenner and Nelson, Madison County
• Wildlife Management Units: 7M & 7J
• Map: Nelson Swamp Unique Area Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 979-acre Nelson Swamp Unique Area is located approximately 20 miles southeast of Syracuse. For your safety and protection of the natural resources, please adhere to the special regulations listed below.

In recent decades, Nelson Swamp has been of interest to botanists and other students of natural history who have been attracted to the area's rich diversity of plant and animal life. The most recent survey cataloged 400 species of vascular plants including several rare and state-protected plants. The area also supports a diverse population of breeding birds with 105 species recorded during a 1990 survey.

From State Route 20, which passes through the swamp, a traveler's gaze is often drawn to a low lying landscape of wet meadows, deciduous woods and dark groves of cedar and pine. From the State Route's hilltop perspective, one can follow the Chittenango Creek as it meanders on its circuitous journey north to Lake Ontario. The Chittenango, which is the dominant water course within the swamp, was commonly referred to as Chittening by settlers but was derived from the Oneida word "Chu-de-naany" meaning "where the sun shines out".

Accessible Features

From the State Route 20 parking area behind the Nelson Town Hall, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Hiking trail

The Nelson Swamp Boardwalk Trail is 0.7 mile one way with a gentle grade (max. slope 8%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and surface of boardwalk and compacted stone.

From the Constine Bridge Road Trailhead Parking Area, wheelchair accessible features include the:

• Hiking trail

The Nelson Swamp Interpretive Trail is 0.7 mile one way with a gentle grade (max. slope 12%), wide tread (min. width 3 feet), and firm compacted stone surface.

See Maps, Directions, and Featured Activities sections on this page for more details on these features. Visit the DEC Accessible Recreation Destinations webpage for additional accessible recreation opportunities.

Directions

To reach the trail head, take State Route 20 east from the village of Cazenovia to Stone Quarry Road. Proceed south on Stone Quarry Road for 2.2 miles and the trail head is on the left.

• Stone Quarry Road Parking (42.89129,-75.826251) Google Maps 

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety

Practice Leave No Trace Principles when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.

All users of Nelson Swamp Unique Area must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.

For your safety and protection of the Unique Area, please adhere to the following rules:

1. As with all DEC lands, do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
2. All motorized vehicles are restricted to access roads posted as motor vehicle trails. Off road use of motorized vehicles, such as ATVs, trail bikes and four-wheel drives are not allowed.
3. No permanent structures may be established, including tree stands or blinds.
4. Camping is prohibited at Nelson Unique Area.
5. Fires are prohibited at Nelson Swamp.
6. Snowmobile use is prohibited except where designated and posted snowmobile trails exist.
7. Removing protected plants is prohibited.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Tioughnioga Unit Management Plan. In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Stoney Pond State Forest
• Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

• Gas, food, dining and lodging may be found in the nearby community of Cazenovia.

Madison County Tourism Webpage can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.

Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.

Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association for information on outdoor guides.

History

Historically, "Cedar Swamp" played an important role in the development of Nelson's agricultural economy. Many area farmers owned swamp parcels known as "post lots" that provided a ready supply of timber and other forest products. The rot resistant wood of white cedar was used for split rail fencing and poles for supporting hop vines. White pine was cut and milled for building materials and balsam fir was harvested for decorative greens and Christmas trees. Baskets were woven from thin strips of black ash and the dense wood of American elm was used to manufacture a variety of farm implements.