Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area
- Open for Recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 9 Buffalo Office (M-F, 8:30AM - 4:30PM), (716) 851-7010; region9@dec.ny.gov
- 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: Town of Newstead, Erie County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8G
- Map: Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
Located north of the Akron Airport on the outskirts of the Village of Akron, the Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area provides a peaceful walk in the woods with about 1.4 miles of hiking trails. The property derives its name from the Onondaga Escarpment, which is similar to but less prominent than the more familiar Niagara Escarpment that created Niagara Falls. The Onondaga Escarpment Unique Area features excellent examples of uncommon plant communities that are associated with the underlying limestone rock.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
A view of the pond on the property
There are 1.4 miles of hiking trails on the property. Please stay on the designated trails to protect the diversity and richness of the plant communities found within this area.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on all hiking trails.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Deer, turkeys, squirrels, and a host of songbirds frequent the area.
Directions
The property is located outside the Village of Akron, north of the Akron Airport. Coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
- Scotland Road parking area (43.025624°N, 78.476123°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly; minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
A view of exposed rocks on the escarpment
All users of Onondaga Escarpment 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.
Planning and Management
DEC has developed the draft Niagara Frontier Unit Management Plan (PDF) which describes the management activities for these lands. Public comments were accepted on the draft UMP from August 17 until October 15, 2021.
The guiding management principle is to protect the unique geologic feature of the escarpment and to conserve the uncommon native plant communities found within these lands.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- John White Wildlife Management Area
- Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area
- Tillman Road Wildlife Management Area
- Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas can be found in the nearby communities of Akron, Buffalo, Corfu and Clarence.
- Food and other supplies can be found in the nearby communities of Akron, Amherst, Buffalo and Williamsville.
- Dining opportunities can be found in the nearby communities of Akron, Buffalo, Clarence and Williamsville.
- Lodging can be found in the nearby communities of Buffalo, Clarence, Corfu and Williamsville.
Visit Buffalo Niagara (leaves DEC website) 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 (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
