This interesting loop around Sagamore Lake starts and ends at the Great Camp Sagamore. Many of the trails around the Great Camp are open to the public.
How to get there
From the intersection of Route 28 and Sagamore Road, follow Sagamore Road for 3.75 miles to the entrance to the Great Camp. Just before the second bridge, a side road will lead to the trailhead to the left. In winter, this may not be plowed. Signs will lead you to guest/visitor parking on the right side of the main road into camp, though from here you will have a little walk to the trailhead.
By the numbers
- 3.8 mile loop
Hiking
From the main lodge entrance you will need to follow the main road to the left for about 0.1 miles to the trailhead which will be on the left. It begins near a bridge over South Inlet. Starting here will bring you in a counterclockwise direction of travel. Travel in either direction; no one way is better.
The trail starts out on a flat grade as it passes through a mixed forest. You will pass through a clearing and look for the trail on the opposite side. This is a bit of an obscure area and the trail can be easily mistaken as a woods road to the left.
Soon you will come to a major stream crossing where the bridge has been in slight disrepair. Crossing can be a bit tricky and slippery; just take your time. On the opposite side of the bridge you will again be on an easy course with a slight climb and long easy descent. As you near the end of the trail, you will have an excellent viewing area on the left that will afford you looks out over a bay to the Great Camp itself. The trail will come to a bridge which you will need to cross and take a left back through the Great Camp area and your vehicle.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
This is an excellent snowshoe or cross-country ski destination for the entire family. The gentle terrain and occasional small hill make for a fun-filled afternoon on a pair of skis. The trail gets moderate winter use, so on many occasions it will be packed out for use.
Birding
Great Camp Sagamore and the surrounding area is part of the NYS Birding Trail. This trail is not a physical trail, but a "connection" between outstanding birding locations in regions across the state.
The habitat here ranges from deciduous to boreal, so you can expect to find a wide variety of species, including Black-backed Woodpecker and Canada Jay.
