State Land

South Bradford State Forest

Top South Bradford State Forest

Open for recreation: Year-round

Fee: Free
Contact Information:
- DEC Region 8 Bath Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 622-8282; [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: Town of Bradford, Steuben County
Wildlife Management Unit: 8W
Map: South Bradford State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 1,819-acre South Bradford State Forest features a portion of the Finger Lakes Hiking Trail and is the northern end of the Crystal Hills Branch Hiking Trail. This forest has significant mineral activity and visitors should expect to see natural gas wellheads and pipelines.

Today, South Bradford and all state forests in New York are managed for multiple benefits to serve the needs of the people of New York. Sustainable management practices will ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities, and clean water.

Featured Activities

General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.

This state forest contains a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail and Crystal Hills Branch Trail (both foot traffic only). Maintenance is done by the volunteers of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference under a volunteer stewardship agreement. The Finger Lakes Trail is a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, a 3200-mile trail which extends from New York to North Dakota. The Crystal Hills Branch Trail is a segment of the Great Eastern Trail which, when finished, will end in Alabama.

General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.

The South Bradford Lean-to (a.k.a Moss Hill Lean-to) is located at the intersection of the Finger Lakes Trail and the Crystal Hills Trail.

At-large Primitive camping is also allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail, or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.

Wildlife Management Unit: 8W

General information on hunting includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Hunting is allowed on this property during appropriate seasons.

Wildlife Management Unit: 8W

General information on trapping includes how-to and safety tips with links to seasons, rules and regulations.

Trapping is allowed on this property during appropriate seasons.

General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.

New York's Southern Tier encompasses a wide variety of habitats and landscapes made up of mountainous hills, forests, grasslands and wetlands. Everything from black bear to black-throated blue warblers and brook trout to wild turkey reside in this region. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harrier and state-endangered Henslow's sparrow. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beaver and mink flourish in the wetlands. Visitors from across New York State flock to this area year round for its exquisite wildlife watching and unbeatable hunting.

Directions

From I-86, take Exit 40 (Savona), head north on State Route 226, turn right (south) onto County Route 18, then continue more-or-less straight onto Dennis Road, which ends on South Bradford State Forest.

Dennis Road: (42.301498°N, 77.112561°W) 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 South Bradford State Forest 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.

Specific Rules

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding are allowed within the property but there are no designated trails or maintained areas for these activities.

Planning and Management

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Six Nations Unit Management Plan (PDF). 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 us at [email protected].

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities and Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

Where to Find Nearby Amenities

Dining and lodging opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Corning and Watkins Glen.

Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau and Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance 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 online 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.