State Land

South Hill State Forest (Delaware and Otsego County)

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  • Open for recreation: Year-round
South Hill State Forest location Delaware

The 521-acre South Hill State Forest features predominantly flat land and has a mix of planted and natural tree species scattered across the landscape. The unit was one of many properties purchased by the State back in the 1930s in order to reforest marginal and abandoned farm land and return it to a more productive use.

Featured Activities

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

There are no marked, official trails, but the wide, unmarked trails and well-maintained access roads are easily followed and offer easy walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

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

No primitive campsites exist on South Hill State Forest, but primitive camping is 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: 4F

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

South Hill State Forest is open to hunting during appropriate seasons. There are a number of young spruce plantations on this forest, which provide good habitat for rabbits. There are also two aspen clearcuts in the southern end of the property, which tend to be favored by grouse. Other wildlife to expect in this area include whitetail deer, squirrel and turkey, along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

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

South Hill State Forest is open totrapping during appropriate seasons. There are a number of young spruce plantations on this forest, which provide good habitat for rabbits. There are also two aspen clearcuts in the southern end of the property, which tend to be favored by grouse. Other wildlife to expect in this area include whitetail deer, squirrel and turkey, along with mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and bobcat.

General information on cross-country skiing includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.

South Hill State Forest is ideally suited to cross-country skiing, especially for beginners. There are no marked trails, but the wide, well-maintained access roads are easily followed and offer cross-country skiing.

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

There are no marked trails, but the wide, well-maintained access roads are easily followed and offer easy snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Directions

South Hill State Forest has a 3 small parking areas along South Hill and South Hill Extension Public Forest Access Roads.

  • South Hill State Forest Parking lot (south) is located on South Hill State Forest Public Access Road Extension about .25 miles east of its intersection with Turner Hill Road. (42.500918°N, 74.852277°W) Google Maps
  • Central Parking Lot is located on South Hill State Forest Public Access Road Extension directly off of its intersection with Turner Hill Road. (42.500918°N,74.855286°W) Google Maps.
  • Northern Parking Lot is also located directly right off of its intersection with Turner Hill Road. (42.513086°N, 74.852277°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 Hill 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

Hiking, biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are all permitted activities on South Hill State Forest, but there are no designated trails for these activities.

Snowmobiles are not permitted to travel through new plantations.

Planning and Management

DEC is developing a management plan which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain 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 opportunities, gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Davenport, Oneonta, Schenevus, Stamford and West Davenport.
  • Lodging may be found in the nearby communities of Oneonta and Stamford.

Delaware County Tourism Office and Cooperstown/Otsego County Tourism Office 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.

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Region 4 - Capital Region/Northern Catskills
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