Goundry Hill State Forest
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Goundry Hill State Forest (Schuyler Reforestation Area # 1) is located about 9 miles north of Coopers Plains, near the hamlets of Bradford and Monterey, in the Allegheny Plateau. It covers approximately 2,112 acres in the town of Orange in Schuyler County.
View of Corbett Hollow on Goundry Hill
History
This area was settled beginning in approximately 1802. As noted in numerous other state forest descriptions, agricultural abandonment occurred relatively early, (1910-1929) on the hilltop lands occupied by this state forest.
Starting in the 1930's these lands were subsequently purchased by the people of New York State under the Hewitt Reforestation Laws of 1929 for the purposes of timber production, recreational use, watershed protection and wildlife habitat.
During that same time period, the United States was entering the Great Depression. The administration of then-president Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1933 to provide employment opportunities for the thousands of unemployed men at the time. Goundry Hill State Forest and other state forests were the sites of many work projects carried out by the CCC, including the planting of thousands of pine and spruce trees and the construction of water holes between 1934 and 1941. The earliest plantings were done by the Works Projects Administration (WPA). In 1935, the CCC camp S-123 was established on Pine Creek Rd. on nearby Sugar Hill State Forest.
That camp was later closed on October 31, 1941, with the pending start of WW II, so later plantings were done by inmates and/or DEC staff.
State forests now provide opportunities for many informal outdoor recreational activities. They also provide wood for New York's forest products industry, a major part of New York's economy.
Six Nations Trail System
Among its many attractions is the Six Nations Recreation Trail System, just shy of 40 miles long. The majority of the trail system is located on Sugar Hill State Forest. It is open for horse use in the summer months, and snowmobile use when there is sufficient snow cover. Foot travel is encouraged all year round.
The main trail head for the system is the Sugar Hill Fire Tower and Recreation Area. Located near the north end of the Sugar Hill State Forest, off of Tower Hill Rd.
People may access Oneida Trail from Corbett Hollow Rd., Guerin Rd or Goundry Hill Rd. At the end of Corbett Hollow Rd. is a turn around loop, with a wide area for parking or camping. Water is available from a nearby stream, but is not potable so it must be treated before drinking. There are no other facilities provided. Guerin Rd. has a parking area about a half mile from Goundry Hill Rd; it holds about 10 cars. It is then a short walk north or south on the road to the trail.
Maps to the Trail System
The brochure of the trail system can be found in the kiosks located at the on Sugar Hill State Forest one at the Firetower Recreation Area, the other at the parking lot on the south end of Evergreen Hill Rd, from the Bath DEC office, or by printing this pdf of the Six Nations Recreation Trail System brochure. It is 11 inches by 17 inches, double sided, and 2.1 Mb in size. Additional maps may be found on the Sugar Hill State Forest or Six Nation Trail System web pages or create your own with the State Recreational Lands Interactive Mapper.
Accessible Features
The only ATV trails that exist are for persons with disabilities - pursuant to DEC Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). Individuals with qualifying disabilities may apply for a permit to operate an ATV on trails designated by the DEC. A permit must first be obtained from the DEC. Trails are open for walking at any time. One of these trails heads south from the parking lot on Guerin Rd., passes the gas well pad and continues onto a point of land with several scenic vistas of Meads Creek Valley.
Field Notes
Also located on the area is a portion of the Finger Lakes/North Country Trail (foot traffic only).
Town and county roads provide mountain biking opportunities. Hunting and trapping are pursued by local residents and by those from outside the local area.
As many of the plantations established by the CCC reach the end of their natural life (75-100 years of age), they are converting to natural hardwood stands.
This state forest also has mineral resources, and a history of mineral extraction. In 2001, a deep natural gas well was drilled south of Guerin Rd. It successfully hit gas, and visitors should expect to see natural gas wellheads and pipelines. The pipeline and power line corridors provide additional access to the interior of the forest (foot travel only please).
Today, Goundry Hill 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 ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.
State Forest Regulations
Anyone enjoying the use of this state forest must observe the following rules which protect them and the forest environment:
1. Do not litter. Carry out what you carry in. Burying of refuse is prohibited.
2. If you build a fire, do so with care and use wood from dead and downed trees only. Never leave a fire unattended. Use fire rings where provided. Extinguish fires completely before you leave. Be careful with fire and cigarettes in the forest
3. 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 is not allowed, except where specifically permitted by signs, posted notice or by DEC permit. Do not block roadways and trail entrances.
4. Camping for more than three nights or in a group of ten or more requires a permit from a forest ranger. Camping is prohibited within 150 feet of water, roads or trail.
5. No permanent structures should be established, including tree stands or blinds.
6. Respect the rules and regulations which apply to the use of public lands, and always seek permission before crossing private lands.
7. Horses must have Negative Coggins Test. Do not tether horses to live trees.
Directions
From I86, take Exit 42 (Coopers Plains), head north on Meads Creek Rd. (County Rte. 26 / County Rte. 16). Turn left onto Sexton Hollow Rd, then right onto Corbett Hollow Rd.
From State Rte. 226, head south on Yawger Hill Rd. Then turn left at the "Y" onto Goundry Hill Rd. take a right at the "T" to stay on Goundry Hill Rd. then turn right onto Guerin Rd.
Comments and Suggestions
State forest lands are owned by all New York State Residents and represent a significant natural heritage for future generations. The Department of Environmental Conservation strives to manage these lands for the best long-term interests. We appreciate your help. If you have suggestions on how we can improve the management of these lands, please let us know. Address your concerns to the Lands and Forests DEC Region 8 Bath Sub-Office.
For further information on management activities:
Contact State Land Management Working Group, DEC Bath Sub- Office 607-776-2165. (M-F; 8:30 am to 4:45 pm)
Important Telephone Numbers
Fire and Law Enforcement : 585-226-6706 or 911
State Forest Office (M - F; 8:30 am to 4:45 pm) 607-776-2165
