South Hill State Forest (Delaware and Otsego County)

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 4 Stamford Office (M-F, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM), (607) 652-7365; r4.ump@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 Davenport, Delaware County and Town of Maryland, Otsego County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 4F
• Map: South Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

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

Hiking

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.

Camping

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.

Hunting & Trapping

Wildlife Management Unit: 4F

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

South Hill State Forest is open to hunting and trapping 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.

Cross-country Skiing & Snowshoeing

General information on cross-country skiing and snowshoeing 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 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 (leaves DEC website)
• 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 (leaves DEC website).
• Northern Parking Lot is also located directly right off of its intersection with Turner Hill Road. (42.513086°N, 74.852277°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website).

All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.

Rules, Regulations & 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.

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 r4.ump@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

State Lands and Facilities

• Arnold Lake State Forest
• Clapper Hollow State Forest
• Hooker Mountain State Forest
• Milford State Forest
• Susquehanna State Forest

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 (leaves DEC website) and Cooperstown/Otsego County Tourism Office (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.