South Hill State Forest

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• Open for recreation: Year-round
• Fee: Free
• Contact Information:
  • DEC Region 6 Herkimer Office (M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm), (315) 866-6330, information.r6@dec.ny.gov
  • Emergency, Law Enforcement & Rangers: (518) 408-5850 or 911
• Location: Town of Western and Floyd, Oneida County
• Wildlife Management Unit: 6S
• Map: South Hill State Forest Map || South Hill State Forest Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator

The 622-acress South Hill State Forest was acquired by the State in the 1950s for the purpose of reforestation, wildlife management, timber production, recreation and watershed protection. Kotary Road is not plowed through to the state forest in winter.

Featured Activities

Hiking

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

The unit has 2.37 miles of multi-use trails and unpaved roads that allow visitors to enjoy activities in a primitive forest setting.

Camping

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

At-large 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

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

Snowmobiling

General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules & regulations

There is a .12-mile unnamed snowmobile trail in the northern portion of the property and the unpaved roadways that cross the unit are part of the NYS Snowmobile Trail network. The snowmobile trails in the area are groomed and maintained by the Penn Mountain Snow Riders (leaves DEC website).

Wildlife

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

Directions

From NYS Route 365 (between the villages of Floyd and Barneveld) turn north onto Soule Road (sometimes called North Steuben Road) and follow north for 3.4 miles. Then turn west onto Kotary Road and in 1.4 miles you will reach State Lands.

• Kotary Road Extension parking area (43.28477°N, 75.32025°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)

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

Rules, Regulations and 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

Mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and horseback riding are all permitted on the property; however, there are no currently maintained trails for these activities.

How We Manage South Hill State Forest

DEC manages these lands in accordance with the management activities described in the Oneida Hills Unit Management Plan (UMP). In addition to management objectives, the UMP contains detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural & human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.

The terrain on South Hill State Forest features tranquil, rolling woodland areas that contain a mixture of natural forest and softwood plantations. The plantations on the property contain pine and spruce which were established on what were formerly barren farm fields and pastures. Upland areas on the property support stands of white ash, aspen, red maple, striped maple, sugar maple and beech.

If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us information.r6@dec.ny.gov.

Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information

DEC Lands & Facilities

• Penn Mountain State Forest
• Clark Hill State Forest
• Buck Hill State Forest

Where to Find Amenities

• Gas, dining opportunities, lodging, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Rome, Barneveld, Holland Patent and Remsen.

Oneida County Tourism webpage (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.

Numerous guide books 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.