Goundry Hill 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; region8@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 Orange, Schuyler County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8W
- Map:Goundry Hill State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || || Six Nations Rec. Trail System Brochure (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 2,112-acre Goundry Hill State Forest has a portion of the multiple use Six Nations Trail System and the Finger Lakes Hiking Trail. 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 will ensure a perpetual supply of timber, a diversity of wildlife habitats, compatible recreational opportunities and clean water.
Featured Activities
Hiking
General information on hiking includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Located on the area is a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail (foot traffic only). In 1972, construction of the Finger Lakes Trail was authorized on Goundry Hill State Forest. Maintenance has been continued by the volunteers of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (leaves DEC website) under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement. In 1992, it was designated as a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, (leaves DEC website) a 3200-mile trail which extends from New York to North Dakota.
Snowmobiling
General information on snowmobiling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
The multiple-use Six Nations Recreation Trail System is 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. Some maintenance is done by volunteers of the Trail Tamers Snowmobile Club (leaves DEC website) under a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement. 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 Road. People may access Oneida Trail from Corbett Hollow Road, Guerin Road or Goundry Hill Road.
Horseback Riding
General information on horseback riding includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Proof of current negative Coggins certificate is required for all horses and out-of-state horse owners are required to produce a 30-day health certificate.
The Six Nations Recreation Trail System is open for horse use in the summer months.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
Beaver pond near end of Corbett Hollow Rd.
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 and regulations.
Hunting and trapping are allowed during appropriate seasons.
Wildlife
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 Finger Lakes 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 turkeys reside and call it home here in the Finger Lakes. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harriers and state endangered Henslow's sparrows. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beavers 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.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Individuals with qualifying disabilities may apply for a permit to operate a motor vehicle on trails designated by the NYS DEC. This program is known as the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities (MAPPWD). 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 a scenic vista of Meads Creek Valley.
Directions
- Corbett Hollow Road Parking Area - From I-86, take Exit 42 (Coopers Plains), head north on Meads Creek Rd. (County Route 26 / County Route 16). Turn left onto Sexton Hollow Road, then right onto Corbett Hollow Road (42.311806°N, 77.092506°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
- Guerin Road Parking Area - From State Route 226, head south on Yawger Hill Road, then turn left at the "Y" onto Goundry Hill Road. Take a right at the "T" to stay on Goundry Hill Road then turn right onto Guerin Road. (42.331269°N, 77.078428°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 Goundry 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
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and mountain biking 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 r8.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
- Beaver Dam State Forest
- Dry Run State Forest
- South Bradford State Forest
- Cinnamon Lake State Forest
- Sugar Hill State Forest
- Coon Hollow State Forest
- Watkins Glen State Park (leaves DEC website)
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining and Lodging opportunities and gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Corning and Watkins Glen.
Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce (leaves DEC website) and Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance (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.
