South Bradford 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 Bradford, Steuben County
- Wildlife Management Unit: 8W
- Map: South Bradford State Forest Map (GeoPDF) - GeoPDF Instructions || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 1,819-acre South Bradford State Forest features a portion of the Finger Lakes Hiking Trail and is the northern end of the Crystal Hills Branch Hiking Trail. This forest has significant mineral activity and visitors should expect to see natural gas wellheads and pipelines.
Today, South Bradford 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 with links to rules and regulations.
This state forest contains a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail and Crystal Hills Branch Trail (both foot traffic only). Maintenance is done by the volunteers of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (leaves DEC website) under a volunteer stewardship agreement. The Finger Lakes Trail is a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail (leaves DEC website), a 3200-mile trail which extends from New York to North Dakota. The Crystal Hills Branch Trail is a segment of the Great Eastern Trail (leaves DEC website) which, when finished, will end in Alabama.
Camping
General information on primitive camping includes how-to and safety tips with links to rules and regulations.
The South Bradford Lean-to (a.k.a Moss Hill Lean-to) is located at the intersection of the Finger Lakes Trail and the Crystal Hills Trail.
At-large Primitive camping is also 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 on this property 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.
Sign about CCC activity on South Bradford SF.
New York's Southern Tier 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 turkey reside in this region. The grasslands are home to a variety of bird species including northern harrier and state-endangered Henslow's sparrow. White-tailed deer and fisher thrive in the forested hills, while beaver 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.
Dennis Road trail heads south from the intersection of the CCC road to the state forest boundary and allows motorized access for people with mobility impairments. A permit is required through the Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities.
Directions
From I-86, take Exit 40 (Savona), head north on State Route 226, turn right (south) onto County Route 18, then continue more-or-less straight onto Dennis Road, which ends on South Bradford State Forest.
- Dennis Road: (42.301498°N, 77.112561°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 Bradford 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, mountain biking and horseback riding 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
- Dry Run State Forest
- Cinnamon Lake State Forest
- Goundry Hill State Forest
- Sugar Hill State Forest
- Birdseye Hollow State Forest
- Moss Hill State Forest
- Meads Creek State Forest
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Dining and lodging opportunities as well as gas, food and other supplies may be found in the nearby communities of Corning and Watkins Glen.
Steuben County Conference & Visitors Bureau (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 online 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.
