South Hill State Forest

Discover

South Hill State Forest in Chenango County takes its name from a ridge crossing the northern part of the property. The 1,314-acre forest lies in Guilford, with elevations reaching about 1,760 feet near the northern boundary and falling to about 1,400 feet in the southwest. A north–south hiking trail provides one way to approach the woodland, with access references on Parker Smith Hill Road and Charles Wicks Road.

This is a place where the differences between roads matter. DEC describes Charles Wicks Road and southern Hohreiter Road as suitable approaches for passenger cars, while northern sections of Parker Smith and Hohreiter roads are narrow, steep and unplowed in winter. Check the current map and conditions before choosing an entrance. A road name alone is not enough to establish that the same driving conditions apply along its entire length.

A short public forest access road lies south of Charles Wicks Road. About a third of a mile long, it has no outlet and a gated entrance; it was not designed for passenger-car travel. The corridor can be used for activities including horseback riding and cross-country skiing under the applicable guidance. Treat the gate and road design as part of understanding access rather than a reason to improvise a through-drive.

Horseback riding is popular here, though there are no designated horse trails. Riders use town roads crossing the forest. The main hiking route and the other corridors should therefore be read through their actual permissions and current conditions, not combined into an assumed trail network for every activity. DEC notes informal roadside parking rather than formal parking areas. Choose a lawful stopping point that keeps access clear.

The tree cover gives a visit another focus. About 45 percent is described as pure northern hardwoods, with the remainder a hardwood-conifer mixture. Beech, birch, maple, oak, cherry, ash and basswood occur in the hardwood group. Conifers include red pine, white pine, Norway spruce and hemlock. The red pine and Norway spruce were planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s; that planting history should not be extended to every species or tree in the forest.

Few streams cross the property. One begins in a northern hardwood-hemlock stand and joins Yaleville Brook, which flows toward the Susquehanna. Another runs south near Hohreiter Road toward the Unadilla River. DEC states that the portions within the state forest do not support trout or other game fish. The presence of a stream on a woodland map is therefore not enough to plan a fishing stop here.

An 1875 Chenango County atlas records several homes on land now within the forest, and a former schoolhouse stood at Charles Wicks and Hohreiter roads. Those historical locations add context without establishing surviving foundations or a standing school building. For photography, the documented contrast between hardwoods and conifers offers a direct subject, with no need to rely on imagined ruins or an open ridge panorama.

Deer, raccoons, squirrels, porcupines, chipmunks and opossums feature in DEC's wildlife account, alongside birds and less-common foxes and coyotes. Observe whatever is actually present. Primitive camping carries 150-foot setbacks and permit requirements for stays beyond three nights or groups of ten or more. Review current guidance, follow Leave No Trace and allow this forest's particular mix of roads, trees and former settlement to shape the visit.

Fun facts

1. This South Hill State Forest covers 1,314 acres in Guilford, Chenango County.
2. Its northern ridge reaches about 1,760 feet.
3. About 45 percent of forest cover is pure northern hardwoods;55 percent is a hardwood-conifer mix.
4. The CCC planted red pine and Norway spruce in the late 1930s.
5. An 1875 atlas records homes on land now within the forest.

Read the official sources →

Capture

1. Compare the forms of documented hardwoods and conifers from appropriate public access.
2. Use the main hiking corridor as a compositional line without expecting an open ridge panorama.
3. Try closer tree and foliage details; historic map references do not establish visible ruins.

Social

South Hill State Forest in Guilford, Chenango County, covers 1,314 acres. Its northern ridge reaches about 1,760 feet. #Cre8Travel

A north–south hiking trail crosses South Hill, with access references on Parker Smith Hill Road and Charles Wicks Road. Begin with the current map. #Cre8Travel

Road conditions vary at South Hill: northern Parker Smith and Hohreiter sections are described as narrow, steep and unplowed in winter. #Cre8Travel

South Hill’s short forest access road south of Charles Wicks Road is gated and has no outlet. It was not designed for passenger-car travel. #Cre8Travel

About 45 percent of South Hill’s cover is pure northern hardwoods, with 55 percent a hardwood-conifer mix. Compare tree forms as you walk. #Cre8Travel

The CCC planted South Hill’s red pine and Norway spruce in the late 1930s. That history should not be assigned to every tree in the forest. #Cre8Travel

An 1875 atlas records homes on land now at South Hill. A former-site reference is not a guarantee of visible foundations or surviving buildings. #Cre8Travel

South Hill’s in-forest stream sections do not support trout or other game fish, according to DEC. Let the actual woodland features guide your plan. #Cre8Travel

Hashtags

1. #Cre8Travel
2. #SouthHillStateForest
3. #NewYorkNature
4. #HikingAdventures
5. #Birdwatching
6. #PrimitiveCamping
7. #HorsebackRiding

Sources & visitor information

• Source — South Hill State Forest