Shindagin Hollow State Forest - Caroline, NY - Public Access Lands on Waymarking.com

"Early settlers and Revolutionary War Veterans referred to the area as "Dark Forest" because the forest was so dense that only small traces of light penetrated through the canopy. However, the new settlers had many superstitions involving forests, and they had little or no experience in producing forest goods. They therefore decided to clear the area almost entirely for use as farmland...Soils on area hilltops, however, have major limitations for intensive crop production, including a seasonally high water table, low fertility, moderate to high acidity and steep slopes. Early farmers quickly learned that the combination of long, harsh winters and thin, fine textured upland soils would not support intensive agriculture...State of New York began acquiring property for reforestation during the 1930's under the auspices of the State Reforestation Law of 1929 and the Hewitt Amendment of 1931. These laws allowed the Conservation Department to acquire land, by gift or purchase, for reforestation. Properties had to be a minimum of 500 acres of contiguous land."

Estimated size of the public land (in regional measurement standard: hectares, acres, kms, etc.): 5266 acres Is there a trail system?: Yes If there is a trail system, please describe length, terrain, etc.: "The Finger Lakes Hiking Trail (FLT) (leaves DEC website) crosses the forest providing a well marked hiking trail in a forest setting. About 5.7 miles of the FLT is on Shindagin Hollow State Forest and is maintained through an Volunteer Stewardship Agreement with the Cayuga Trails Club and the Finger Lakes Trails Conference. Hiking is allowed anywhere on the property unless posted otherwise." "There are several recreational trails that offer explorers a one-of-a-kind experience when visiting this forest...Sixteen miles of mountain bike trails are maintained through a DEC Volunteer Stewardship Agreement with Cycle-CNY, an International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) affiliated club." What points of interest are there?: The trails themselves are the draw, the mountain biking trails and the Finger Lakes Trail are maintained by volunteer groups. What activities are available?: mountain biking, hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, bird watching, nature viewing, and primitive camping. List of known hazards (cliffs, snakes, poison plants, etc.): ticks are the greatest hazard. Dogs Allowed?: Yes Is a permit/fee required?: No Please supply the website of the land if available: [Web Link] Hours of accessibility?: Not listed If a permit/fee is required please describe in detail how to get one, how much, etc.: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Visitors are encouraged to supply a picture of either themselves or their GPS at the trailhead and/or signage of the public access lands - describe your experience there and what you saw - tell us why other folks should come visit!

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