Shindagin Hollow State Forest wilderness guide
State Forest · NY

Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Shindagin Hollow State Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities in a serene forest setting, making it a top destination for nature lovers in New York. With its expansive trails and lush woodland, it's a haven for hikers and mountain bikers.

State Forest5,2204+ Trails

Designation

State Forest

Total Wilderness Area

5,220

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Shindagin Hollow State Forest offers a diverse range of outdoor activities in a serene forest setting, making it a top destination for nature lovers in New York. With its expansive trails and lush woodland, it's a haven for hikers and mountain bikers.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Shindagin Hollow State Forest is a 5,220-acre public forest located in the scenic hills of southwestern Tompkins County, New York. As part of the Finger Lakes region, it offers a varied landscape comprising hardwood forests, streams, and rugged ravines. The forest's ecological richness supports a wide array of flora and fauna, making it an excellent location for wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching. Established for both conservation and recreation, Shindagin Hollow features over 20 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Its history is rooted in the state's efforts to reclaim and manage previously deforested lands, and its thoughtful land stewardship practices now support diverse plant and animal habitats. Key attractions include the Shindagin Hollow Lean-to and several waterfall sites, providing charming spots for picnicking and relaxation. The forest's changing seasons offer different attractions, from vibrant autumn foliage to summer hiking adventures and winter snow sports.

Field Guide · State Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Shindagin Hollow Lean-to✦ Abundant wildlife, including rich bird populations✦ Scenic waterfalls and streams✦ Extensive mountain biking trails
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Shindagin Hollow State Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Shindagin Hollow Camp Area

Located within the forest, this site offers a no-frills camping experience perfect for seasoned campers who enjoy solitude.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Dryden, New York
⌖ 11.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dryden, New York

Dryden, NY is a peaceful Finger Lakes town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing amid quiet forests and lakes. It’s a great base for exploring natural preserves and enjoying seasonal outdoor adventures.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Ithaca, New York
⌖ 13.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca offers an outdoor paradise with spectacular waterfalls, serene lakes, and lush trails. Ideal for hiking, kayaking, or simply enjoying nature's finest, it's a prime Finger Lakes attraction.

Spring and Summer
Explore Town
Owego, New York
⌖ 15.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Owego, New York

Owego offers peaceful outdoor activities amidst scenic river views and quiet trails. Enjoy paddling, fishing, biking, and seasonal snow sports in this low-key Southern Tier town.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Whitney Point, New York
⌖ 15.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitney Point, New York

Whitney Point, NY offers peaceful paddling, fishing, and hiking opportunities along the Susquehanna River and Whitney Point Lake. Ideal for travelers seeking quiet nature escapes year-round with a focus on water and wildlife adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Newfield, New York
⌖ 16.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newfield, New York

Newfield, NY offers peaceful outdoor adventures with hiking, fishing, and paddling amid lush forests and creeks. Its proximity to Robert H. Treman State Park makes it a great spot for nature lovers seeking quiet escapes year-round.

Spring through Fall for most activities; Winter for snowshoeing
Explore Town
Apalachin, New York
⌖ 18.86 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Apalachin, New York

Apalachin, New York, offers calm river paddling, quiet hiking trails, and rewarding fishing opportunities along the Susquehanna River. This small town is the perfect low-key base for outdoor adventurers seeking peaceful nature escapes.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Shindagin Hollow State Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Ithaca at Golden Hour: A Cayuga Lake Sunset by Discover Cayuga Lake
ADVEXPEDITION
Ithaca, New York
Boat TourADV Bookable

Ithaca at Golden Hour: A Cayuga Lake Sunset by Discover Cayuga Lake

A 1.5-hour evening cruise with light narration and informal crew commentary that follows a course designed to showcase Cayuga Lake's sunset while passing historic cottage communities and unique natural areas.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
One Hour on Cayuga: A brisk, family-friendly paddle from Myers Park
ADVEXPEDITION
Lansing, New York
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

One Hour on Cayuga: A brisk, family-friendly paddle from Myers Park

A focused, self-guided one-hour rental from Paddle-N-More that equips beginners and families with life jackets, a safety briefing, and route suggestions so you can get on the water quickly and confidently.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Taughannock — Eight Hours on the Water with Paddle‑N‑More
ADVEXPEDITION
Ulysses, New York
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Taughannock — Eight Hours on the Water with Paddle‑N‑More

An eight-hour rental of single and tandem kayaks or paddleboards in Ulysses; this guide outlines booking, onsite logistics and the operator’s policies so you can focus on the water.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Nightfall on Cayuga: Myers Park Stargazing by Kayak
ADVEXPEDITION
Lansing, New York
Guided TourADV Bookable

Nightfall on Cayuga: Myers Park Stargazing by Kayak

A two-hour guided paddling tour on Cayuga Lake led by American Canoe Association–trained guides; this guide explains logistics, meeting points, and what to bring so you arrive ready.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Stewart — Two Hours of Ready-to-Go Kayaks and SUPs
ADVEXPEDITION
Ithaca, New York
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Stewart — Two Hours of Ready-to-Go Kayaks and SUPs

Two-hour rentals of single and tandem kayaks and paddleboards from Paddle-N-More, launching from 71 Stewart Park; this guide explains reservations, operator policies, and what to expect on the water.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip