Shindagin Hollow State Forest
Location
The Shindagin Hollow State Forest is located in the southern portion of the Town of Caroline in Tompkins County and in the northern portion in the Town of Candor in Tioga County. Topographical map.
History
Shindagin (Shin-dA-Gen) Hollow is thought to have been settled by transplanted New Yorkers from Ulster County. One of the towns in that county is called Shandaken. It is believed that a corruption of that word--an Iroquois word meaning "rapid waters"--became the name Shindagin.
Habitat
The forest is 4,771 acres of a mixture of trees--especially hemlock, beech, maple, oak, and white pine--and understory vegetation. The land is hilly with many small creeks and streams that run south, draining eventually into the Susquehanna River. The forest is a good representation of present-day upland forest habitat. If you're diligent and look hard, you can find a wide variety of ferns and fungi with some orchids.
Wildlife
The forest is home to many of the animals native to the Finger Lakes. Some of the most interesting are the black bear, the black rat snake, the wood turtle, and the goshawk. Although you may not see these, you are likely to see gray and red squirrels, white-tail deer, turkeys, red foxes, chipmunks, and many other animals.
Activities
Hiking is very popular in the forest, which is bisected by the Finger Lakes Trail (map M-18). Shindagin Lean-to is available to provide shelter. Birding, photography,  and mountaining biking are also popular. (ATVs are not allowed in the forest.) If you're not up for log jumping or have a hybrid bike, try some of the nice dirt roads that run through the forest.
Winter in Shindagin Hollow means snow, even when there is no snow elsewhere. The southern part of the forest on Shindagin Hollow Road, which is not plowed in the winter, is considered by some to be the premier cross-country skiing spot in the area and can keep its snow well into spring as the forest is shaded and cooler than more open spots. You'll also find many people who like to snowshoe or hike through the deep snow.
The forest is easy to access as many roads run through it. There are no designated parking places, but some of the better ones are listed below. Find these spots on the topographical map of the area.
Popular Parking Places
For access to the hiking trail (FLT): Park on Braley Hill, Shindagin Hollow, or South roads near where the trail crosses these roads.
 For access to cross-country skiing: Enter the forest from the south (Town of Candor in Tioga County). Turn off State Route 96B onto Prospect Valley Road. When you pass Hurd Hill Road and see a sign indicating that the road is seasonally maintained, turn around and park on the right side of the road, facing the way you came. Ski on the seasonally maintained part of the road, which is called Shindagin Hollow.
For access to the mountain biking trails: Park on Braley Hill Road where the forest trail crosses the road. You may also park in other available parking spots and ride on the roads.
For access to camping spots: You may camp throughout the forest, but the best spots are at the lean-to off Shindagin Hollow Road or at the many spots along Bald Hill School Road. You will need to bring your own water.
For access to wildflowers: The best spot is along the southern portion of Shindagin Hollow Road, following the same directions as for cross-country skiing, above.
Words to the Wise
1. The Scots may have midges, but we have six species of black fly and two types of deer fly, all of which bite. They especially like the face and arms, so take whatever precautions you feel necessary.
2. In the beginning of July the temperature can be 70°F/21°C with 70% humidity. The humidity can be oppressive. Make sure you bring plenty of water.
3. Because of the hills, cell/mobile phones generally don't work in the forest.
4. Although fleas and ticks are few and far between, if you wear shorts, tall socks would be a good thing to wear.
5. A hat would also be nice.
6. So would a compass or GPS.
7. Please don't allow your dog to roam or chase wildlife.
8. Most baby animals that seem to be abandoned are not. Leave them where they are.
9. You are allowed to camp in state forests, but if you plan to stay longer than three nights or are a group, you must have a permit from the regional office of the Department of Environmental Conservation.
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