Hiking in Cortland County

Taylor Valley

The 4638 acre Taylor Valley State Forest was formerly known as Seacord Hill and is located in the towns of Cuyler, Solon, Taylor, and Truxton in the middle of Cortland County. It is a popular area for family based recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, bird watching, nature viewing, picnicking and camping. There is a large pavilion with picnic tables off Taylor Valley Rd.

History

Taylor Valley State Forest was purchased by the state between 1931 and 1967 with an additional purchase in 1977. One of the unique characteristics of this state forest is that it includes a valley that was carved out by glacial movement thousands of years ago.

During the 1930's, the Roosevelt Administration, under the State Reforestation Act and the Hewitt Amendment, made it possible for hundreds of young men to have jobs working on the reforestation of many unproductive and abandoned farms.

Through the hard work and great effort of the Civilian Conservation Corps, many thousands of tree seedlings were planted on land that once was used for agricultural purposes. Most of New York's state forests were developed in this way, and it is rumored that the Truxton CCC Camp S-118 was originally located in the spot that the Cheningo Day Use Area now occupies, a popular attraction at Taylor Valley State Forest. The day use area includes a few primitive camping sites available.

While in the area check out Alice's Dowry Bed & Breakfast in Cincinnatus.

Field Notes

The Taylor Valley landscape is woven together with a mix of northern hardwoods, conifers and hemlock. The wildlife and plants on both sides of the valley are quite abundant, and a large wetland complex located in the area only adds to the variety of available habitats, allowing for a rich and diverse collection of species.

The Cheningo Day Use Area is also located in the forest and provides many users with a rustic environment in which they may experience the joys of camping, picnicking, and getting back in touch with nature. A dirt road across Taylor Valley Rd from the picnic pavilion circles around giving access to primitive campsites.

Camping is free in this state forest as it is in most other state forests with the same rules as other state lands from the DEC which include camping allowed anywhere in the forest as long as you are at least 150 feet from any road, trail or water. The best camping spots are across from the pavilion along the circle dirt road.

Picnic Pavilion in Taylor Valley State Forest

Trails

Taylor Valley has snowmobile trails, as well as a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail / North Country National Scenic Trail that travels through its boundaries.

***Stay Safe- Bring A Friend When Out on the Trails***

Directions

Taylor Valley State Forest may be accessed by taking NY 41 toward Solon. Turn onto Telephone Road. Turn left onto Kiwanis Road, and another immediate left onto the Mt. Roderick Public Forest Access Road to access the western portion of the forest. Continue down Telephone Road to Hawley Woods Road, and then finally turn left onto Taylor Valley Road to access the eastern portion of the forest.

Cheningo Creek Loop Seacord Hill Loop Mount Roderick Loop

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Cheningo Creek Loop	Seacord Hill Loop	Mount Roderick Loop
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