Home ⎟ Hikes & Wanderings ⎟ New York ⎟Hudson Valley⎟ Sterling Lake Trail

Distance: 4.5 miles

Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Elevation Gain: 300 feet

Dog-Friendly: Yes.

Trailhead Directions: Take the NYS Thruway to exit 15A and go north for 1.4 miles, then veer right at first exit for Sterling Mine Road. Continue 2.9 miles and turn right onto Long Meadow Road. Go 4.2 miles and turn left on Old Forge Road.

Hike Directions: From facing the Sterling Forest Visitor’s Center and Lake, follow the BLUE BLAZED Sterling Lake Trail to the RIGHT, Old Forge Road and into the woods to your RIGHT. In 0.52 miles from the parking lot, the trail will cross Old Forge Road again, this time into the woods on the other side of the road. Continue following the BLUE BLAZES as you ascend into the woods, leveling off to flat relatively quickly.  1.28 miles from Old Forge Road you’ll reach an intersection with the YELLOW BLAZED Sterling Valley Loop, keep to your LEFT as you sharply turn to continue following the BLUE BLAZES for the entire loop around Sterling Lake, enjoying a beautiful beach, great scenery, and lots of secluded spots to pass the day away.

Scenery: 7/10