Sterling Forest State Park is comprised of over 20,000 acres in New York and New Jersey. Home to 18.2 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the park hosts over 10 blazed trails.
My favorite, so far, is the Sterling Lake loop. This trail circles the lake itself and provides an almost continual panoramic view of the lake for most of its 4.2 miles.
Beginning at the visitor's center, catch the blue blaze trail heading westward, passing the foundation of the old church. The path leads into the wooded area and grassy field before crossing a footbridge near remains of the Sterling Furnace (just a side trip to the left, it was built in the 1700's, restored in the 1950's). The wooded trail ends at West Sterling Lake Road, turn right and follow the road, passing the remnants of the former ironworks on the left. The road briefly follows the lake shore offering some beautiful photo opportunities (watch out for snakes!). The trail bears right and enters a junction with the red triangle-blazed Tower Connector and the orange-blazed Rock Trail (careful here, stick to the blue blaze), then follows closely to the lake shore for less than half a mile. The trail passes a former boat launch ramp, then climbs over a rise, the descent leads to a sandy beach with a broad view of the lake.
The trail turns sharply to the right (very sharply, I didn't turn and followed the Sterling Valley Trail for more than a mile) and heads south, with the lake on the right. It then turns left onto a footpath and descends to cross Old Forge Road. It crosses a wetland (take camera out now), then continues along a dirt road.
The trail then turns off of Old Forge Road and continues along a footpath back to the visitor's center.
The trail is well maintained and my hike crossed the path of rangers several times. The trail is a year-round hike, but since hunting is permitted during season, wear your orange hat and vest while late year hiking.
Sterling Forest State Park is easy to find. Take Route 287 to exit 15A (route 17). Route 17N to Sterling Mine Road. Exit right and go over highway and continue on Sterling Mine Road. Make right onto Long Meadow Road then left on Sterling Lake Road, follow signs to Visitor's Center. For more information: Sterling Forest State Park, 116 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987. (845) 351-5907.
Be sure to stop in at the visitor's center and check out their displays. Photocopied trail maps are also available as well as restrooms (!).
3 comments:
Your descriptions are beautiful and leave me wanting more....... hope to be invited on some of these hikes but will have to start walking on the old treadmill to get in minimal shape.
Love ya please write more.
You name the time and place, Sister, and I'm there! Good to have you, enjoy!
BTW, I believe the visitor's center sells the bright orange hat for those in need of one.
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