If you’re looking for a great outdoor adventure in the New York area, you might want to check out Sterling Forest State Park, a beautiful natural refuge in the heart of the Ramapo Mountains. This park is one of the largest additions to the state park system in the last 50 years, and it has a rich history of mining, conservation, and recreation.

In this post, we’ll share with you our experience of visiting Sterling Forest State Park, and give you some tips on how to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, wildlife, or history, you’ll find something to love at this park.

How to get there

Sterling Forest State Park is located in Orange County, New York, about an hour drive from New York City. You can also take public transportation from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Tuxedo Park Station, and then walk or bike to the park entrance. The park is open all year round, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The admission is free, but there are fees for some activities such as fishing and hunting.

What to do

Sterling Forest State Park offers a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels. Here are some of the things you can do at the park:

– Hiking: The park has over 60 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging. You can enjoy the scenic views of Sterling Lake and Greenwood Lake, explore the historic iron mines and furnaces, or discover the diverse flora and fauna of the forest. Some of the popular trails are:

    – Sterling Lake Loop Trail (4 miles): A moderate trail that circles around Sterling Lake, passing by the visitor center, the ironworks ruins, and a fire tower.

    – Bare Rock Trail (6.7 miles): A strenuous trail that climbs up to Bare Rock Vista, where you can see panoramic views of Greenwood Lake and the surrounding mountains.

    – Firefly Trail (1.5 miles): An easy trail that leads to a wetland area where you can spot northern cricket frogs and other amphibians.

– Fishing: The park has two lakes and several streams where you can fish for trout, bass, perch, and other species. You need a valid New York State fishing license and a Sterling Forest fishing permit to fish at the park. You can get the permit at the visitor center or online.

– Biking: You can bike on some of the park’s trails, such as the Sterling Ridge Trail and the McKeages Meadow Trail. You need to wear a helmet and follow the rules of the trail. Bikes are not allowed on some trails or areas, such as the visitor center or the fire tower.

– Horseback riding: You can ride your horse on some of the park’s trails, such as the Sterling Ridge Trail and the Fire Tower Road. You need a Sterling Forest horseback riding permit to ride at the park. You can get the permit at the visitor center or online.

– Hunting: You can hunt for deer, turkey, bear, and small game at designated areas of the park during certain seasons. You need a valid New York State hunting license and a Sterling Forest hunting permit to hunt at the park. You can get the permit at the visitor center or online.

– Snowshoeing/X-Country Skiing: You can snowshoe or ski on some of the park’s trails when there is enough snow cover. You need to bring your own equipment and follow the rules of the trail.

What to see

Sterling Forest State Park is not only a place for recreation, but also for education and appreciation of nature and history. Here are some of the things you can see at the park:

– Visitor Center: The US Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor Center is a must-see when you visit the park. It overlooks Sterling Lake and features exhibits about the local environment and history. You can also watch a short film about the park’s conservation story, browse through the gift shop, or join a guided tour or program.

– Wildlife: The park is home to many resident and migratory species of animals, such as black bears, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, deer, beavers, otters, turtles, snakes, frogs, salamanders, hawks, eagles, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, thrushes, sparrows, butterflies, dragonflies,and more. You can observe them in their natural habitats or learn more about them at the visitor center.

– Plants: The park has a diverse and rich vegetation, ranging from hardwood forests to wetlands to meadows. You can find over 600 species of plants, including some rare and endangered ones, such as the swamp pink, the American chestnut, the leatherwood, and the dwarf ginseng. You can admire them along the trails or learn more about them at the visitor center.

– History: The park has a long and fascinating history of mining, industry, and preservation. You can see the remnants of the Sterling Iron Works, which operated from the 1700s to the 1920s, and produced iron ore, pig iron, cannons, chains, and other products. You can also learn about the people who worked and lived in the area, such as the Native Americans, the colonists, the miners, the ironmasters, and the conservationists.

Tips and tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to make your visit to Sterling Forest State Park more enjoyable and safe:

– Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast, trail conditions, and park events before you go. Pack enough water, food, clothing, and gear for your activities. Leave no trace of your visit and respect the park’s rules and regulations.

– Stay on the trail: Follow the marked trails and signs and do not wander off or create new paths. This will protect you from getting lost or injured, as well as protect the park’s resources and wildlife.

– Be aware of your surroundings: Watch out for hazards such as poison ivy, ticks, snakes, bees, wasps, and bears. Do not feed or approach any animals. Keep your distance and make noise to avoid surprising them. If you encounter a bear, do not run or scream. Back away slowly and make yourself look big.

– Have fun: Enjoy the beauty and wonder of Sterling Forest State Park. Take pictures, make memories, and share your experience with others.

We hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you have visited Sterling Forest State Park before, we’d love to hear your stories and tips as well.

Happy trails!