If you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic hike in New York, you might want to check out the Sterling Lake Loop Trail in Sterling Forest State Park. This 4-mile loop trail circles around the beautiful Sterling Lake, offering views of the water, the surrounding hills, and some historical remnants of the former iron mining industry. The trail is mostly easy, with some moderate sections on the east side of the lake, and is well-marked with dark blue blazes. Here’s what you can expect from this hike:
Getting There
The trailhead is located at the park visitor center, which is about an hour drive from New York City. You can also take public transportation by taking the NJ Transit train to Tuxedo Station and then taking a short taxi ride to the park. The visitor center has restrooms, water fountains, maps, and exhibits about the history and ecology of the park. There is also a large parking lot and a picnic area nearby.
The Hike
From the visitor center, follow the blue-blazed Sterling Lake Loop Trail to the right, across a grassy field and along the paved entrance road. Soon, you’ll reach a wooden bridge over a stream, where you’ll see a sign for the trail. Turn right and follow the trail as it hugs the shore of Sterling Lake. You’ll pass by several viewpoints of the lake, as well as some benches and fishing spots.
About 1.5 miles into the hike, you’ll reach the south end of the lake, where you’ll see a large stone building on your left. This is the remains of the Sterling Furnace, which was built in 1751 and operated until 1804. The furnace produced iron from ore mined in the area, and supplied cannonballs for the Revolutionary War. You can explore the ruins of the furnace and read some interpretive signs about its history.
Continuing on the trail, you’ll cross a causeway that connects two parts of the lake. This is a good spot to take some photos of the lake and the furnace. After crossing the causeway, you’ll enter a more wooded and hilly section of the trail, which is also more rocky and muddy. This is the most challenging part of the hike, but it’s not too difficult if you watch your step.
The trail will gradually descend back to the lake level, where you’ll see another causeway on your right. This one is often flooded, so you might want to avoid it unless you have waterproof boots or don’t mind getting wet. Instead, you can continue on the main trail, which will loop around the north end of the lake and bring you back to the visitor center.
The End
The hike should take you about 2.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each point of interest. You can also extend your hike by exploring some of the other trails in the park, such as the Fire Tower Trail or the Bare Rock Trail. Or, you can just relax at the picnic area or browse through the visitor center.
The Sterling Lake Loop Trail is a great hike for anyone who wants to enjoy nature and history in a peaceful setting. It’s suitable for hikers of all levels and seasons, although it might be more crowded on weekends and holidays. If you’re looking for a fun and easy day trip from New York City, this hike might be just what you need.