Route: Sterling Forest Loop

The official website for Sterling Forest State Park describes the park as a “nearly pristine natural refuge amidst one of the nation’s most densely populated areas.” It is home to many lakes and ridges that provide great views of northern New Jersey and southern New York.

There are a few different variations of this lollipop loop on All Trails and Trail Run Project but I believe this version provides the best views. It begins at the trailhead sign next to the visitor center (parking across the road) and continues along Sterling Lake and past some iron mining ruins before heading up onto Sterling Ridge. After a couple miles you are rewarded with great views of Greenwood Lake and the ridge beyond, where the Appalachian Trail is located. Later on you pass the Sterling Forest Fire Tower and see more great views from Sterling Ridge. This loop is very busy on weekends and is surprisingly technical. You will likely have to use your hands on one or two of the scrambles.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/new-york/bare-rock-trail-and-sterling-ridge-trail-loop

https://parks.ny.gov/parks/sterlingforest/details.aspx

https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/SterlingForestTrailMap.pdf