Sterling Pond Trail

The Sterling Pond trail is one of the top destination hikes in the Northeast. This trail is a must hike if you're in the area as the pay-off you get at the end of the trail is amazing! This is a much more difficult hike than we thought as it took a little over two hours round trip. The trail is very rocky, so keep in mind that you'll need a good set of hiking shoes for this one.

Difficult trail, very steep in places with slick rocks and mud. Be aware that elevation gain is around 1k ft per mile. Be in decent shape if you will attempt and bring water. Go in the evening and you have less of a crowd and a better chance at parking. Allow 1 1/2-2 hrs to complete roundtrip. Wear bug repellent.

I haven't been hiking much recently so this was definitely a difficult trail for me, but it was super rewarding making it to the top and following the long trail for a few yards to the pond.

It was super pretty at the top, pretty windy too, and you are right next to a ski slope which is really cool to explore.

There weren't any bugs in the spring when I went but there were definitely lots of people. I would recommend bringing water and as it gets warmer bug spray will probably be necessary too.

4.29.23 It was a chilly and cloudy start with some patches of snow, some slippery wet spots. The trail was well marked and we met many great hikers along the way. And the views were amazing especially the pond area.

it's definitely a difficult one for beginners. There are a few spots where you need to go on all fours. Some damp / wet areas even on a dry summer day. no mosquitos though (grateful). It's roughly 3km one way, took us about 1.5hr to get to the top. At the end, the lake was stunning, the view was worth everything.

Loved this trail. I have seen it called moderate and difficult. Yes, it is moderately difficult. There are some slippery parts and some challenging rocks to traverse, but well worth it. Great workout! Some suggestions: bring/find a walking stick, especially for the way down; wear hiking boots; use bug spray or wear a hat with a net if you get annoyed with bugs CONTANTLY buzzing your ears/eyes; after checking out the pond, take the long trail south pathway which takes you to an overlook as well as the top of a ski slope where there are amazing views! Enjoy!

Great trail, especially if connected with Elephanthead Trail for a loop around the Pond and to the top of Spruce Peak.

Took us 45 min to hike up to the lake (we're fit and experienced hikers). Beautiful views and adventurous hike. Exactly how I like it.

You have to be fit to do this one.

Bring water, some nutritious snacks and enjoy!

This is a terrific hike. It's only just over a mile each way, but it's steep, with stone steps in many places. The pond at the top is beautiful, and is the highest trout pond in New England.

The views were beautiful! Definitely worth the hike. You can see Stowe, Smugglers notch, sterling pond and a phenomenal view of mt Mansfield

I love nature and the easy walking of it is this place. Not stroller friendly, but you can use a baby carrier to enjoy it if you have a toddler or baby. Fantastic to spend quality family time

A great Trail! Difficult, not necessarily for beginners, old people, or very young kids. Some hiking experience is better. Make sure you have water, and jt is VERY slippery when wet! So be careful if it's rainy. Fun trail to hike because of all the rocks, of which there are many!

My husband and I just completed this trail with our 2 year old and 6 month old. I used the Osprey Poco Plus carrier and my husband used the Trail Magik carrier for our 2 year old when needed. It was a great family hike with a nice view of the pond at the top, nice and refreshing to dip your feet or swim.

A local favorite. A moderate-to-advanced trail due to the very steep terrain. Be advised the trail is very rocky, often wet, and if wet the rocks can be very slippery. Take a left at the end of the trail intersecting with the Long Trail to relax at Sterling Pond.

A beautiful but steep, moderately difficult to difficult, mainly rocky with often water flowing between the rocks you are walking over. It is 2.3 miles to the pond and 3.8 miles if you go around the pond.
There is a small parking lot across the street at the head of the trail with small manned information office. Parking is free.

A beautiful place to hike. Can get very crowded on the weekends and in the afternoon. Parking can be difficult, so prepare accordingly. Overall, a good hike, the kids had no problems and were ready for some more!

We have a blast with Emmett where ever we go we just love being outdoors this is fun place trail is for family who hikes it’s spring so where appropriate shoes! We had our dog it was fine& fun super gorgeous out

Worth the thousand foot elevation gain in just over a mile in order to see this beautiful pond. Crystal clear and refreshing.

This was such a great hike! I would say this is moderate. We really enjoyed the beautiful views despite it being foggy the day we fogged. Sadly we did not get to see much of the pond 2/2 fog, but still pretty. I would recommend!

Short hike but some areas are steep and/slick.