Highlight Hiker Blog
April 23, 2022
Sterling Forest
Sterling Lake Loop
hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing
The kid decided to try hiking more earnestly. I had always taken my children on hikes when they were younger, but neither of them seemed to catch the bug the way I did. But the second kid wondered, ‘What’s this all about?’ and let the curiosity take hold and off we went!
Whenever I hike with someone, I always let them choose the trail. Since my goal is to hike all of them, I figure it’s better to let someone choose what interests them. I can do the others on my own without fuss or fault. So it was decided that FLAT was the determining factor. And the only place I know where it’ll be flat is around a lake. So without further ado, we set off for Sterling Lake. It was my first time hiking in the central portion of Sterling Forest, and it really surprised me. The trail is wide and very well worn, the history is fascinating, with residential areas so close to the park boundary you think they are part of the park itself (are they…?). We enjoyed talking, and the views, and passing other hikers and saying hello. We made up funny stories about how the buildings nearby are actually government agencies that create superheroes who fly and swim and otherwise fight crime. And we did all of this between rain and sunset.
I discovered that the kid is very quick at ascending but not very quick at descents. Whereas I am slow ascending and very quick with descents. This basically means that no matter how we might get separated, we always end up together.
Awww. Isn’t that sweet?
But enough of that…. the Sterling Lake Loop is very nice. Springtime means bug time, and the muddy sections were wet and goopy, so plan accordingly. I imagine in the summer it will be sunny & exposed so bring sunscreen. And in the winter it will be windblown, so bundle up. All those good seasonal things.
This loop is a really nice introduction to Sterling Forest, but don’t expect the majority of its trails to be this wide, this scenic and this historic. If you’re looking for something specific other than FLAT, this park seems to have a hike for you. There are likewise lots of mountain biking trails, but a word to the wise mountain biker: plan your route in advance. The trails where you are allowed and are not allowed intertwine and the signage is small so you may not see it as you whiz past.
If you like beavers, there is a lot of evidence of beaver activity: gnawed tree trunks, beaver dens, etc. I imagine at the right time of day you could stand to get some decent photographs if you are patient and willing!
Sterling Forest
Sterling Lake Loop
We started hiking where most people start: at the Visitors Center. The center was closed when we arrived, however.
Still, we decided to hike in a clockwise direction around the lake, beginning with the historical mining section.
Nice little footbridge to take you over a creek.
This creek helped to power the blast furnace that was used to create part of the chain that stretched across the Hudson River at West Point during the Revolutionary War.
It is not the only site in this region that mined for Iron Ore to help make that chain but it is a key place.
Sterling Lake
There is a lot to learn here at Sterling Lake but be careful of the property lines! People reside here and they don't want you traipsing on their property!
The trail quickly catches up with the road, where it will stay for a little while.
The mountain biking trail stays on the road and does not directly connect to the Visitor Center,
Looking up the road you catch your next glimpse of mining history.
There is a lot of history here and you can learn more about the mining operations that took place here on the Sterling Mine Loop.
The Sterling Mine Loop is marked with these awesome blazes!
Plenty to see and photograph here
Some structure still stand, but it is impossible (and dangerous) to go within them.
The ruins are all that remains of a bygone era of mining iron ore.
Mining Ruins
Mining Ruins
Mining Ruins
Mining Ruins
Mining Ruins
Moving on from the mining trail and ruins, we started our loop around Sterling Lake.
The paved road only exists on this side of the loop - the rest of hardpacked, wide woods road or single track.
The little drainage way on the side of the trail produced mosquitos. Lots of 'em.
The trail is easy and mostly flat
We passed a few waterways that emptied into Sterling Lake.
Many other trails connected to the Sterling Lake loop.
I liked the alligator dude.
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Juneberry (I think)
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
The north end of Sterling Lake
Looking south onto Sterling Lake
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Beaver evidence!
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Tall trees along Sterling Lake Loop
The northernmost point of the loop trail
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
This area was quite middy in the spring. A short section of the trail was slick with deep, squishy mud and water. It was not easy to dodge it.
Swampy
This area was quite middy in the spring. A short section of the trail was slick with deep, squishy mud and water. It was not easy to dodge it.
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop
Sterling Lake loop