The scenery is dense forest, with Vermonts many species of trees and lush understory plants on display, along with the granite rock formations and trickling streams that are so abundant in these mountains. Well trafficked trail, nice view of the pond and panorama of peaks close. Short but strenuous route from the top of the gondola to the summit of Mount Mansfield. The view at the top isnt anything special, though the pond is really pretty and a nice place to relax after the hike itself. The trail was wet, although it hadnt rained, so it can be a little slippery. From there, youll get an elevated view over Smugglers Notch and across to Mount Mansfield. Sterling Pond is a big draw for families and kids so the beach area is crowded. Nothing I hadn't done before, but still a lousy way to start the day. Except when you are closer to the falls where you need to hike down some steepness. Be prepared for bugs once you get near the pond! But pretty! You are now at the pond. difficult hike made more difficult by the slippery conditions. Wet, mossy rock hidden under newly dropped leaves made some spots tough hiking. Great! Early on, you can expect quite a few stairs along the way. Not terribly fun. The easiest route to the summit of Mount Mansfield. Naturally, the rain immediately doubled in intensity. Some great views once you get to the top. Great! The actual trails are Sterling Pond Trail, Long Trail and then a road walk, Route 108. Steel with lots of stairs but worth it to get to the pond! Long Trail North to Sterling Pond. Conditions are very wet currently so especially descending feels a bit dangerous. However, once I saw the topo map, we knew the trail is actually a combination of trails including a 2 mile road walk. Heavy going at the top near Spruce Peak, snow was very deep in places on the last Long Trail segments before hitting the peak. Very challenging and slippery as it was still damp from the day before and the fallen leaves didnt help, but gorgeous views around the pond! Oct 26- very muddy, slippery & wet leaves, but a beautiful hike, mossy woods and a nice pond to eat lunch :) up + down trail. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. The 2.5-mile round-trip trail climbs steeply up the flanks of Spruce Peak, ending at a picturesque pond near the summit. Calculations based on: The Green Mountain Club, Inc., Waterproof Hiking Map, 5th Edition, Copyright 2015, Waterbury Ctr, VT, (802) 244-7037. Wet rock with moss coating was challenging. http://vtstateparks.blogspot.com/2013/07/sterling-pond-hike-stowe-vt.html, Mount Mansfield Summit from Auto Toll Road, The Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Stowe, Vermont, Stowe, Vermont's Very Best Hikes for Summer and Fall, Hiking Mount Mansfield: Vermont's Highest Peak, 10 of the Best Day Hikes in the Appalachian Mountains. The trail is fairly steep, which is in line with the description. If using this trail, this trail map is okay, just be aware, it is NOT all on the LT. And, be aware, if you ask a local what the Smuggler's Notch Trail is, they likely will not have a clue what you are talking about, as this loop is not called that. Steep on the way up but manageable, worth it for the view of the pond. Next time, I'll stick to just Sterling Pond. It takes you to deep and dense bushes where some trail markers are hard to locate! Then take the last stretch of the sterling pond trail which will lead you straight towards the parking. From there, you'll get an elevated view over Smugglers Notch and across to Mount Mansfield. The snow-covered trees everywhere made for some beautiful scenery. However, once I saw the topo map, we knew the trail is actually a combination of trails including a 2 mile road walk. The morning's hike started off with a not terrible, but still rugged and slow, downhill into Smugglers Notch, in light rain. Like another reviewer said below, if you park near the sterling pond trailhead and then walk down the notch road about 2 miles, youll hop on the Barnes Camp loop trail, go left at the first fork to cross the river, then go steeply up about a third of a mile until you intersect the long trail. More. Popular hike to a large pond near the top of a mountain. Definitely doable. https://www.vtcng.com/thingstodo/outdoors/sterling-pond-hike/articlea1335e4c-af5d-5d42-a98c-9008ea8b653a.html. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Really nice loop, though way more crowded on the sterling pond side than I expected. No great views. To me, most of the pay off of this hike is Sterling Pond, which is a fun, short hike. Definitely stop at the top of spruce peak and also check out the view from elephants head off the long trail. But a gorgeous hike and the pond was beautiful in the early morning light! finishing on the road for 1.4 miles uphill was a bit of a bummer as well - not great hiking in the street. Eventually, the rain did stop, and seizing the opportunity, I took off down the trail, hoping to make it to the next shelter before the rain resumed. They quickly said AllTrails said there was. . Nice hike, we met some cool hikers and then did Camels jump the next day. The pond not really worth it, though: mosquitoes, mud, and the pond is really not much. It is quiet till the sterling pond trail connects to the long trail then you would meet a lot of hikers. At the This trail is great for birding, hiking, and skiing, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 1.3 to 1.5 miles one way, however, you do gain about 1,000 feet in that time making it a short but steep hike. However, this place gets super busy around noon. The trek is nice. So pretty! Great hike! Good workout for all levels and ages of hikers, No conditions reported in the past 7 days. This reroute of the LT adds distance (about 1 mile) to this hike is following the LT. We met a group via Meetup and enjoyed seeing a new trail through someone else's guide. A 40-foot waterfall and summer swimming holes in a mountain stream. What makes this trail popular is that it is located very close to the touristy town of Stowe. Some great views once you get to the top. Idelic mountain lake. This trail is on the high end of moderate. finishing on the road for 1.4 miles uphill was a bit of a bummer as well - not great hiking in the street. Starting off directly. The first third is particularly steep, with tall, stone steps making much of the trail. After the roughly 1500 foot descent, I reached the trailhead at VT 108 to a pleasant surprise: a pavilion tent next to the parking lot. Distance: 3-miles round trip (from the upper parking area) Skill: Moderate - the trail is only approx. Especially once I realized, an hour into my descent, that I had left my belt back at the shelter. Somewhat steep terrain at some points but nothing crazy. The pond not really worth it, though: mosquitoes, mud, and the pond is really not much. Fun snow to play in! Frequently Asked Questions about Sterling Pond. Elephant Head trail around the pond is ok. For a bonus adventure, consider hiking to the top of nearby Spruce Peak. Shortly after two day-hikers arrived, it started pouring rain; they had been watching the rain clouds from a nearby view, and then made a break for the shelter when the clouds started moving towards them. Be prepared for lots of rock stairs. Its a must-do if you are passing through the area in the summer, or if you spend some time at Stowe and want to check off the classic hikes. There are some steeper parts too. It was dark inside, and the added confusion from the ten Farm and Wilderness girls who were now milling about inside the Lodge caused me to miss it when I was packing up. This is because the winds can blow rain three feet into the shelter, and the unusual design is required to keep hikers dry. Very challenging and slippery as it was still damp from the day before and the fallen leaves didnt help, but gorgeous views around the pond! We recommend coming up Barnes, summit at Spruce peak, and coming down Sterling trail. Nice trail with some terrific views, we met lots of people hiking or skiing on the trail, also three groups of ice climbers in the notch, nice relaxing day in the notch highly recommend. It was a rocky trail and the last declining part of the trail to the pond can be slippery, but it was definitely a nice hike. Share. If you like to fish, you can catch impressive trout in the cold, clear water. long and crosses the open eld on return. Went off trail a bit, but tracks were clear. I am still mesmerized by this beautiful place . If you like a trail which is not at all busy then take this trail! It was tough! Wished I had my snowshoes a couple of times, but I think the crampons worked better for the most part. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. I met just 1 couple who were heading back from where i started! Beautiful hiking up through the woods to Sterling Pond and the top of one of the ski lifts. Its all very well maintained, however, and the angle lessens a bit above the stairs. Moderate but very doable. http://vtstateparks.blogspot.com/2013/07/sterling-pond-hike-stowe-vt.html Climber and Sidewinder were already there, talking with Ted, the director of the Burlington chapter of the GMC. I'm using this trail because its closest to Bingham Falls. They quickly said AllTrails said there was. Climb to one of Mount Mansfields lesser peaks, with an overnight shelter and options for longer loop routes. Nice hike, we met some cool hikers and then did Camels jump the next day. The view at the top isnt anything special, though the pond is really pretty and a nice place to relax after the hike itself. Well apparently they are related but Bingham falls can actually be found about 2 miles down the road. A little under three hours later of steep, rocky, wet climbing, I reached the Sterling Pond Shelter, around 4 pm. So beautiful! Moderate hiking !! Kind of boring. Given the ruggedness of the terrain of late, it was too far and too late to make it to the next shelter. It had rained the night before and we started the hike around 9 and had the pond to ourselves for at least 10 minutes! To me, most of the pay off of this hike is Sterling Pond, which is a fun, short hike. Wished I had my snowshoes a couple of times, but I think the crampons worked better for the most part. This is the first hike I've done that I wish I hadn't. We recommend coming up Barnes, summit at Spruce peak, and coming down Sterling trail. My dog Finn and I cant wait to go back . great challenge. Wet and muddy trail but a lovely hike through the changing leaves. Marco Langford/alltrails This out-and-back trail to Sterling Pond in Vermont is just over two miles long and climbs around 1,000 feet vertically. En route to the pond, where the Sterling Pond Trail joins the Long Trail, both paths share the route of a ski track. Well apparently they are related but Bingham falls can actually be found about 2 miles down the road. Address: Sterling Pond Town: Stowe State: Vermont GPS: Lat 44.55636 Lng -72.77436 Parking notes: There is a parking lot at the pond trailhead just off Mountain Rd (VT-108). Our dogs had a great time. I'm using this trail because its closest to Bingham Falls. Otherwise, the rest of the hike was pretty much just through the woods. Particularly climbing the places where there were ladders or steps. Nice trail with some terrific views, we met lots of people hiking or skiing on the trail, also three groups of ice climbers in the notch, nice relaxing day in the notch highly recommend. This is the first hike I've done that I wish I hadn't. Except when you are closer to the falls where you need to hike down some steepness. Also, a lot of the trail is really narrow, twisting and steep, so snowshoes would have been tough to manage. I landed in the water wrong lololololol but it's absolutely beautiful. Short, family-friendly nature trail with a view of Vermont's tallest mountain and a chance at spotting wildlife. There are some steeper parts too. While I woke up around 6:45, it took me almost two hours to leave Taft Lodge. The hike is easy. Sterling Pond Trail moderate (1802) Smugglers' Notch State Park Photos (1,282) Directions Print/PDF Map Explore this 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Jeffersonville, Vermont. This reroute of the LT adds distance (about 1 mile) to this hike is following the LT. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We were running short on daylight and ended up bailing out down a ski trail rather than looping back to 108 by the sterling trail. Once you get past the main beach of the pond (where most people turn around and go back) its completely empty and gorgeous! Beautiful view at the top, pond is awesome. Reach the summit of Mount Mansfield via three of its most thrilling trails. What hotels are near Sterling Pond? Over the course of the evening, Climber and Sidewinder showed up, as well as three other hikers who decided to stay and a few others who decided to push on. The Farm and Wilderness group from yesterday, arriving around 5 pm, on their scheduled day and three hours earlier than any other recent group, got put in a nearby ski warming hut, much to their delight. Really beautiful trail but lots of steep steps that were wet and slippery. From Route 511, which bisects the middle of Long Pond, the trail heads north into Sterling Forest State Park (NY) and south into Norvin Green State Forest. I did the long trail anti clockwise as i did not want to walk the last mile on road uphill! The trail to Sterling Pond begins across the road from the Smugglers Notch Visitor Center. BTW if you hike in from the Long Trail it'll be a little easier, but longer. Hikes - The most physically demanding and longest in duration, typically 4 to 6 hours. Turn at the sign that says picnic area for less road walking back up the Notch. Apparently, the Farm and Wilderness group I met yesterday was somewhat more organized than other groups from that organization, and she shared a few horror stories that one would think wouldn't happen given F&W has been organizing Long Trail section hikes for 40 years. overall hike was 7.7 miles with around 2,100 feet of climbing as directed, so much longer than advertised. Its best on a warm day when you can enjoy the mountain air and dip your feet in the water, or in the fall when the mountains turn ablaze with color. Awesome hike; not too challenging and only takes a couple of hours at the most. Tomorrow: more mountains, and an 11 mile day to VT 11 and Johnson, VT. Next Entry (VT 15 / Johnson / Nyes Green Valley Farm), VT 15 / Johnson / Nyes Green Valley Farm. Sunset Ridge Trail and Long Trail Loop. Get to know this 6.7-mile out-and-back trail near Stowe, Vermont. Nice 5 hour 10k. I did the long trail anti clockwise as i did not want to walk the last mile on road uphill! A mile into the hike, Sterling Pond Trail meets the Long Trail. Moderate but very doable. Not super well marked clockwise so make sure you are paying attention to markers. Did this today (12/30/2021), and really enjoyed it. Though not on Mt. Microspikes were good for the steep and icy sections going up the long trail. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. difficult hike made more difficult by the slippery conditions. You can hike up the ski track to reach the summit. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 35 min to complete. Stowe-Area Hiking: Sterling Pond via Long Trail Hike Details Skill Level: Moderate View Trail Map Type: Half-day hike Distance: 2.0 - 3.0 miles Time: 2 - 3 hours Climb: 880' Trailhead Location: 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672. But you'll be ok if you're careful. Or risk wet leaves meet backside experience. Met a lot of people with their dogs. I decided to stop there. Little wet, choose footing carefully and enjoy. Great hike but I would NOT rate it as easy, at least not if you end up on the Long Trail on the way home (especially on a rainy day in June). Sterling Pond Trail, in Stowe Moderate . This leaves from the east side of Route 108, a short distance south of the Smugglers Notch Visitor Center. Do your best to protect this fragile area and stay on the trail. It is called by the actual trail names. It is a pretty steep climb up for someone not used to mountainous terrain. great challenge. A little wet , but pleasant hike with great view of pond. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Slipped a few times on the way up to Sterling Pond and fell twice on the way down Long Trail. The actual trails are Sterling Pond Trail, Long Trail and then a road walk, Route 108. Tough, wet, muddy, slippery. Gain. Oct 26- very muddy, slippery & wet leaves, but a beautiful hike, mossy woods and a nice pond to eat lunch :) up + down trail. Explore this 9.0-km loop trail near Stowe, Vermont. My pretty gf joined me shes so hot, SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: The road on Smugglers' Notch Pass on VT 108 closes seasonally due to winter weather conditions, usually from mid-October through mid-May. 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