Sterling Pond Trail – Sterling Pond loop from Smuggler's Notch

01:23

3.40km

270m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Mount Mansfield State Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

79 m

Sterling Pond Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The one-mile-long Sterling Pond Trail is one of the most popular trails in Smuggler's Notch State Park. The hike is steep in the beginning, as you climb rock stairs for a short section. After the stairs, you continue up through the forest, over roots, and past some rocks toward the intersection with the Long Trail and Sterling Pond. Although you are in the forest for most of the trail, toward the top you begin to get some views of the mountains through the trees.

Tip by

1.67 km

Sterling Pond

Highlight • Lake

Sterling Pond is Vermont’s highest-elevation Trout Pond and an extremely popular destination in Smuggler's Notch. You can swim and fish (with a permit) and relax by its waters. It's also a great spot for observing wildlife and photography all year round; there are sometimes volunteers at the pond who are there to talk about the local plants and animals, and to answer questions. There is a shelter on the east side of the pond for Long Trail thru-hikers.

Tip by

3.40 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.34 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.34 km

< 100 m

Elevation