Sterling Ridge/Lake Loop

This loop hike is located in Sterling Forest State Park, NY.  The parking and trailhead are at the end of a short forest road accessible by car.  From the parking area, pass through a gate and follow the trail for a short distance.  The trail splits with the Sterling Ridge trail on the right and the Sterling Valley Loop trail on the left.

Keep right and follow the Ridge trail for 3.5 miles.  The Ridge trail ends at the Fire Tower trail.  The fire tower is closed to the public however, there is a picnic table at the base.  Follow the Fire Tower trail to the left and descend 1.5 miles on this forest road to Sterling Lake.  Pass through another gate at the end of Sterling Lake road and follow this forest road as it traverses Sterling Lake.

After .75 miles, the Sterling Valley Loop trail is on the left.  This trail leads away from the lake and back up toward the trailhead.  After 1.8 miles, the trail ends back at the trailhead where this loop started.