Top Tips to Get the Most Out of One of the Best Scenic Hikes in Vermont

The Sterling Pond Trail

As May winds down and mud season comes to an end, the trails with upper elevations are opening and ready for hiking.  One of the most scenic hikes in Vermont is the Sterling Pond Trail near Stowe. Not only can you experience a pristine mountain-top pond, but you also enjoy breathtaking views of the Green Mountains if you add on Spruce Peak. This is a great hike to include in your summer plans with friends and family.

The Sterling Pond Trail is a moderately challenging out and back trail that takes around two to three hours to complete. It is well marked and maintained. The trailhead is located near Jeffersonville, on Route 108 across from a parking area about three miles south of Smugglers’ Notch.  It is a popular trail, so if you’re hoping for solitude shoot for off peak times of day. It’s just over two miles in length and climbs around 1,200 vertical feet. The trail starts off with steep stone steps that instantly get your heart pumping.  If the trail is muddy sticking to the stone steps can help you avoid some of the squishier parts.

This relatively steep trail has some flatter zones to rest your legs. It is mostly a forest trail but as you progress you will get glimpses of the Green Mountains through the dense trees.  The trail intersects with the Long Trail after roughly one mile. A sign marks the way to Sterling Pond, which is .1 miles to the left.

In my family some of us like to take a plunge in the mountain-top pond, especially our golden doodle who hasn’t met a body of water she didn’t like, while others prefer to chill out on the rocks.  Some may or may not celebrate with a Green State Lager. Whatever you decide, keep in mind that there are a variety of additional trails that are a short hike from Sterling Pond with breathtaking vistas.  You can take the 1.4-mile peaceful loop trail around the pond, but I suggest you go back the way you came and take the Long Trail South (past the Sterling Pond Trail intersection). It’s approximately .3 miles to the top of Sensation Chairlift on Spruce Peak; pause for a moment to check out the view from the lift then continue along the Long Trail for .6 miles of relatively flat ridgeline to a spectacular lookout point of the taller Mount Mansfield to the right.  In my opinion, this scenic view of the Green Mountains is not to be missed. This is also a great spot to chill out and eat a trail snack.

Once you’ve had enough of soaking in the views, return to the intersection of the Sterling Pond Trail and the Long Trail to descend back to the trailhead and the parking area. For other great day hikes in New England check out my post on hiking Camel’s Hump in Vermont here and hiking Mt. Cardigan in New Hampshire here. Also, make sure to click subscribe in the upper right-hand corner so you don’t miss any of my posts.

Helpful Info:

• GPS trail head location enter: 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672 or click here
• Trail Map click here                  
• Directions:   From the historic village, take Route 108 north about 9.7 miles to the top of Smugglers’ Notch and park on the left in the scenic parking area. The trail starts across the road. Route 108 is closed from mid-October to mid-May, but you can park near Smugglers’ Notch and walk along Route 108 to the trailhead if you want to hike Sterling Pond Trail before the road reopens.
• Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
• Trail Stats:      
  • Elevation 1,207 ft
  • Route Type – out and back half day hike
  • Skill level – moderate
  • Time 2-3 hours
  • Distance 2-3 miles