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Sterling Forest State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,258 Google reviews · Running trail in Tuxedo Park, New York · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sterling Forest State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Dense, nearly pristine forest & small lakes over 21,935 acres, a wildlife habitat with recreation.
What runners say about Sterling Forest State Park
“The trails are well maintained for hiking and mountain biking.”
“But, from the swamp deep in the woods and the entire second half of the loop, it becomes a scenic hike with views along the lake.”
“Very nice easy hike, ample parking at the visitors centre and clear trail signage around the lake.”
I'm always mystified at how many people are obsessed with nearby Harriman and yet have never heard of, much less been, to this park. It's one of my absolute favorite places in the area to hike, and because it's still a bit of a hidden gem, it's not very crowded and the wildlife sightings are always excellent.
Sterling Lake - 2 great hikes. 1. The fire tower. Follow bare rock path up counter clockwise back down. This is a fun, moderate hike around 4 miles. Or 2. If your kids can't do the first hike then do the pic/axe trail below. It's alot of fun. You'll be passing through a furnace, rock crusher, mine openings etc.....
We started the Blue loop in the counterclockwise direction from the visitor center. I would say the part of the loop around and crossing the road was not enjoyable. Garbage along the trail and very buggy due to the swamp /marsh in that area.
One of my favorite Hudson Valley state parks to visit for hiking. Visitor center is one of the best in NY. That’s also where most popular trails start. Lake loop may be most photogenic one. If you like ridge hiking, Highlands trail (blue) is a good option with loops made via crossing red or orange trails.
Trail conditions & character
“But, from the swamp deep in the woods and the entire second half of the loop, it becomes a scenic hike with views along the lake.”
“Awesome spot for mountain biking, nice big loop, fun rollers, lots of rock slabs, techy sections, just overall great!”
“They are really helpful at picking out trails that are suitable for your ability level.”
“The climb up to the summit is probably the toughest part but the incline isn't too dramatic and it's early enough in the hike where your haunches shouldn't be tired.”
“Very nice easy hike, ample parking at the visitors centre and clear trail signage around the lake.”
Plan your run at Sterling Forest State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Loop distance4 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websiteparks.ny.gov
- Phone(845) 351-5907
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–4:30 PM |
Running trails near Tuxedo Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
West Valley Trailhead
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Appalachian Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 60 reviews
Good for kids, this area features hiking trails with views of Greenwood Lake.
