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Sterling Lake Loop
4.6 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Running trail in Tuxedo Park, New York · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Sterling Lake Loop'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.
What runners say about Sterling Lake Loop
“The path is well maintained, planks over muddy spots as needed and very clean.”
“Nice walk, moderate difficulty, beautiful views, can get into water, but it's better not to.”
Easy to moderate trail for kids, family or anyone . Please keep in mind, Parking is FREE but limited to 15-20 cars. So, be there as early as possible. The enitre loop around the lake , also called sterling lake loop - blue trail, is about 4 miles. This is very scenic trail and good for anytime of the year.
Nice easy-moderate trail. Mixed terrain - rocky dirt for most of it, some paved, a few areas are following or crossing the road. The path is well maintained, planks over muddy spots as needed and very clean. Part of it is shared with a mountain biking trail as well.
First time ever hiking this trail. It was the "blue" trail. It's about 4.5mi and took 3hrs which included stopping to see everything we came across. An amazing experience, especially since it was only about 75°, blue skies, and sunny.
This is pretty trail, although you cannot see much lake while on the eastern side of the loop. That section is also more challenging and bit muddy. The western section of the loop is an easy stroll with plenty of lake views. There seems to be a lot of bugs somehow, so bug spray is highly recommended.
Trail conditions & character
“Nice walk, moderate difficulty, beautiful views, can get into water, but it's better not to.”
“Free parking at the trail head with a visitor center with restrooms.”
“You'll find a mix of flat, rocky, hilly, bumpy terrain along the way but fear not, it is well worth it!”
“The enitre loop around the lake , also called sterling lake loop - blue trail, is about 4 miles.”
“You'll find a mix of flat, rocky, hilly, bumpy terrain along the way but fear not, it is well worth it!”
“You'll find a mix of flat, rocky, hilly, bumpy terrain along the way but fear not, it is well worth it!”
“We went during covid, masks are required to get in to visitor center as well as to use the restrooms there.”
Plan your run at Sterling Lake Loop
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Sterling Forest State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,258 reviews
Dense, nearly pristine forest & small lakes over 21,935 acres, a wildlife habitat with recreation.
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.
