Sterling Pond

Sterling Pond

Stowe, Vermont 05672

Long Trail website

About this Location

Sterling Pond is a scenic mountain-top pond located near Stowe. It is accessible by a moderate hike on the Sterling Pond Trail, which starts from the parking area at the top of Smugglers' Notch Pass on VT-108. The trail climbs about 880 feet in one mile, following rock steps and crossing small streams. The pond is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. It is a junction for the Long Trail, which runs along the spine of the Green Mountains. Hikers can continue on the Long Trail to reach the summits of Madonna Peak and Spruce Peak or loop around the pond. 

About Long Trail

See all hotspots at Long Trail

Vermont’s Long Trail follows the main ridge of the Green Mountains from the Massachusetts-Vermont line to the Canadian border. Built between 1910 and 1930, it was the vision of James P. Taylor and later became the inspiration for the Appalachian Trail. The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail share 100 miles of trail in the southern part of the state.

On the Long Trail, hikers encounter the best natural features Vermont has to offer, including pristine ponds, alpine sedges, hardwood forests, and swift streams. Known as the “footpath in the wilderness,” it is easy in a few sections and rugged in most. Steep inclines and plenty of mud present hikers with plenty of challenges.

As maintainer and protector of the Long Trail, the Green Mountain Club works in partnership with the Green Mountain National Forest, the State of Vermont, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and private landowners to offer a world-class hiking trail.

The Long Trail is truly the trail for everyone. Each year, hundreds of thru-hikers set out to complete the trail in one go, a journey that has been completed in under 5 days but typically takes multiple weeks. Section hikers tackle the trail in bursts, often completing the Long Trail over the course of many years.

Hikers who hike every mile of the Long Trail, whether in day trips, multi-day sections, or all at once, are called “End-to-Enders” and are eligible to register for inclusion in the GMC’s official records.

Most trail users are day hikers, who enjoy desired destinations as day trips without camping out on the trail.

Notable Trails

Sterling Pond Trail is a 2.3-mile heavily trafficked out-and-back trail located near Jeffersonville, Vermont that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.

The AllTrails website has a description and map of a hike at Sterling Pond.

Features

  • Restrooms on site

  • Wheelchair accessible trail

  • Entrance fee

Content from Long Trail website

Last updated October 14, 2023