Sterling Pond, Smugglers' Notch State Park

Lamoille Co.,
Vermont

Hiking Trails:
Sterling Pond Trail
Long Trail

Total Time: 1:15 Hours
Estimated Distance: 2.1 Miles
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Level of Recommendation: Recommended

Points of Interest: Beautiful, serene mountain lake
Cons: Lacks good views along the trek

I had traveled to Vermont for a weekend wedding in the Burlington area. We arrived in the afternoon on Friday, and being late in the day, I opted for a short hike for Friday, and a serious hike up Mount Mansfield for Sunday. However, the weather on Sunday was terrible, with strong rain all day long. So this ended up being our only hike while in Vermont.

We drove through Smugglers' Notch on Route 108, driving through the narrow and twisting part of this road. We parked at the trailhead at the Sterling Pond area, and took the Sterling Pond Trail up the mountain, climbing about 1000 feet. We then took the Long Path at the intersection a short distance to the pond. This pond is a natural mountain lake with crystal clear water. It is exceptionally scenic. After taking some pictures, we turned around and headed back down the same way to the trailhead.

Map of the Route

End of the Sterling Pond Trail at the Long Trail

Slight View from a Partial Clearing, Facing North

Zoomed into the Above View

Approaching Sterling Pond

Sterling Pond with Madonna Peak in the Background

Sterling Pond at the Outlet

Me at Sterling Pond

Cliff Walls Along Smugglers' Notch