Sterling Forest State Park
Orange Co.,
New York
Hiking Trails:
Allis Trail: Blue blaze
Sterling Valley Trail: Yellow blaze
Total Time: 2:05 minutes
Estimated Distance: 4.6 Miles
Pros: Very quiet area (didn't meet anyone on the hike)
Cons: Not enough views on trail, noise from cars on road
Hike Type: Out and back
Level of Difficulty: Slightly difficult
Google Maps of Parking:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/87nWJeCh6f6mTf1B6
Route 17A climbs a nice ridge in Sterling Forest to an elevation of 1200 feet between Tuxedo and Greenwood Lake. Along the road there are great views facing east. I never had the opportunity to take the Allis Trail parallel to the road, and figured there would be great views along this trail. I was disappointed that they were much more limited then I had hoped for. Nevertheless, there was a viewpoint at the end near the pine grove after the gas line. I still recommend the trail for its peace and tranquility.
I parked at the trailhead parking on Route 17A at the Sterling Valley and Allis trailheads, and crossed the road to the Allis Trail terminus, and took the trail north along the ridge and parallel to the road. After passing the gas line, I ascended the mountain to the pine grove and found a nice view here.
After the second pine grove along the top part of the ridge, I turned around back along the same way, and took a detour to the east side of Route 17A, to the top of a sweeping ridge and view. I then continued on a short bushwhack and then want back to the road, and then took the Sterling Valley Trail back to my car.
 |
| Map of the Route |
 |
| Allis Trail Trailhead |
 |
| Along the Allis Trail |
 |
| At the Gas Line |
 |
| View Ascending the Summit Towards the Pine Grove |
 |
| The Pine Grove |
 |
| Greenwood Lake in the Distance |
 |
| Gas Line View |
 |
| View from Route 17A |
