Calling all adventurers! If you are in New York and looking for one of the most intriguing and exhilarating hikes in the area, then try Sterling Forest Bare Rock Trail located in the Sterling Forest State Park in New York. This trail has everything – an enchanting wooded hike, hidden ruins, tranquil lake scenery, and even a fire tower! Journey to this incredible location to see what it is all about.
Sterling Forest State Park is just over an hour’s drive from New York City, making it the perfect outdoor getaway!
While the state park might feel overwhelming with its nearly 22,000 acres of dense forest and scattering of lakes, there’s one hike, in particular, you should experience.
Sterling Forest Bare Rock Trail is a longer hike at almost 8 miles. Following this loop trail can take about three and a half hours from start to finish. However, expect to stay a little longer if you are the type who loves to explore, as there is much to see along the way.
To get to the trail, head towards the Visitor Center in the woods. Be sure to pick up a brochure as it holds interesting facts about the ruins and places you are about to see.
Named after US Senator, Frank R. Lautenberg, the Visitor Center is the perfect place to see educational exhibits and take in a presentation at the auditorium.
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From there, you will incorporate numerous other trails into your hike, including Sterling Lake Trail.
See breathtaking views of Sterling Lake, and up ahead, Greenwood Lake and all the native wildlife and trees that inhabit this naturally beautiful area.
Leave the natural wonders for manmade ones as you take on a section of the Yellow Lakeville Ironworks Trail. Appearing in the forest like memories of a forgotten past, you will be excited to find various building structures which once belonged to the Sterling Iron Works Company.
The trails in Sterling Forest State Park are marked and easily navigational.
A community had sprung up around the mine, housing workers and anyone associated with it. Following the trail across the road, you will come upon the Lakeville house, the only one still standing.
Though the company ceased operations during the early 1900s, you can still see the foundation of a Methodist Church and a furnace where iron ore was once smelted for ship anchors and more.
The number of trails that intersect with Sterling Forest Bare Rock Trail makes your adventure all the more fun! Don’t forget to traverse the Fire Tower Trail to see the sky scraping fire tower.
While climbing the fire tower will offer amazing views, please be cautious and pay attention to the signs posted. When you are ready to head back to the Visitor’s Center, look for the Blue Trail (off of Firetower Connector trail).
