If you’re looking to spend some time in nature with your family, head to the Sterling Pond Trail in Vermont. Based in Mount Mansfield, this short and steep out-and-back hike leads to the pristine Sterling Pond Trail that’s based in Smugglers” Notch. Want to know more about the adventure you’ll have when you hit this trail? Read on to learn more about one of the most scenic hikes in Vermont.

Located near Jeffersonville, this Sterling Pond hike starts on Route 108 opposite a parking area roughly three miles south of the Smugglers' Notch Resort.
Marco Langford/alltrails
This out-and-back trail to Sterling Pond in Vermont is just over two miles long and climbs around 1,000 feet vertically.
Andrey Sloutsman/alltrails
It's important to remember that Route 108 is closed from mid-October to mid-May. Therefore, if you plan on hiking Sterling Pond Trail before the road reopens, you'll have to park near Smugglers' Notch Resort and walk along Route 108 to the trailhead.
mohit jindal/alltrails
This idyllic Sterling Pond hike is situated neatly between two peaks and is 3,000 feet above sea level. This is also the highest-situated trout pond in Vermont.
Dave Geschwind/alltrails
If you're interested in fishing in the pond, please note that a permit is required.
The Sterling Pond trail is relatively well-trafficked with good accessibility and well-marked signs too.
Paul Warnick/alltrails
The breathtaking views of the pond and the variety of geological sites along the path make this one of the most scenic hikes in Vermont.
Jenny Aubin/alltrails
In the spring, the hike can be a bit muddy. However, you can follow the areas along the trail with stone steps. This will help you avoid some of the mud.
Vincent Freeman/alltrails
This steep, yet rewarding Sterling Pond trail in the Green Mountains is beautiful and serene. When you hike this scenic trail in Vermont, remember to wear good hiking shoes and bring your camera.
Raysa Ortega/alltrails

Have you hiked The Sterling Pond Trail in Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont? Feel free to share what you thought of the hike in the following comment section. For more outdoor adventures, take a look at more scenic hikes in Vermont.

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Sterling Pond Trail

Marla S. | October 01, 2022

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Vermont?

Along with Sterling Pond Trail, there are many other hikes in Vermont that are perfect for a family outing. As you'll see, just like Sterling Pond in Vermont, these family-friendly hikes in the Green Mountain state offer water views and opportunities to walk through forests and other diverse landscapes. But while the Sterling Pond hike is steep, many family-friendly trails in Vermont are much easier and relatively flat.

Where can I hike to a cave in Vermont?

After you've had a blast hiking to Sterling Pond in Vermont, how about planning to check out some caves too? The Donahue Sea Caves are some of the most popular. Based near Burlington, these unique caves are only a short walk from the trailhead. During the winter, you can even skate across the pond to explore them too!

Feel free to also add the Everett Cave to your list of places you'd like to check out in Vermont too. You'll need to take the St. Anthony Trail on Southern Vermont College's campus in Bennington to reach this impressive cave.

What are the best waterfall hikes in Vermont?

Some of the trails leading to waterfalls are the most scenic hikes in Vermont. Since there are so many waterfalls scattered throughout the state, take a look at some of the top waterfalls in Vermont worth hiking when you're there. And, if you'd like to cover a few in one day, feel free to reference this ultimate Vermont waterfall road trip as well.

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Sterling Pond Trail, 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA