Sterling Forest Fire Tower and Iron Mines

Sterling Forest State Park

Sterling Lake. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Sterling Lake. Photo by Daniel Chazin. View from Sterling Forest Fire Tower. Photo by Daniel Chazin. View from Sterling Forest Fire Tower. Photo by Daniel Chazin. Sterling Forest Fire Tower at Sterling Lake from the Fire Tower - Photo credit: Jeremy Apgar Sterling Forest Fire Tower at Sterling Lake from the Fire Tower - Photo credit: Jeremy Apgar

This loop hike goes along scenic Sterling Lake, passing ruins of former mining activity, and climbs to the Sterling Forest Fire Tower, with panoramic views.

41.1989, -74.25684

Leave the park visitor center, using the front entrance, and turn right on a dirt path, following the blue blazes of the Sterling Lake Loop. The trail briefly joins the paved entrance road, then bears right and goes across a grassy field, passing the stone foundations of a former church on the right. It enters the woods on a footpath and soon reaches a junction with the yellow-blazed Lakeville...

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Trip Reports

rate experience
October 21, 2018
5
Loved it!
10/20/18- Not only were the instructions above completely accurate, the trail markers and signage on the trails made this easy to follow and completely enjoyable. Cell service on this trek was nearly non-existent for multiple members of our party so copy and paste or screen shot the route if you need it. We did take some extra time to explore the mine buildings. Can’t wait to check out some more of the trails.
LizM
July 13, 2017
5
Fire tower partially closed for construction
I did this hike on 7/4/17. The directions were on point and the trail was easy to follow. I took that side trail that another hiker pointed out below. It was worth it to get a sense of history about the surrounding area, and it added maybe 20 minutes at most. One thing to note is that the fire tower is closed off about halfway up the tower. The boards are rotting and are being replaced by staff in the area. I am sure the renovation won't take long, but it is something I wanted to note.
bromli
December 13, 2016
4
Great hike
<p>I did this hike on April 30, 2016. Your directions were spot on. The visitor center is quite informative and the staff very helpful. The trails were well blazed and signs at every junction. I would recommend bug repellent in the warmer weather. The views from the fire tower were outstanding. I look forward to exploring other areas of this park. For photos of this hike visit:https://scenesfromthetrail.com/2016/04/30/sterling-forest-state-park/
CeeGee
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