Sterling Pond Trail
Reaches Spruce Peak (3,323 ft).
- Length
- 0.9 mi
- Climb
- 920 ft
- Time, one way
- about 1 h
- County
- Lamoille
- Difficulty
- Moderateestimated
- Surface
- ground
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About this trail
From the information booth at the height of Smugglers' Notch, the Sterling Pond Trail climbs to Sterling Pond, a mountain pond stocked with trout. The state park's guide rates it difficult and gives 1.1 miles with about 1,000 feet of climbing, following blue blazes. At the pond an easier loop of about 1.4 miles circles the water, and the Long Trail continues along its shore.
Good to know
- Trails in the Notch may be closed from about April 15 to late May for mud season.
Written by VTHiking from Vermont State Parks, Smugglers' Notch State Park trail descriptions, checked Oct 24, 2026. Distances in this text are the source's own; the figures above are measured from the mapped line and can differ.
Where to park
We haven't confirmed the fee at the lot below yet. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Walking distances follow the mapped trail network. They are not a route, they ignore slope, and they are not driving directions.
Elevation
Climb, time and difficulty are estimates worked out from the mapped line and USGS elevation data, not measurements or official ratings. Time assumes about 2.5 mph plus an hour per 1,500 ft climbed.
Management
- Network
- lwn
Other trails nearby
Trail geometry and attributes from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation from USGS 3DEP. Lengths are computed from mapped geometry and are approximate. Safety disclaimer.