Tranquil Waters of Sterling Pond
Adventure Destination

Tranquil Waters of Sterling Pond

Explore Sterling Pond in Vermont's Smugglers' Notch, a moderate hike offering tranquil views. Ideal for fishing, snowshoeing, and nature photography. Perfect escape for adventure seekers.

Hiking6.5/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Sterling Pond, perched on the rugged slopes of Vermont's Smugglers' Notch, offers a refreshing slice of alpine paradise. This serene, high-altitude pond gleams like a polished sapphire amidst the Green Mountains, drawing nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It's a stunning natural feature, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic rock outcroppings.

This hidden gem is renowned for its reflective waters that mirror the sky, creating a tranquil scene perfect for photos and quiet contemplation. The area is abundant with wildlife; visitors may spot eastern newts and hear the calls of loons echoing across the pond. Sterling Pond's unique charm is enhanced by its ecological diversity, featuring a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees that burst into vibrant colors in the fall.

Discover this serene spot as a rewarding stop on the Long Trail, a historic hiking path that meanders through Vermont. Whether you're a hiker reaching the pond after a scenic trek or a casual visitor relishing a peaceful moment, Sterling Pond promises a captivating experience. Enjoy the quiet beauty of Vermont's wilderness.

Editorial Assessment

Sterling Pond, though not one of the world’s most iconic locations, offers a beautiful and serene natural experience. Its scenic beauty and diverse activities make it a desirable spot for outdoor enthusiasts. However, its lesser-known status nationally brings it a mid-level ranking on the global scale.

Tranquil Waters of Sterling Pond

Adventure Guide to Tranquil Waters of Sterling Pond

1

Hiking the Long Trail

  • Details:

    Location: Smugglers' Notch State Park

  • Details:

    Highlights: Hike a legendary trail leading to Sterling Pond. This moderate hike offers breathtaking views and a direct route to the pond.

  • Details:

    Visitor Tips: Best visited in summer and fall. Bring sturdy hiking boots, water, and a camera to capture the views. From Jeffersonville, it's a 15-minute drive to the trailhead.

2

Fishing at Sterling Pond

  • Details:

    Details: The pond is a popular spot for catch-and-release fishing. Its stocked waters offer great experiences for anglers seeking brook trout.

  • Details:

    Visitor Tips: Pack light fishing gear and check local regulations. Early mornings are ideal for calm waters and more bites.

3

Snowshoeing in Winter

  • Details:

    Highlights: Winter transforms the pond into a snow-covered wonder. Snowshoeing around the frozen lake is a unique way to experience the beauty of Vermont's winter landscape.

  • Details:

    Visitor Tips: Dress warmly and pack thermos of hot drinks. Snowshoe rentals are available in nearby towns. ---

Reviews

J
Jan Kratochvila year ago

Very nice spot. Unfortunately, if you‘re unlucky, the mist covers everything.

K
Kevin Donley2 years ago

top tier

M
Matthew Wendling3 months ago

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

L
Leni Weber2 years ago

The reward to amazing when you hike up!

M
Mindi13242 years ago

Sterling pond is an excellent all season hike. In the summer, it's an awesome place to bring your friends or family who are new to hiking and want a high reward experience for a short, moderate to easy hike. The pond at the top is a delight for swimming and there's always fun alternatives to the hike at the notch at the base if you need other options. In the winter, you have to hike up the road as well due to closure and it turns into more of a 4-5 mile hike. Highly recommend for any Vermont locals or tourists as one that has to be on your list for the beautiful views, beautiful pond, unique qualities, and accessibility.

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Adventure Destinations

View All Destinations →
Hiking the Sterling Pond Trail: A Jewel Above the Clouds7.80.07 miModerate
Stowe

Hiking the Sterling Pond Trail: A Jewel Above the Clouds

Explore Sterling Pond Trail near Stowe, VT, a 2.3-mile moderate hike offering stunning views of Vermont's highlands. Suitable for adventure seekers, it features a picturesque mountain pond and diverse wildlife. Busy in summer, so plan accordingly.

View Details →
Biking the Stowe Recreation Path: A Ride Through Vermont's Heart7.50.97 miEasy
6443 VT-108

Biking the Stowe Recreation Path: A Ride Through Vermont's Heart

Explore the picturesque Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile easy route in Vermont ideal for biking and walking. Enjoy stunning views and family-friendly amenities along the path. Ideal for spring through fall visits.

View Details →
Vertical Dreams: Climbing the Granite Giants of Smugglers' Notch7.81.05 mi
6443 VT-108

Vertical Dreams: Climbing the Granite Giants of Smugglers' Notch

Experience the thrill of climbing at Smugglers' Notch near Stowe, Vermont. With routes ranging from beginner to expert, this area offers breathtaking views and technical challenges. Best climbed in late spring to early fall, it's a favorite among adventure seekers.

View Details →
Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

A Taste of Stowe: Three Hours of Vermont Flavor and Story7.59 mi
Stowe, Vermont

A Taste of Stowe: Three Hours of Vermont Flavor and Story

A guided, three-hour walking-and-ride tasting that samples local cheese, ice cream, chocolate and more with door-to-door transport for guests staying in Stowe.

7.59 miView Trips & Details →
Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak8.01 mi
Stowe, Vermont

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.

8.01 miView Trips & Details →
Micro Brewery Tour15.1 mi
Stowe, Vermont

Micro Brewery Tour

Discover Stowe’s vibrant craft beer scene on a guided brewery tour with expert tastings and door-to-door service. Perfect for beer fans ready to sample Vermont’s finest brews.

15.1 miView Trips & Details →
A Three-Hour Cider & Spirits Crawl Through Stowe’s Small-Batch Makers15.1 mi
Stowe, Vermont

A Three-Hour Cider & Spirits Crawl Through Stowe’s Small-Batch Makers

A guided, 3-hour tasting of Vermont’s craft ciders and spirits with door-to-door transport from Stowe, sampling award-winning beverages while learning small-batch fermentation and distilling.

15.1 miView Trips & Details →
One Night in Waitsfield: A Lodge Pause Between Snow and Summer Green21.5 mi
Waitsfield, Vermont

One Night in Waitsfield: A Lodge Pause Between Snow and Summer Green

A one‑night retreat at the Swiss Ski Club of New York’s Vermont lodge in Waitsfield offers year‑round cozy accommodations with seasonally tiered member and non‑member rates.

21.5 miView Trips & Details →
Museum Trolley Tours22.3 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Museum Trolley Tours

Step aboard a vintage trolley with Burlington Trolley Tours and uncover Vermont’s rich history through the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum and Ethan Allen Homestead. This guided ride blends scenic views and storytelling for a unique cultural journey.

22.3 miView Trips & Details →