Sterling Forest State Park Iron Mine Historic Circuit
Revolutionary War iron roads carved in stone.
Sterling Forest’s mining heritage runs deep — these mountains fed iron to Washington’s Continental Army through a network of roads that are now some of the best technical 4-wheeling near New York City. The circuit connects the Sterling Iron Works ruins with the Southfields Furnace site via old ore haul roads that climb through steep ravines and rock ledges. You’ll navigate around flooded mine pits, cross Sterling Creek multiple times, and tackle the infamous “Furnace Hill” — a nasty rocky climb that separates pretenders from the real deal.
Difficult terrain requiring experienced drivers and proper 4WD with low range, skid plates, and recovery gear. The technical sections around the old mine sites demand good spotting and patience. Trail is open year-round but spring runoff makes creek crossings dicey. No permits needed but parking fills fast on weekends. Dispersed camping isn’t allowed, but nearby Harriman State Park has facilities. This is living history you can drive through — Revolutionary War supply lines carved into bedrock.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1200 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with armor |
| Nearest town | Tuxedo, NY |
| Land manager | New York State Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | parks.ny.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler or 4Runner run this trail, or do I need a built rig?
A stock Wrangler will struggle — the rocky surface and tight lines require skid plates and at minimum a mild lift with all-terrain tires. New York State Parks classifies this as requiring modified 4WD with armor, so underbody protection is not optional here.
When does the trail open and is it accessible after heavy rain?
Best window is May through October, but the water crossings become unpredictable after heavy rain and the rocky surface stays slick longer than you'd expect in the shade. Avoid it 48–72 hours after significant rainfall.
Do I need a permit to run this trail inside Sterling Forest State Park?
No special off-road permit is currently required, but you're on New York State Parks land managed by Sterling Forest State Park — check parks.ny.gov before you go since access rules can change seasonally or after storm damage.
What's the hardest section and what specifically makes it technical?
The exposed rock slabs near the old iron furnace sites are where rigs get caught — continuous shelf rock with no clear line forces real-time decision-making, and high-centering is a genuine risk without adequate clearance. Factor in the water crossings, which add a slippery approach and exit on rock.
How's cell service on the trail and what's the closest fuel stop if I need to bail?
Cell service is spotty throughout — don't count on it in an emergency, bring a satellite communicator. Tuxedo, NY is your closest bail-out town with fuel, sitting just outside the park boundary.
Trail track
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