Sterling Forest State Park Iron Mine Historic Circuit

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.