Sterling Forest State Park Sterling Mine Loop
Revolutionary War iron mining circuit
Sterling Forest’s iron ore powered the Revolutionary War, and these old mining roads connect the remnants of that industrial past. The Sterling Mine Loop weaves between abandoned pit mines, stone furnace ruins, and settler foundations dating to the 1750s. You’ll follow original wagon roads that hauled ore to the Sterling Furnace, passing massive slag piles and the impressive stone ruins of the Sterling Iron Works. The technical challenge comes at Cascade Brook crossing, where the original stone ford requires precise wheel placement over moss-slick rocks.
This is easy-to-moderate difficulty suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles, though articulation helps at the creek crossings. Wet seasons make the hardpan clay roads greasy and rutted. Open year-round but best in dry months—spring mud season can be ugly. No permits required, but this is day-use only with parking at the Sterling Mine trailhead. What you’re getting is a history lesson with your wheeling, plus surprisingly rugged terrain just 45 minutes from Manhattan.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Historic |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1350 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance |
| 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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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle the Sterling Mine Loop, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance SUV like a 4Runner or Wrangler is sufficient. The trail is rated easy with dirt surface and modest elevation gain — no lockers or skid plates required, but low-clearance cars and crossovers should stay home.
When does the trail close for the season?
Best window is April through November. Sterling Forest State Park can see snow and ice from December through March that makes the dirt surface slick and some sections impassable, and the park may restrict access during mud season in early spring.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to run this trail?
No off-road permit is required. Sterling Forest State Park may charge a day-use parking fee at the main lot — check the NY State Parks site before you go since fees and hours can change seasonally.
What's the hardest section on this loop and what should I expect?
The water crossings are the most technical challenge on an otherwise mellow trail. They're typically shallow and manageable for any high-clearance vehicle, but after heavy rain they can deepen quickly — scout before committing if you've had recent storms in the area.
What's cell service like, and is there anywhere to camp inside Sterling Forest?
Cell service is spotty throughout the loop, so download offline maps before you arrive. Sterling Forest State Park does not offer drive-in or dispersed camping — this is a day-use trail, so plan to overnight elsewhere and treat it as a half-day run out of Tuxedo or the surrounding area.
Trail track
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