Sterling Pond
A stunning alpine pond reached by a steep, rewarding hike in Vermont's scenic Smugglers' Notch. Perfect for summer swims and fall foliage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Sterling Pond
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning alpine pond reached by a steep, rewarding hike in Vermont's scenic Smugglers' Notch. Perfect for summer swims and fall foliage.
"High reward for a short, moderate to easy hike with beautiful views and a delightful pond."
🥾 Trail Shoes are Essential
The trail is steep & rugged. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and safety.
❄️ Winter Access: Walk the Road
Route 108 is closed in winter. Park on Smuggs' side & walk 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sterling Pond
Smugglers' Notch
A stunning alpine pond offering high reward for a short, steep hike. Perfect for a refreshing swim in summer.
Smugglers' Notch Scenic Drive
Route 108
Experience breathtaking mountain vistas and dramatic glacial formations on this iconic Vermont byway.
Overlooks and Private Spots
Along Sterling Pond Trail
Discover hidden viewpoints and secluded areas around the pond for a peaceful escape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Sterling Pond in Winter
Best Footwear for the Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Trail Shoes are Essential
The trail is steep & rugged. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and safety.
❄️ Winter Access: Walk the Road
Route 108 is closed in winter. Park on Smuggs' side & walk 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
Sterling pond trail
Smuggs to Stowe
🏊♀️ Summer Swim Spot
The pond is a delightful place for a swim on warm summer days.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Especially important for the steep ascent and summer hikes.
What's the single best hike in the vicinity of Stowe?
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Trail Shoes are Essential
The trail is steep & rugged. Good hiking shoes are a must for grip and safety.
❄️ Winter Access: Walk the Road
Route 108 is closed in winter. Park on Smuggs' side & walk 1.5 miles to the trailhead.
🏊♀️ Summer Swim Spot
The pond is a delightful place for a swim on warm summer days.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
Especially important for the steep ascent and summer hikes.
📸 Foggy Lake Views
Visit in the morning for a chance to see the pond shrouded in mystical fog.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sterling Pond's stunning beauty and the high reward for a relatively short hike. The opportunity for summer swimming and the dramatic scenery of Smugglers' Notch are frequently praised. Some note the trail's steepness and the added winter access challenge.
"Wonderful hike. Steep in places but only a mile to the top."
Paul Buschner
"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."
Mindi1324
"The hike to Sterling Pond can be found in the Smuggler's Notch area. The beginning of the trail is quite steep, but my husband and I were able to manage with our dog who is nearly 10 years old. There are great overlooks along the trail and the pond is quite beautiful as well. Several people were sitting around the rocky shoreline when we arrived, but we continued a bit on the trail that runs along the pond to have our own "private" area. Several people and dogs were swimming there. I would consider this trail moderate, with the more difficult part being at the beginning."
Brittany Bishop
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sterling Pond is located in Smugglers' Notch. During summer and fall, you can drive Route 108 directly to the trailhead parking. In winter, Route 108 is closed, requiring a 1.5-mile walk from the Smuggs' side parking lot to reach the trailhead.
No, Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch is closed seasonally due to winter conditions. This typically runs from late October/early November to mid-May.
There is a parking area near the trailhead during the open season. In winter, you'll need to park on the Smuggs' side of the closed road and walk to the trailhead.
Yes, a regular car is sufficient for reaching the trailhead during the open season. The road is paved and well-maintained. In winter, the walk from the parking lot is on foot.
Public transport options are limited in the Smugglers' Notch area. It's best to travel by car or consider ride-sharing services if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entrance fees required to hike the Sterling Pond trail. It's a public access area.
Sterling Pond is accessible year-round, though winter access requires a longer walk due to road closures. There are no official operating hours.
Typically, there is no parking fee for the Sterling Pond trailhead. However, it's always good to check local signage for any temporary regulations.
Yes, swimming in Sterling Pond is a popular summer activity. Be aware of water temperatures and conditions.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Sterling Pond trail, but they must be kept on a leash. Always clean up after your pet.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Sterling Pond hiking trail is approximately 2.3 miles round trip. The hike itself is about 1.1 miles one way to the pond.
The trail is considered moderate to difficult, with a steep and rugged beginning. It's a high-reward hike for the effort.
Wear sturdy hiking or trail shoes for good grip. Layers are recommended, especially in cooler months. Microspikes are essential in winter.
Restroom facilities are typically not available directly at the Sterling Pond trailhead. Plan accordingly.
In summer, swimming is a major draw. The surrounding Smugglers' Notch area offers scenic drives and other hiking opportunities.
📸 📸 Photography
The pond itself offers stunning reflections, especially with morning fog. Look for overlooks along the trail for wider mountain views.
Early mornings can provide magical foggy lake views. Golden hour in the late afternoon also offers beautiful light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the pond and surrounding landscape. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain shots.
There are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Sterling Pond. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
Drone usage may be restricted in national forests or state parks. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❄️ Winter Adventurers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sterling Pond Trail Experience
Once you reach the pond, the landscape opens up to a serene alpine lake. In the summer, Sterling Pond becomes a popular spot for swimming, offering a refreshing dip after the climb. You can find various spots along the rocky shoreline to relax, and some visitors even seek out more secluded areas for a private experience. The trail also continues around the pond, offering different perspectives and photo opportunities.
Winter access presents a unique challenge and adventure. Due to the seasonal closure of Route 108, hikers must park on the Smugglers' Notch side and walk approximately 1.5 miles to the trailhead. This extends the overall hike, turning it into a more significant winter trek. The trail can be icy and treacherous, making microspikes a crucial piece of gear for safety and traction.
Navigating Smugglers' Notch
The seasonal closure of Route 108 is a significant factor for planning. From late fall through late spring, the road is impassable due to snow and ice. This closure transforms the area into a winter wonderland, accessible primarily for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and the extended hike to Sterling Pond.
When the road is open, it's a fantastic gateway to Sterling Pond and other recreational activities in the area. The drive is an attraction in itself, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Vermont. Be prepared for slower speeds due to the winding nature of the road and potential wildlife sightings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit