This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Manhattan chapter.
For beginner hikers, Sterling Forest offers many leisurely hikes that still provide beautiful scenery. For those up for a slight challenge, going to the Fire Tower is definitely worth it and is completely breath taking.
A view from the Fire Tower down at Sterling Lake
Sterling Lake at level
A fallen tree on the way to the Fire Tower
The view from the Fire Tower facing South
Sterling Forest also has a trail that leads to the Lakeville Ironworks, where much of New York’s mining took place. It was an unexpected surprised but delightful, a part of New York’s history I did not know much about.
Overall, I give this hiking experience a 9/10 and would recommend it to anyone starting out as well as experienced hikers.