Sterling Pond Trail (Smugglers' Notch) Hiking Guide
Sterling Pond sits high on the shoulder of Spruce Peak above Smugglers' Notch, and the trail to it is a short, steep stair climb from the top of the Notch road. It is one of the best short hikes near Stowe for a group with mixed abilities: you gain a real mountain pond, a Long Trail shelter and an optional loop along the shore without committing to a big summit day.
Stone Steps to the Pond
By the Green Mountain Club's numbers this is 2.2 miles round trip with 1,066 feet of gain and rates it moderate; Trail Finder calls the trail itself 1.1 miles with about 1,000 feet of climbing. From the Sterling Pond parking lot, cross Route 108 carefully to the trailhead, which starts with a steep ascent on stone steps. Follow blue blazes for 1.1 miles to the Long Trail, turn left (north), and the pond is just ahead. Sterling Pond Shelter is another 0.3 miles along the Long Trail, so going out to it and back makes the trip about 2.8 miles.
The Shore Loop
For a longer outing, keep going past the shelter on the Long Trail to the Elephants Head Trail, which follows the rocky shore of the pond for 0.7 miles, then turn right on the Long Trail North for 0.3 miles back to the Sterling Pond Trail junction. The club puts that whole loop at 3.5 miles. Trail Finder notes the pond is stocked with trout, and the shelter faces away from the water and the prevailing winds.
Getting There and Parking
From the Route 100 and Route 108 junction in Stowe, drive up Route 108 past the Barnes Camp Visitor Center at 7.7 miles and continue 1.9 miles through the Notch to the Sterling Pond trailhead parking. The lot gets very crowded on nice weekends, and the club suggests visiting outside peak periods; Trail Finder's busiest window for Smugglers' Notch trails is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. There is no fee.
Winter Road Closure
Cars lose access to the top of the Notch each winter. The state gates Route 108 through the Notch from early November to early May; in 2025-26 it closed November 3 and reopened May 4. The Green Mountain Club still recommends Sterling Pond as a winter hike; park at Barnes Camp and add 1.9 miles of road walk each way. Bring snowshoes or traction for the stone steps.
Dogs and Etiquette
Trail Finder lists the Smugglers' Notch trails as open to dogs on a leash. The Green Mountain Club asks hikers with dogs to yield to others and to keep dogs from urinating or defecating within 200 feet of water or near shelters and tent sites, which matters at a pond that campers draw water from. Pack out the waste bag.
Hiking tips for Sterling Pond Trail (Smugglers' Notch)
- Cross Route 108 carefully; the trailhead is opposite the parking lot.
- Go early on weekends; the Notch lot fills on nice days.
- Add the 0.7-mile Elephants Head Trail for a 3.5-mile loop around the pond.
- In winter, start from Barnes Camp and budget the extra 1.9 miles of road each way.
- Keep dogs well back from the water and the shelter area.
Nearby trails to explore
- Mount Mansfield via the Long Trail from Route 108
- Stowe Pinnacle Trail
- Sunset Ridge Trail (Mount Mansfield)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Sterling Pond packs a mountain pond and a Long Trail shelter into a short climb. Use TrailMates to find Burlington-area hikers heading to Smugglers' Notch. Download the TrailMates app to connect.