Smugglers Notch State Park - Sterling Pond

The trail to Sterling Pond is a beautiful, but short loop.  The terrain is a bit challenging with plenty of rocks along the path and a steady climb and descent.  The elevation gain is about 1500 feet in 3 1/2 miles if you start your hike at the Smugglers Notch Picnic Area. 

Be sure to take the short side trail a couple of miles up - called Elephant's Head.  The views from the rock outcropping are wonderful.  At the top, there is a short trail around the pond.  The descent on Sterling Pond Trail is an elevation loss of about 1000 feet in 1 mile, so be prepared for a steady downhill hike.  The Stowe area is particularly beautiful in the autumn, but extremely popular as well.  Expect to run into throngs of fellow leaf peepers on this hike.