NATURE'S PLAYBOOK

Sterling Pond via Spruce Peak is a 3-mile, 1,200ft gain, out-and-back trail near Stowe, Vermont. The Sterling Pond trail is easy to follow but steep in parts. The views from the top of Spruce Peak are classic Green Mountains. Sections of the trail can get very slippery after heavy rain; it's advisable to watch your footing and wear shoes with good grip. People like to sit on the rocky beach and take a dip in the pond on hot days. Parking is available at the trailhead next to Smuggler's Notch Visitor Center but beware that it fills up quick and you might need to park further down the road and walk to the trailhead. There are a few different variations of this hike and it can be made shorter or longer depending on how you’re feeling. If you continue just past Sterling Pond and get on Snuffy’s to the Long Trail you will be at the top of Smuggler’s Notch.