Black Friday Hike at Sterling Forest

**Easy-Paced Mckeags Meadow and Sterling Lake DOUBLE Loop **

Join us for our Black Friday hike as we do a figure 8 around Sterling Forest. We will meet at the Sterling Forest State Park Visitor Center for departure at 10 am. I will be parked in the lot past the visitors center on the left.

A few pieces of important info:

• This is a moderate difficulty hike of 2 different loop trails that begin and end at the visitors center. There is an option to do the first half only for those that dont want to hike the fulll 8 miles

• If you want to race hike, this may not be the hike for you. This is designed to be an easy paced hike.

• We will do the McKeags Meadow loop for 4.3 miles and then come back to the visitors center for lunch (bring your own) and restrooms. Then we’ll hike the Sterling lake loop for a total of just over 8 miles.

• Hiking boots are ESSENTIAL! Poles are a good idea, but not essential. Note that cell service is lacking for many carriers in this location. Plan accordingly.


• You may bring your dog - just be sure to follow park rules.

• Lunch: After the first loop we will stop for a quick lunch. BYO. You can leave your lunch in your car since we will be back at the visitors lot for lunch. Maybe pack a chair and we can all sit together.

• The purpose of this hike is to make new friends, build camaraderie, and get some fresh air and exercise. We’re not going for a gold medal in power hiking!


I dropped a pin, listed the coordinates and the street address for navigation. Please be mindful of the address and coordinates. Perhaps check out the map and location before your drive.

Sterling Forest State Park
115 Old Forge Rd
Tuxedo Park, NY 10987

41.19772° N, 74.25637° W

Stay to the right on Old Forge and there will be a parking lot on your right and about 100 yards down from this lot, there is another parking lot on your left (where I will be parked).

Directions to Visitors Center :
Take the New York Thruway to Exit 15A. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto Route 17 and head north for 1.4 miles to the exit for Sterling Forest. Follow Sterling Mine Road (County Route 72) west for 3.0 miles, then turn right onto Long Meadow Road (County Route 84). Proceed north on Long Meadow Road for 3.5 miles, then turn left onto Old Forge Road and continue for 0.5 mile until you reach the Sterling Forest State Park Visitor Center, Park in the parking area on the right side of the road and walk down to the visitor center to view the exhibits and obtain a free trail map and join the group.