Sterling Forest Trail Network

The Sterling Forest Trail Network offers trails for nordic skiing, cross country skiing, fat biking, snowshoeing, and other winter activities just north of downtown Stowe, Vermont. This adventure follows along the Marston Trail, Sterling Run, Billings Road, and the 8 Bridges Trail to form a fun and adventurous loop suitable for cross country nordic (XCD) skis or telemark skis. The area also passes through gladed areas for telemark and AT skiers.

This loop begins at the parking lot at the top of Sterling Valley Road by Sterling Falls Gorge. Skiers will cross a bridge and a large field to ascend the Marston Trail. The trails are well marked with yellow triangle blazes. The beginning of the Marston Trail is quite steep but wide and well traveled. After the junction with the Ruschp Sterling Ridge Trail, the Marston Trail flattens out, but can have some streams crossing the trail when there is snowmelt. The trail here passes through pleasant glades that can be skied when there is enough snow; follow the fall line east and bear south, where you will eventually meet Lauren’s Loop to return to the Peak-A-View Trail. Skiers can also follow the Marston Trail down a few quick but steep descents connected by a gradual downhill among birch and pine trees.

The turn to Peak-A-View is sharp, with skiers bearing left at the intersection then right for this short loop. Depending on the snow cover, skiers may want to take off their skis and hike this loop as this trail is rockier and narrower than the rest of the loop. There are two viewpoints from this small loop. Skiers can then backtrack to Sterling Run which connects to the 8 Bridges section of the Catamount Trail. Sterling Run is an easy and wide downhill, while the 8 Bridges Trail is mostly flat with several bridge crossings over small streams. The 8 Bridges Trail is well-marked with blue Catamount Trail blazes.

After completing this loop, skiers can explore more of the nearby trails such as Maple Run Lane and Billings Road, which are sometimes groomed by the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) Trail system. Skiers may also explore further down the Catamount Trail system, which is a ski network spanning 300 miles across the state of Vermont. There are many loops to explore in the Sterling Forest and with the proximity to Stowe, low crowds, and high snowfall this is a must-visit destination for cross country nordic and touring ski enthusiasts!