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Sterling Forest - Frequently Asked Questions |
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Disclaimer: This is very preliminary information and has not been verified with appropriate authorities.
1. What will the name of the park be?
Sterling ForestŪ State Park.
2. Can I hike in the Sterling Forest Property?
Yes and no fee or permit is required. The existing trails, the Sterling
Ridge Trail and the Allis Trail, are accessible from small parking areas along Rt 17A. The
north end of the Allis Trail starts on the Appalachian Trail. The southern end of the
Sterling Ridge Trail is accessible from NJ 511 in Long Pond Ironworks State Park.
The Highlands Trail is conjoint with both of these trails. There are plans for a new trail
in the Indian Hills section of the park (NE corner) and for eliminating the long road walk
between the Allis and Sterling Ridge trails. Please stay on the designated trails and not
the numerous woods roads.
3. Is hunting allowed?
Hunting will be allowed, but hunting season will not close the park to hikers as
in the past. Of course prudence suggests not hiking during gun, deer season. The seasons
will be those normal for NY State with a bow & arrow deer season, a deer gun season
and a spring turkey season where hunters must be out of the woods by 11 am. Small game
that is in season may also be hunted when other hunting is allowed. A large tract at the
northern end, nearest the Appalachian Trail, will be a nature preserve, with no hunting
allowed.
4. Are maps available?
If you are lucky enough to have one of the maps put out by Sterling Forest
Corporation, use it. They have been asked for permission to reprint it with no reply yet.
Until then, the Trail Conference's North Jersey Map Set has a lot of the southern part of
the park, but not quite to the fire tower. The Appalachian Trail Map Set shows some of the
northern part, down to Sterling Lake. An interim sketch map of the trails and woods roads
is available to Trail Conference members who send a self-addressed stamped envelope to the
office. Non-members should contact the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, Bear
Mountain, NY 10911; 845-786-2701.
5. Can I fish in the lakes and streams?
Shoreline fishing is allowed in all Sterling Forest Park lakes and streams with
only a New York State fishing license required. A fish stocking program is being developed
for the park.
6. Can I use a boat?
Fishing/boating (non-gasoline) permits issued by the Sterling Forest Corporation will be
honored on Blue Lake, Eagle Lake, Laurel Meadows Ponds, and Little Dam Lake through
September 30,1998. No new boating permits will be issued.
7. Is biking permitted?
Bicycles may use the public highways that traverse the park but are prohibited elsewhere.
8. Is camping allowed?
Through September 30, 1998, those who hold a Sterling Forest Corporation
fishing/hunting/camping permit will be allowed to camp in designated areas. No new camping
permits will be issued.
9. Are motor bikes or ATVs allowed in the Park?
As in all Palisades Interstate Parks, motorized vehicles are prohibited.
10. What are the eventual plans for the Park?
Currently there is no park administration, only an interim committee. Eventually there
will be a park master plan; 3-4 years would be a reasonable guess. The planning process
will consider the appropriateness of many different recreational activities such as
boating, horseback riding, camping, and mountain biking for future uses of the park.
11. Where is the park office?
Not yet - but soon (5/15).
12. How do I get answers to other questions?
Call the Palisades Interstate Park Commission at 845-768-2701.
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Some of the above material is copied from the Sterling Messenger, May 1998.
Last updated: 01/18/01