sterling forest state park

The Renn Faire and the Forest of Fear are not part of Sterling Forest State Park. The Park itself is a beautiful piece of nature filled with hiking trails, lakes, streams, animals, a working fire tower, and historical sites - including Native American rock shelters to ruins of the iron industry from the 1700's through the 1920's. There is a wonderful Friends group that hold events almost every weekend. They have a facebook page and a website - Friends of Sterling Forest.

I went to the forest of fear last night at Sterling Park. It was not worth the $25 admission. It seemed like they were on a hiring freeze or something. Another handful of actors would probably have done the place some good. There were sooo many missed opportunities were actors could have made this place so much better. I am so disappointed. This may be good for 13-15 year olds but others will be bored.

Stop at the visitor center for an overview short film, use the centerpiece replica of the park and light a trail of lights on the board of where the hikes start and go to. Then check out the staff for ideas for hikes (the Fire Tower and Bald Rocks trails are the best views but have challenging elevation gains not for those unaccustomed to long walks). Take a lunch and plenty of water and stay awhile at the views and enjoy the peace and quiet. The Bald Rocks trail has a stop overlooking a large part of Greenwood Lake; we had the fortune to have hiked there the day planes with water landing gear were taking off from their overnight parking area on the lake and circling in front of us gaining altitude to fly home. Our most recent visit was our third in about 15 years, since there is so much other hiking competition in the area such as the Appalachian Trail; but we keep coming back.

Tough to do in the rain or after a downfall, due to all the mud. Even with hay put down, you navigate big puddles. Porta potties with the exception of a proper restroom in the parking lot across the street.

Lots of hiking trails to choose from with a wide range of difficulty. Visitor's Center had a very nice interactive display of the park. The hiking trails were well marked. There were interesting historical structures to see. Staff was friendly and helpful. We found tons of huckleberries thanks to a tip from a ranger!

The park is great place to take photographs especially in the fall with the trees reflecting in the lake. There are hiking trails, woods and nature. There is also, a visitors center and the fire tower still remains. In the fall they have the Renissance Fair. And the winter you can go skiing.

Sterling Forest is located just West of Harriman State Park and is a great place to explore on a good day.There is a modern visitor's center, hiking trails and woods roads, a beautiful lake, old firetower, remains of historical Sterling Ironworks, furnace and mines.The best hike to take is over Sterling Ridge with a beautiful views of the lake and surrounding forrest.

The park itself is nice with some peaceful trails, but nothing more than that. There's a few bridges and small bodies of water, however nothing else really other than a visitors center type house. If you are going here for one of the events, that's where the park is something different entirely, with tons of things to do.

I found it to be pretty much as outlined in the rest of the reviews here. i.e. nothing fantastically great, but nothing terrible either. It's definitely different and well worth a detour if you're within an hour or so of Tuxedo Park and I probably would go again (hint, save a few$$ on admission by buying your ticket at a Walgreens beforehand).The entertainment includes some (bawdy but good) stage skits like the Washing Wenches (lots of innuendo), of course the jousting (obviously choreographed but some of the lance strikes looked quite violent and were very convincing to me) and you can try your hand at throwing knives, axes, archery etc. There are plenty of "shoppes" and a decent offering of food at reasonable enough (for a faire) prices. There are a few "rides" - all hand powered and mainly for kids.My favourite thing was the "Rotten Revenge". Its where you throw tomatoes at a guy tied in Stocks while he hurls insults at you. Be prepared though, the insults are very real and often personal - even when kids are doing the throwing ("you were The Mistake, weren't you?", "Maybe your Daddy will cut the rest of your hair after the show" (to a kid with a Mohawk). Definitely unPC, unsanitized and usually hilarious!There are plenty of "pubs" scattered about. You're never too far from a beer or glass of Mead. However the policy on ID'ing is over the top. Each person who wants a drink MUST appear at the bar and MUST show their ID each and every time. Why they can't hand-stamp you after the first ID check is beyond me. However the dumbest by far was when a "bar wench" refused to serve me because my ID - which was expired but still showed my photo and DOB and had been accepted at the other "pubs" - was "invalid".Another slight annoyance was the extra charges for the rides etc. and the constant pandering for tips from almost everyone. The amounts were small, but you may get the feeling of being "nickel and dimed" (Oddly though the parking was free).Basically I'm glad I went and "experienced" it. It is "cute" and definitely had a "Merry Olde England" feel about it.

My husband and I go to Sterling Forest for the Renaissance Faire every year. It's really the only time you will eat giant turkey legs, throw axes, watch glass-blowing demos, have a smooch on the kissing bridge, play a didgeridoo, try your hand at archery and see a whole lotta freaks dressed up in costumes of the middle ages all at the same time. I love taking pictures there and sometimes the musicians are interesting as well. There was a fun female quartet there this year. The prices go up a bit each year, but it probably won't stop us from going again next year. Runs from August to Sept.

It's probably me...We're not big fans of this sort of thing but we were curious and it was a beautiful day so why not pay a visit ( and I DO MEAN PAY) on opening weekend?We arrived by car around 1ish - the place was packed. Shuttle buses were scarce so over weeds, rocks, hills and occasional muddy trails we did hike.Upon entering (3 adults - $66) you quickly notice the amusement area is 75% shops for various overpriced items. Food stands offer options at "Yankee Stadium" prices (A slice of "cardboard pizza" -$4.50). The dining table areas do not meet the crowd requirements.There are various activities for the kids - at a price.The free shows that are put on can be entertaining but due to the large crowds you need to get there very early to sit comfortably.Putting the above aside if you're really into The Renaissance (getting dressed up, etc.) then you'll probably enjoy yourself here. If not you won't get your monies worth.I fall under the latter...Side note: We left early so driving out of the parking area wasn't an issue.Leaving toward days end must be a horror show.

This was my first Ren Faire and (after several others) still the best. Nice variety of shows, terrific crafts, good (pricey but you expect that in a closed venue) eats, something for everyone. Have visited with kids from age 18 months to teen: in all cases everyone has found something they enjoy.Parking can be pretty distant but there is a shuttle bus. In addition to portapotties, there are real bathrooms outside the exit.The joust is the highlight of the day, and there is a story line that builds up to it, but you can enjoy it without following along. It's fun to see the actors and the visitors in costume, play the games, and attend the shows.

If you thinking about watching birds and taking pictures of the lake only - this place is the way to go. other then that, there is very little to do as far as week end family activities. You cannot grill even with your own grill. You cannot swim ether. In some way this is ok, since this may be the only way you can avoid hordes of huns from NYC.There is no representation of the rules on the website and NO PARK RULES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST AT PARK OFFICE? this was really strange. Also, how does the untouched nature goes with month long pirate faire shabang with hundreds of people trashing, urinating etc?

Fellow cub scout den leader and I took the den of cub scouts (9-10 year old boys) for hike in park and were led by one of the rangers who pointed out the different tree species, their accompanying flora and fauna and how they lived together interdependently. The trail was well-maintained and appropriate for suburban kids and their parents. A gift shop was on site with interesting souvenirs.An amusing sidelight is that we ran into someone I know from work who had locked himself out of his car but left the window open a crack. The den leader and I managed to open the door and then explain to the curious boys how in this instance, we were doing a good deed rather than breaking the law!

Came here for the Renaissance Fair and had such a fun time. Only came once a few years back. Unfortunately haven't had the chance to return but definitely a good time and totally worth the drive from NJ.