Trails

North Sterling has approximately 6.4 miles of trails for hikers of all ages to enjoy. Hikers are reminded to beware of rattlesnakes and keep pets on a 6-foot maximum leash. Horses and mountain bikes are allowed on the trails. Many trails offer access to fishing and hunting areas as well as access between day use areas.

Updated: 8/22/2026 3:05 PM MT

Trail Descriptions

1 - Overlook Loop Trail

Includes: Shooting Star Trail, Red Fox Trail, Sunset Point Trail

• Permitted uses [A]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 0.7
• Total distance: 0.7
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 40 Ft
• ADA accessible: Yes
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: Starting at the Inlet Grove Campground, this short hike gives the visitor a beautiful view of the reservoir, including excellent views of the sunset. This is an excellent hike for children or anyone who wants a short hike and a big view.

2 - Sunset Cove Trail

• Permitted uses [B]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 0.1
• Total distance: 0.1
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 38 Ft
• ADA accessible: No
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: Short and ​Steep trail between the Sunset Cove Parking Lot and the Sunset Point Star Gazing Area.

3 - Swim Beach Trail

• Permitted uses [A]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 0.6
• Total distance: 0.6
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 15 Ft
• ADA accessible: Yes
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: Shoreline fishing access and connection trail from the Sunset Cove day use area to the Swim Beach day use area.

4 - Chimney View Trail

• Permitted uses [A]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 0.1
• Total distance: 0.1
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 35 Ft
• ADA accessible: Yes
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: Quick connection from the Chimney​ View Campground to the Swim Beach day use area

5 - Amphitheater Trail

• Permitted uses [A]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 0.1
• Total distance: 0.1
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 6 Ft
• ADA accessible: Yes
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: Quick Connection from the Inlet Grove Campground/ Amphitheater to the South Camper Services Building

6 - South Shoreline Trail

• Permitted uses [A]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 3.6
• Total distance: 3.6
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 39 Ft
• ADA accessible: Yes
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: Our longest trail with the highest chance of wildlife encounters. Owls, Eagles, Deer, Porcupines, Badgers, Bobcats, and Turkeys are often seen along this trail. This trail also provides access for hunting and fishing.

7 - Old Dam Trail

• Permitted uses [A]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 1.1
• Total distance: 1.1
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Elevation Gain: 20 Ft
• ADA accessible: Yes
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: This trail provides access to fishing as well as great views of the surrounding landscape.

8 - Balanced Rock Trail

• Permitted uses [A]: Hike, Bike, Horse, Snowshoe*, Cross Country Ski*
• Miles paved: 0
• Miles non-paved: 0.1
• Total distance: 0.1
• Usage: Low
• Degree of difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation Gain: 30 Ft
• ADA accessible: Yes
• Pets: On Leash
• Comments: Trail leading to one of the highest points in the park. The Balanced Rock formation, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. Originally called Point of Rocks, the Reservoir was originally named for this formation as “Point of Rocks Reservoir.” The fossil jawbone of a Brontothere found in the park can be viewed in a large boulder at the trailhead near an interpretive sign.

* While Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing are permitted on trail, snow is unlikely to accumulate enough to utilize the trail for snow sports.

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