Sterling – Pine Esker Trail / Rocky Brook Hike

HIKE NAME:  Pine Esker Trail – Rocky Brook   DISTANCE: 2 Miles     DIFFICULTY: Easy

Restrictions: No motorized vehicles, no dogs, bikes, or horses (DCR watershed)

Trailhead: Sterling. Driving on route 140, Take Oakdale Cutoff Road to Beaman Road in Sterling. Drive about 0.4 miles past the Eight Point Sportsman’s Club and park on the right, near the sign for Rocky Brook Conservation Area. https://maps.app.goo.gl/PAd6sXPin1jbCbES9

Hike Description:  Rocky Brook Conservation is a town-owned property that follows Rocky Brook to the junction with the Stillwater River. This hike goes through the conservation area and DCR wetland property to a clearing at an abandoned gravel quarry, and then out to the wetland pond that is formed by the river junctions. Total elevation is 150 feet.

Links:  Sterling Brochure

Hike Details:

Walk south from the road across the old rock bridge on a small trail. The trail goes over a stone wall and through a small section of woods before joining with a larger wood road. The crossing bridge can be quite interesting on both sides of Beaman Road.

The road passes through a small open field and proceeds through the woods, past a fork to the right and out to an open area which used to be a gravel quarry. From here you can catch a view of the houses along Route 62, but the area beyond the trail is wetland.

Just after turning back, there is a trail off to the west, and this is a trail worth taking, but it just loops around over high ground and around a kettle pond and returns to its starting point.

On the way back, take the left turn to the west and follow the trail out to the pond where the brook and river converge. The swift current of the Stillwater River can be seen out in the middle of the pond. The trail continues around the bend and out to Rocky Brook, but then stops at the brook edge. At that point, turn and retrace steps to Beaman Road.

Other Options to Consider: 

The hike can be extended by parking closer to the Eight-Point Sportsman’s Club.. There are one or two trails that head off to the east toward the house on Wilder Road.

Historical Notes: 

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