The Sterling Forest 50K trail run stretches over 31 miles through Warwick, New York, demanding respect from runners and hikers alike. From start to finish, the course climbs approximately 5,000 feet of elevation, weaving through hardwood forests that lean close as if to test your resolve. Rugged rock underfoot and root-strewn paths force steady footing; this isn’t a route to rush but to engage with, step by deliberate step.

The trail snakes along Sterling Forest State Park’s diverse terrain, where brooks murmur defiantly across your path and ridgelines offer brief breaks with sweeping views of the Hudson Highlands in the distance. The trees do more than shade — they push against the wind, greeting you with whispers of seasons past. The course is a gritty companion, its inclines a silent dare to keep moving.

Preparation is key. Hydration stations pepper the course, but carrying at least 1.5 liters of water and electrolytes is wise, especially in summer’s thicker air. Trail shoes with aggressive tread will anchor you during wet patches and rocky stretches. Timing your run for early morning or late afternoon cooler hours improves endurance and lets you soak in shifting light.

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable running conditions. In spring, expect soft trails carpeted in new growth and the scent of damp earth; fall paints the forest in fiery colors but can bring slick leaves. Summer’s heat demands careful pacing, while winter offers a stark, icy challenge best suited to experienced runners prepared with traction aids.

The Sterling Forest 50K is fiercely itself—unyielding yet rewarding—inviting not just runners but any outdoor enthusiast ready to engage deeply with New York’s wild edge. Every mile tests physical stamina and invites mental focus, balanced by moments of calm clarity among nature’s watchful forms. Take on this route knowing the forest will answer, step for step, challenge for challenge.