The park serves as a trailhead for several hiking trails that stretch into Mount Mansfield State Forest. Sterling Pond trail passes through a dense secondary forest. The trail begins North of the campground and it rises 900 feet to Sterling Pond which is open to fishing and swimming. Several trails begin at Smugglers' Notch State Park and ascend Mount Mansfield. Mountain climbing and spelunking is permitted at the park. Many large boulders and caves are found throughout the park and vertical cliffs are on Mount Mansfield and Elephant's Head.