[1] Fishing is permitted from the shore only; no boating is allowed on the lake, and the use of bait-fish is prohibited.

One of the trails leads to the Sterling Mountain Fire Observation Tower and Observer's Cabin which provides a 360 degree view of the forest, including Sterling Lake.

[3] As of 2018, the Sterling Lake System, operated by SUEZ North America (formerly United Water), supplies drinking water from Sterling Lake to about 225 people.

Since before the American Revolution, this area was an important source of iron ore for the colonies.

Ore was discovered at the site of the old Sterling Mine in 1750, on the south shore of the lake.