Near Sugarloaf Loop
Sugarloaf Mtn Saturday
Near Sugarloaf Loop
Blue Trail headed west
Near Sugarloaf Loop
The summit of Sugarloaf Mountain offers spectacular views of rural Maryland.
Near Sugarloaf Loop
White-breasted Nuthatch
Near Sugarloaf Loop
Sugarloaf Mountain Trail

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Hike Route

Sugarloaf Loop

4.4 (12 Ratings)
A challenging loop of Sugarloaf Mt., starting with a strenuous climb to the summit followed by a gradual, wooded tour.
7.5
mi
Distance
1,771
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingLess CrowdedViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.52mi
Distance
1,771ft
Elevation Gain
1,771ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
1,267ft
High Point
508ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
There are multiple parking areas in the southern half of the property, some closer to the summit, but this hike shows a complete loop from the main entrance at Comus Road. From the entrance gates, head north on the road toward the White Trail (Mountain Loop Trail). This marks the start of tough but relatively short climb to the summit.At the first intersection, turn left onto the East View to White Trail connector to find the Orange Trail (Sunrise Trail), which continues to climb north. The next intersection is just below the high point. Turn left (west) onto the Red Trail (Monadnock Trail) as it heads the last few hundred feet toward the rocky crag at the summit. Given the breathtaking views and nearby parking, don't be surprised or discouraged when you find a good number of people here. The beauty of this hike is that the most challenging and busiest section is now over. From the summit, head back the way you came, this time continuing on the Red Trail (Monadnock Trail) (stay left) to the north. You'll be heading north/northeast down the ridge past a couple of intersections. Once you're on the Blue Trail (Northern Peaks Trail), though, you should be able to follow the blue blazes for the majority of the loop to the north. Check the Mobile App for navigation help. Around the three-mile mark, you'll arrive at a five-way intersection with the Yellow Trail (Saddleback Horse Trail), Blue Trail (Northern Peaks Trail), and Purple Trail. Stay on the Blue Trail (Northern Peaks Trail) to head west over a brief climb to the White Rocks. This is a great spot for a snack or lunch break as the crowds you may have encountered at the Sugarloaf summit should have dissipated. At White Rocks, you're well over half way.Continue south on the Blue Trail (Northern Peaks Trail) with a bit more of a gradual descent before making the final up-and-over climb around the countors of Sugarloaf on the White Trail (Mountain Loop Trail) back to the start. As all trails at Sugarloaf Mountain can be traveled in either direction, this hike can be done in reverse or adapted to accommodate groups of different ages and/or abilities.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Zander Gopfert