Sugarloaf Mountain

If the same can be said for mountains, Maryland's Sugarloaf Mountain is a gold medal weightlifter. Just ten miles south of Frederick, Sugarloaf rises dramatically from the surrounding farmland of the Maryland piedmont. The 1,282 ft. mountain is a monadnock, which means, to reiterate, it stands alone. As such, Sugarloaf beckons to DC area hikers from miles away - just begging to be climbed.

South-facing view from the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain

Hiking Trails

Thanks to its switchback roadways, Sugarloaf is an easy mountain to peak. Three different 1/4 mile trails access the summit; they are arranged below in ascending order of steepness:

Red (The Monadnock Trail)
Don't be fooled by the super-steep beginning section; the trail mellows out nicely as it approaches the summit. Accessed via the Blue Trail (1/4 mile from the West View parking area).

Green (A.M. Thomas Trail)
Stone steps built by Sugarloaf's first superintendent lead the way to the top, passing beneath the summit's protruding cliffs. Accessed from the West View parking area and the White Trail.

Orange (The Sunrise Trail)
Hike this east-facing trail on cold, sunny mornings and you'll warm up in no time. The steepest of the three, it is also the most technical. Accessed from the East View parking area and the Blue Trail.

Hikers looking to notch serious mileage have additional trail options:

Yellow (Saddleback Horse Trail) - 7 miles
Sugarloaf's designated multi-use trail (open to mountain bikers in the summer) will get its own Trail Voice feature next summer (stay tuned!). Accessed near the mountain entrance (Comus Road).

White (Mountain Loop Trail) - 2.5 miles
Ascending from the base of the mountain, the white-blazed trail loops 200-300 feet below the summit. Accessed near the mountain entrance.

Blue (Northern Peaks Trail) - 5 miles
Any Sugarloaf epic will undoubtedly include a trip to White Rocks and the northern peaks. Skirting the mountain ridge, the blue-blazed trail features scenic vistas and varied terrain. Accessed from the West View parking area and the White or Yellow trail.

How to Hike Sugarloaf

Hiker along the Northern Peaks Trail in Sugarloaf

With 15 total miles of interconnecting and easily accessible trails, loop options are plentiful. However, one circuit route stands alone (like the mountain itself). Get yourself a map [PDF] (also available at the trailhead) and add this 7-mile loop to your to-do list.

• Starting point: Mountain entrance on Comus Road
• Trail Sequence: White > Blue > Red > Orange/Green > White
• Direction: Either

The sequence detailed above saves the summit for the end of the hike. Hoping to catch the morning rays from 1,282 feet? No problem - access the Orange or Green trail directly from the White.

When to Go

Alas, fall foliage season, featuring Sugarloaf’s red and white oaks in all their glory, is behind us. But with unobstructed vistas and diminished crowds (250,000 people visit per year), some would argue that winter is the best time to visit. Add an "après-hike" body-warming glass of Merlot from Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard to the equation and you have a bonafide winter wonderland.

How to Help

Sugarloaf's story is not complete without mentioning one last wrinkle; this mountain is privately-owned. Stronghold, Inc. - a trust set up with the specific intent of preserving Sugarloaf Mountain - administers the 3,300 acre property. If you'd like to help Sugarloaf carry on the tradition of free public access, make a donation or call Stronghold to arrange your project with the Park Manager.

Location / Directions: Dickerson, MD
Park Size / Trail Distance: 3,300 acres; 15 miles
Surface / Difficulty: Natural; Moderate
Trail Map: Sugarloaf Mountain [PDF]

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