|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Sugarloaf Mountain is an attractive draw for DC dwellers as it is perhaps the closest mountain to the district. As such the more accessible scenic overlooks are often crowded (though still worth visiting). So, if you want to avoid the crowds, just pack a lunch and take the blue-blazed Northern Peaks trail to the White Rock overlook. This traill will afford you the opportunity to see some of the more remote and less traveled areas of the mountain and enjoy some equally stunning vantange points. Being a monadnock (a mountain exposed after surronding areas erode away) it is characterized by a considerable amount of exposed rock. Unlike many of the other mountains in the area, you will find mostly quartzite here, though the occasional metabasalt can also be found. The trails are well maintained and the scenery is quite nice. You will enjoy the cover of large Oaks as well as the beautifal Mountain Laurel and abundant ferns, and soon a return of the American Chestnut. Trailhead: Sugarloaf Mountain lies within Frederick County, on the southern border. The easiet way to get to the mountain is via route 109, either south from Interstate 270 or norther from Route 28. Route 109 will lead to Comus where you will head West on Comus Road. Comus Road will take you to the base of the mountain and the Stronghold entrance (Stronghold is the private corporation which owns the land). Upon reaching the Stronghold entrance (an odd meeting of five roads), bear right into the road marked as "Mountain Entrance". Follow road up mountain to West View parking area. Trail head will be just to left of covered pavillion, the trail is blue blazed. (Lat:39.26179 Lon:-77.39773) Trail Guides for Sugarloaf Mountain: Northern Peaks Trail: Sugarloaf Mountain Offical Web Site by Stronghold Inc. (Stronghold Inc.) PATC - Sugarloaf Mountain by Andy Hiltz and Donn Ahearn (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Stronghold, Inc. 301-874-2024 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Talbert, who has posted 20 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by rr on 5/30/2006 We did the blue blaze and this hike is not for the faint of heart. We have recently begun hiking and had only hiked Trail A on the Billy Goat and wanted to try something new. Unlike the Billy Goat, endurance was key to this hike. It was a great hike and an even better workout! The views from White Rocks was amazing. Will definitely hike again but will be in better shape before I do so! Thanks for the info-- it was very helpful. 
Reviewed by PatrickMMoore on 3/6/2006 We hiked a combination of the Blue and Yellow trails with our loaded backpacks this past weekend. We'd read good things and are now Sugarloaf-lovers because of the park's terrain, facilities and trail markings. I know we'll come back soon and often! Many thanks for the great info!
Reviewed by DGF on 4/4/2005 Trail map scale and layout seem to be in error. Had a problem with the Orange/Red trails heading back to the parking lot. Didn't seem to match what was on the map. Otherwise, a nice hike.
Reviewed by Rob Wilber on 1/31/2005 I hike Sugarloaf 3-4 times a week. Walk up the road to the stairs to the top and back down and around and down the road. best exercise for the buck...
Reviewed by LWT on 12/13/2004 I just did north peaks trail this past weekend, loved it. I went up the green and red trail initially then merged onto the blue trail, took a little under 3 hours to do the whole thing. Not many people on the trail, great exercise, definitly doing it again.
Reviewed by Autumn on 7/22/2004 I hiked the north peaks trail last winter in 5 inches of snow and I absolutely recommend this trail to people who enjoy solitude. It is a trail that is rugged enough to bring out avid hikers, and a trail that will challenge weekend warriors. The North Peaks Trail is one of those trails that will bring you out time and time again, and every time you'll find something else that draws you back whether it be the scenery or the solitude. Enjoy! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Maryland Hiking, Maryland Trails, Maryland Hikes, Montgomery County Hiking, Montgomery County Trails, Montgomery County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||