sugarloaf mountain

250keithl

This is a well maintained scenic hike up and around a monadnock in Rural MD. There is something for everyone from challenging to leisurely and also a good rock scramble and climbing cliff area. The parking is good and secure I've never had a problem but never leave things out and in view either. I frequently enjoy a nice 1/2 day hike and then lunch in Frederick, MD. It's so popular destination for weekend bikers. Highly recommended.

Lgblondeas

Hike or drive but the view is average. How ever the landscape of the walk is beautiful. Very cold glad I had gloves. Great for families and dogs to spend the day bring lunch.

Circumspect

Tired of the museum crowds in downtown Washington? Ready to get out-of-town? I've been living in D.C for 30 years and every time I hike at Sugarloaf, I'm wondering why I don't do it more often. Its a quick, easy drive from the metro area and the forest, trails, and views are spectacular. The mountain just rises up over the picturesque farmland all by itself offering breath-taking views in all directions.

olegdc

If you live around, or pass by, Good to spend few hours, or half a day there.Very peaceful place to hike, climb and just enjoy the day.Nice view from the top, a lot of small trails.Good for couples, who want to spend time together.

294careyb

Love hiking with my dogs and family (pre-teens). We live locally so try to go during the week, when less crowded. Great peace and quiet, great views, great exercise.

nderiley

While finding the parking lot the first time you come to sugarloaf may be a unique experience, I found the trail hike to be really enjoyable. The trails are extremely well marked - I hiked the blue loop with my dog and was pleasantly surprised by the elevation variances as well as the view from White Rocks. The downside, on the day we went were the port-o-potties. They were atrocious and may not have been emptied for well over a month. I'd still recommend the trip!

BDSchwarz

This is probably my favorite place in the DC area to hike. I typically do the five-mile circuit hike of the blue-blazed Northern Peaks Trail, with a little variation to reach the principle summit via the red-blazed Monadnock Trail and green-blazed Thomas Trail, which feature stone steps built by Sugarloaf Mountain's original superintendent. I start heading downhill from the West View Parking Area, saving the biggest payoff for near the end of my hike. Alternately, I do the white-blazed, 2.5-mile Mountain Loop Trail or a shortened version of the Northern Peaks Trail by parking along Mount Ephraim Road and doing a loop of the yellow-blazed Saddleback Horse Trail to the Northern Peaks Trail to get a good workout and see the spectacular views from the White Rocks Vista. The trail map is available for free download at www.sugarloafmd.com, so it's easy to plan your own day of hiking fun. Oh, and please remember to practice leave no trace ethics while hiking here, and pack out any trash you bring in. This helps to keep the area beautiful and FREE for all of us to enjoy. Note: port-a-potties are available at the parking areas only.

LymanJ

Few people realize that Sugarloaf is a private property that is open to the public. The hiking trails are good and some are runnable. Sunset views from the west slope are fine.

Proffesionalreview

We found sugarloaf mountain by using trip advisor. We were staying nearby for a wedding and wanted something to do in the morning. It did not disappoint. Even the drive to sugar mountain is nice. We took our jeep up easily and parked at the eastern look out. We hiked for awhile with our dogs and saw other folks with their dogs as well. Our hike was only cut short by some rain and lack of time.... I would love to return and spend more time.

bishkek09

This is a great spot to spend a half day with the kids and dogs. The mountain is perfect for the little ones to hike, but no selfies on the cliffs (hikers have been known to fall).

ggb16

Sugarloaf Mountain is well maintained with a variety of trail lengths. Some of it is very steep, but not for too long.

AmbienceB

Its a smaller mountain.. frequented mostly by the locals-does get crowded on weekends and holidays... its free but not many convenient restrooms... the view from the summit is nice (not the best though). There are many routes to try.. so thats nice.. we spotted snakes, different insects, plants and wild mushrooms on our hike..I didn't find any place to eat here,... so its better to pack food and drinks before coming out here..Overall I will not recommend this place for out of town tourists - there are better things to do and see in the DC/Maryland area- but for the localities this place is a great asset and therein lie its true value.

GWStudent07

This mountain may get crowded on one face, but on the other trails there are not very many people. This is a very nice hike and you can spend the whole day here.

LaurieGreatFalls

Lovely and challenging hike, though it was crowded with leaf-admirers on a Saturday in October. Brutal (good for you!) final climb up a steep and long set of stairs. The view is worth it! The downside is the downside, literally. After admiring the view, climbing down the side opposite the stairs is a real a rock scramble. There's not much of a trail and you basically do a controlled fall/run/scramble/slide down the sheer face of a rock. Make sure you have sturdy hiking boots, because anything else, even sneakers, would be trouble here.No one from our group got hurt, but I can easily see one loss of footing turning into a painful tumble.Was embarrassed to find out later that it's only 1200 feet! Still, definitely not a stroll.

245jamesv

The only mountain in Montgomery county. Too crowded on the weekends but on the week days its the best place for a walk in the woods and a place to "clear your mind". Trails offer easy strolls to pack a bag in length. Most go strait to the top but there is a view from "white rocks" that is worth the hike. Please keep the trails clean. This is somewhere that memories bridge generations and decades.