Sugarloaf Mountain - the back side

Hike Name: Sugarloaf Mountain - the back side Location: central MD Length: 6 Submitted by: Mark Shaffer Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Maryland trail reviews Maryland national parks Maryland state parks
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Description
This hike begins at a fire road and runs flat with a narrow stream to the left of the trail. When arriving at a flat area with a split in the trail, one that goes up steep to the left and one that continues flat to the right (watch out there is also a split that goes steep up to the right and flat to the left, you have reached the loop trail. Turn right and follow the trail up the hill for about 2 miles. When you come to a junction, keep right. When reaching the top, there will be a path to the left and right. The right trail leads up to the summit of Sugarloaf mountain--very crowded. Turn left and hike along a ridgeline that will afford several views through the trees to the surrounding countryside. After about a mile, you will reach the first peak. There is a rock field at the top with some piled stones to mark the trail. This is a pleasant spot. Continue on the trail to the second peak. When you see a trail break off to the left, you are near the second peak. You can go down to the left and return to the fireroad that you started from or continue straight to a pleasant rock outcropping--again with nice views. Keep right on the trail to find the outcropping. From the rock outcropping, you must backtrack a little bit to find the trail that goes down to the road on which you are parked. Turn left on the road to return to the trail head.

Directions to Hike
Take I 270 North out of Washington DC for about 30 miles. Exit at rte 109. Turn right at the end of the ramp--there is a sign that directs you to Sugarloaf Mountain. After approximately 3-4 miles, turn right just past the Comus Inn. There will be signs. This road will take you into a 4 way intersection that is the entrance to Sugarloaf mountain. Do NOT go directly up the mountain. continue diagonally across the intersection. The road will have a small pond on the LEFT and will very quickly turn into gravel. When reaching a junction in the gravel road, keep right. continue for about 2 miles on the gravel road. Cross 1 or 2 (depending on the season) fords before reaching a point that turns 90 degrees to the left. There is a cable across the fire road that continues straight. That is the trail head. Park at one of the small pull offs nearby.

Contact Information
Stronghold Foundation

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