Sugarloaf Mountain is a registered National Natural Landmark located about 10 miles south of Franklin, Maryland. It is a good example of a 'monadnock', an isolated hill or mountain which rises abruptly from the surrounding land. Sugarloaf is privately owned, but because of a trust which maintains the mountain and grounds, admission is free. There is parking both at the base of the mountain, and in a couple parking areas near the summit.
The mountain was used by the Union Army as an observation and signal station during the Civil War.
FDR briefly considered using Sugarloaf as the Presidential retreat, which is now on Catoctin Mountain (Camp David).
Sugarloaf has a pretty good variety of trails. We hiked up to the summit on the Green trail, which was fairly steep. For much of the green trail, you hike up several sets of stone stairs, including the last rise up to the summit. Take your time and rest as you need to.
If you're not as daring, you can take the red trail to the summit, which is still steep in places, but not nearly as steep at the stone stairs. The Yellow Trail, which circles the base of the mountain, is a horse trail, so if you have an equine friend, you can enjoy a nice ride.
Climbing the stone stairs on the Green Trail
The view from the summit is pretty nice. We were on the west side, so we could see the Potomac River and Virginia beyond.
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| From Sugarloaf Mountain 5-25-2014 |
Enjoying the view, despite the Dickerson Power Plant smoke stacks
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| From Sugarloaf Mountain 5-25-2014 |
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