6/15/03
North Sugarloaf 2310’ and Middle Sugarloaf 2539’ in the Little River Mountains

3.4 Miles 1000’ Elevation gain

Kevin, Judy and Emma

This was our first non-winter trip to the Sugarloafs. There is a Sugarloaf Mountain in the Benton Range, and another Sugarloaf Mountain in the Nash Stream Forest, but these Sugarloafs are northwest of Crawford notch off of Rte. 302 on Zealand Rd. The trailhead to these two small hills with big views can be reached by travelling south on the Zealand Rd. to the parking area just past Sugarloaf 2 Campground and just before the bridge over Zealand River. From the parking area cross the bridge and the trailhead is at the south end of the bridge. The Sugarloaf Trail coincides with the Trestle Trail for about 2/10ths of a mile, then breaks off west, (left) crosses a snowmobile trail, then rises to the col between North and Middle Sugarloaf in 9/10ths of a mile. From here one can take the trail to the right which leads to North Sugarloaf, or turn left and go to Middle Sugarloaf. Since our initial visit in February of this year we have gone to each summit on all trips. The round trip to both summits is 3.4 miles and is not particularly strenuous. The views from both summits more than make up for any exertion during the climb. There are excellent views of the west face of Mount Washington and the surrounding Presidentials. Cherry Mountain lies to the north, the Rosebrooks to the east, the Twins to the southwest and to the south South Sugarloaf lays at the foot of Mount Hale. South Sugarloaf has no maintained trail, but I believe it can be reached by bushwacking from the summit of Mount Hale. We scouted this out on a backpacking trip to Mount Hale, but never quite reached the summit of South Sugarloaf. I'm not sure if it would be easier to try to reach it from Middle Sugarloaf. You would have to descend cliffs from Middle Sugarloaf to the forest floor below, then make the climb. It's possible it could be reached by bushwhacking from the Zealand Rd., too. It appears to be a wooded summit and probably the only real reason to go would be to work on a 3000 footer list. Maybe someday, but for now I'll settle for the easy access and breathtaking views from North and Middle.