The Sugarloaves

Middle Sugarloaf Mountain

Elevation: 2,539 ft.

North Sugarloaf Mountain

Elevation: 2,310 ft.

Trails: Zealand Road, Trestle Trail, Sugarloaf Trail

Elevation Gain: 1,135 ft.

Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip

Duration: 4 hours

We were looking forward to this particular hike! First off, this would be our first spring hike. Secondly, these two peaks were down the road from Mt. Washington and if the weather cooperated, we would have views of the snow topped giant. Well, we weren’t disappointed. For just a modest hiking effort, there are spectacular views of Mt. Washington from both Sugarloafs!

The Zealand road is closed during the winter, so we met our group in the parking lot. It was very windy so after our welcome hugs we did not linger for very long. As we got onto the road we noticed there was a sheet of ice hidden beneath the 2 inches of fresh snow so put on our MicroSpikes.

We walked up the road to the Trestle Trail. This trail took us along the Zealand River until we came to the Sugarloaf Trail split. Another 0.9 miles took our group through a large granite boulder field and uphill to the saddle of the Middle and North Sugarloafs.

We chose Middle Sugarloaf to ascend first and made our way to the summit. The sun was out as you can tell by photos. The views from all angles were stunning. The summit is open and made of many layers of granite slab. We were able to get western views into Vermont and able to pick up Mount Mansfield [Stowe Ski area] and Jay Peak! We were even able to get a photo of the North Sugarloaf summit, our next destination!

It was very windy so we sought out a sheltered location for lunch, relaxing and getting more photos in. We hiked back down to the saddle of the Middle and North Sugarloafs and continued to the North Sugarloaf. The trail took us around the summit and below its ledges. Near the summit the trail got steeper and the going got tricky, especially when the trail was all ice.

North Sugarloaf views were not as expansive but we still had some from a ledge. The large granite ledges provided a perfect place for a brief rest and more photos. The day wrapped up sometime shortly around 3:30pm.  Jim drove back to our house where Jon cooked up another of his delicious dinners and we enjoyed good cheers around a roaring fire.

This was such a brilliant day – we had so much fun and a huge thanks to Jim, Phil and Chuck for keeping this day fun, bright and full of energy.  Cheers gentlemen – we will be seeing you on the trails soon. 

Mike and Jon

The open ledges on the summits are spectacular! Both North [2310’] and Middle Sugarloaf [2539’] have treeless summits and views. Except for some bushes and scrub spruces on Middle Sugarloaf, the views are totally exposed.

We’ll have to walk the Zealand Road, about 1.2 miles from the parking lot to the trail head. From the trail head we hike 0.9 miles to the junction of the spurs to the respective peaks. We will hike 0.5 to summit Middle, backtrack and then summit North (0.5 + 0.3). From the North summit, we will backtrack again to the junction and retrace our way back to our starting point.

Total distance: 5.8 miles

Elevation gain: approximately 1100 feet

Pace: Easy-Social

Hike duration: 4 hours

We will evaluate the weather forecast approaching hike day. Rain or dangerous weather will be cause for cancellation or rescheduling.

Early spring conditions likely still ice on the trail. Bring layers, hat, gloves, MicroSpikes, food and snacks to keep you sustained. Bring a waterproof shell, a headlight, and spare socks. Snowshoes may be needed; we'll let you know. 

Apres Hiking Dinner:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax by our fireplace [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH. It's $35 for Saturday that includes dinner. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!