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4,250 ft · Longfellow Mountains, Maine

Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf is a 4,250 ft peak in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine. The standard route is the Via Appalachian Trail: 10 mi, 3,382 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Sugarloaf in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine

Sugarloaf at a glance

  • Elevation4,250 ft1,295 m
  • RouteVia Appalachian TrailClass 2
  • Distance10 mi3,382 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeLongfellow MountainsMaine

Climbing the Via Appalachian Trail

From Route 27 near Stratton, Maine, an Appalachian Trail spur reaches the summit of Sugarloaf, the state's second-highest peak and home to a major ski resort. The AT approach climbs steadily through forest to an open, rocky top with sweeping views of the Bigelow Range and western Maine mountains. Ski-area roads and lifts offer alternative access in season. The exposed summit catches wind, so carry layers and start early for the round trip. A short marked side trail off the AT leads to the true summit.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (20–30 L)
  • Water
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Offline Maps
  • Compass
  • GPS Device
  • Headlamp
  • Power Bank
  • Hiking Boots
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Light Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen

What to watch for

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Low visibility
  • Cold summit conditions
  • Rapid weather shifts
  • Slippery terrain
  • Insects

Quests with Sugarloaf

Peaks near Sugarloaf

  1. Spaulding Mountain

    Spaulding Mountain

    4,010 ft · 2.2 mi away

  2. South Crocker Mountain

    South Crocker Mountain

    4,050 ft · 3.1 mi away

  3. Crocker Mountain

    Crocker Mountain

    4,228 ft · 3.6 mi away

  4. Redington

    Redington

    4,010 ft · 3.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Sugarloaf?

Sugarloaf is 4,250 feet (1,295 m) tall. It is in the Longfellow Mountains, Maine. It is also known as Sugarloaf Mountain.

How does Sugarloaf rank among the New England 4,000ers?

At 4,250 feet, Sugarloaf is the 35th highest of the 67 New England 4,000ers. The highest is Mount Washington.

How hard is it to hike Sugarloaf?

The Via Appalachian Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,382 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Sugarloaf?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Via Appalachian Trail, covering 10 miles with 3,382 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Sugarloaf?

The Via Appalachian Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,382 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Sugarloaf?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Sugarloaf?

The Via Appalachian Trail starts at about 2,140 feet, roughly 2,110 feet below the summit.

Climb Sugarloaf with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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