DC/MD/VA Adventures

Sugarloaf Mountain Hike followed by trip to Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard

Apr 6, 2014 · 10:30 AM
Sugarloaf Mountain

UPDATE: We will now meet at the East Lot which is about a 1/2 mile up the mountain. From Comus Road turn right into the park and then follow the road to the right for about a 1/2 mile to the East Lot. Park and meet the group by the port-a-potties.

Now that the Spring weather has actually arrived and looks like it will stayaround lets enjoy the day with a hike at Sugarloaf Mountain. Geologically, Sugarloaf is known as a monadnock,a mountain that remains after the erosion ofthe surrounding land. Here, that process took approximately 14 million years. At an elevation of 1282 feet, Sugarloaf stands more than 800 feet above the farmland below. The rugged cliffs on the summit are composed primarily of quartzite, the predominant type of rock on the mountain. The hike will be about 7 miles and include about a mile and a half of an uphill climb of about 500 ft in elevation to get to the summit.

The park is located in Dickerson, Md off of Comus Road. From Washington DC/Arlington take I-495 to Route I-270 north to the Hyattstown exit, circle under I-270 and continue on Route 109 to Comus, then right on Comus Road Below is a link to their web page as well as a link to the mountain map:

http://www.sugarloafmd.com/sl_directions.html

http://www.sugarloafmd.com/images/maps/102709_trailmap.pdf

We will meet in the parking lot right off of Comus Road at 10:30am and then head out for the hike at 10:45am. The hike will take about 3.5 hours including a stop at the main vista for lunch so pack a bag of food and some drinks.

After the hike we will head to the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard which is loacted a few miles from the base of the mountain. They have a large outdoor patio that we can hang out in so feel free to bring some food and we can do a potluck while there. Those who want to do a tasting can go inside and those who just want to get a glass or bottle to enjoy can stay on the patio: http://www.smvwinery.com/visit.htm

It supposed to be partly sunny and in the high 50's on Sunday so a perfect day for a hike. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Stacey

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Stacey

Thanks all for coming out on the hike to sugarloaf mountain and to the winery afterwards. It was a fun day. I just posted a few picutes of the event. If any of you have more pictures feel free to post.

0 · April 8, 2014
Priti

Great hike with good company and beautiful weather followed by good wine :)

2 · April 7, 2014
- A former member
  
  Indeed it was perfect weather for the hike, and great company...hope will do it again soon.
  
  0 · April 7, 2014
Meow P.

Awesome.

0 · April 6, 2014
Stacey

Just FYI I got a late start so will not be arriving until closer to 1045am. Meet by the porta potties and keep an eye out for an older man that's my dad and he is an avid hiker so will be leading the hike

0 · April 6, 2014
- Tammie
  
  I didn't get the notice until this am that I was added, not going to make it.
  
  0 · April 6, 2014
Cathy N

I am coming from Rockville....

0 · April 5, 2014
- Kathy H.
  
  I live in Rockville , near where Georgia Ave and Norbeck Rd meet in case you'd like to drive together.
  
  0 · April 5, 2014
philip

i live in germantown. If anyone wants to meet around there and ride together would work for me.

0 · April 5, 2014
Stacey

Just checking what people are bringing for the potluck and we are overloaded with cheese and crackers so if you have not already bought any thing please try and bring something else like chicken, sub, veggies or side salads

0 · April 5, 2014
Darya

I'll be coming from Sterling if anyone wants to carpool with me. 3 seats available as of now.

0 · April 5, 2014
Stacey

Just FYI we will meeting at the east lot for this hike as it is bigger then the lot at the base of the mountain. Ill send out a more detailed email tommorrow on how to get there but wanted to give you all a heads up. It is stilll a good idea to try and carpool so use the message board to talk to each other and make arrangements if you like . The closest metro is Shady Grove of of the red line and its about a 20 min ride to Sugarloaf.

0 · April 4, 2014
Guillermo V.

Hi, I'm coming from Springfield,VA. I would like a ride. I promise good company and cash for gas.

0 · April 3, 2014
Stacey

Hey All, thanks for the information about the parking. I am looking into alternate locations to park as due to a proir commitment I can not start the hike until 10:30am. If any of you want to go ealier feel free to arrange amongst yourselves but I will not be starting until 10:30am. I will update parking info as soon as I decide.

0 · April 3, 2014
Tom

It is very doubtful you will find a parking space at the base of Sugarloaf at 1030 on a weekend.

0 · April 2, 2014
- Gina
  
  If we want to secure a parking spot, how early would you say we have to be there?
  
  0 · April 2, 2014
Kathy H.

maybe a parking lot further up would be better? When I last went on a hike at Sugarloaf, it did seem the bottom lot was full early.

0 · April 2, 2014