Sugarloaf Mountain

Let's do some hiking on the Maryland side and check out the fall colors on Sugarloaf Mountain!

The route: We’ll spend most of the hike on the Northern Peaks (Blue) Trail, which starts at Westview parking area and offers 5 miles of nice scenery and hiking. Near the end of the hike we'll take the Red Trail to ascend to the very top of the mountain, and then take the stairs along the Green Trail to descend back to Westview. See the trail map linked in the notes section below.

This rocky, heavily-wooded mountainside trail has 990 feet in elevation gain and although it is rated moderate, it is challenging in spots, so take a sanity check and make sure you are up for this hike!

The hike is 5 miles of smiles and should take about 3.5 hours to complete, including a short break at White Rocks to enjoy the view.

How to get there: From the I-495 Capital Beltway, take I-270N to Exit 22 South and turn onto MD-109/Old Hundred Road to Comus Road. Take a right on Comus Road, which will take you to the base of the mountain and the Stronghold entrance. Upon reaching the Stronghold entrance:

(1) Bear right into the road marked "Mountain Entrance" and follow the road to the Westview parking area.
(2) At Eastview, turn left to go on to Westview.
(3) Bear right into Westview. Meet at the covered pavilion.

Photos and directions from the entrance to the trailhead are here (http://tinyurl.com/mblmwjj).

Sorry, this is not a Metro-accessible hike.

Weather: The forecast is clear and a high of 68 degrees. Updates here (http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Dickerson%2C+MD).

What to bring: Water, comfy shoes with some tread on them, and your furry friend (leashes required). A snack for the break at White Rocks is a good idea.

Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. This group is a kids-free zone, no one under 18 years of age is permitted.

Administrative stuff: There are restrooms (the portable type) at the entrance and at Westview parking area.

Notes:

• Sugarloaf Mountain Park (http://www.sugarloafmd.com/), 7901 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD , 301-874-2024

• Sugarloaf trail map (pdf) (http://tinyurl.com/ld9j7jq)

• Sugarloaf Mountain Winery (http://www.smvwinery.com/), 18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD, (301) 605-0130

• Bennigan's Clarksburg (http://bennigansmd.com/), 23315 Frederick Rd, Clarksburg, MD, (301) 540-1499

• Coastal Flats (http://www.greatamericanrestaurants.com/coastalflats/gaithersburg), 135 Crown Park Ave (near Fields Rd & Decoverly Dr), Gaithersburg, MD, (301) 869-8800