Middle and North Sugarloaf Mountains

Length: 3.4 miles out-and-back

Difficulty (click for info): Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1090 feet (+80 feet on return)

Rating (click for info): 7/10

Elevation: 2537' (Middle) and 2305' (North)

Prominence: 284' (Middle) and 107' (North)

Driving Directions:
Trailhead is on Zealand Road in Carroll, NH (summits are in Bethlehem). Zealand Road leaves the west side of Rt. 302 2.2 miles east of the junction with Rt. 3. Drive past the gate and picnic area, over the bridge, and continue 0.9 miles. After passing the entrances to Sugarloaf I and II campgrounds, look for the parking area on the right, just before the bridge over the Zealand River. The trail begins just on the other side. Click here for a Google map.

About the Hike:
Although they share a common name with a multitude of other mountains, these two Sugarloafs are far from ordinary. Middle Sugarloaf in particular commands one of the finest views for its small size in the White Mountains. The two rocky knobs of the middle and north summits are a familiar landmark for travelers heading through the village of Twin Mountain. Their ledges are impressive for their elevation, and the summits of the two take on a different appearence when viewed from different angles. Their southeastern aspect shows off the sheer angle of some of the ledges. Taking off from the Sugarloaf Campground on Zealand Road, the trail is among the most popular in the area for its reward of panoramic views accessible by a short hike with only moderate terrain.

The hike starts along the lovely Zealand River. Depending on where you park, walk a short distance to the trailhead, which is on the south side of the bridge (away from the main road). The Sugarloaf Trail runs right along the riverbank of the stony channel for 0.15 miles before turning left up the slope as Trestle Trail continues ahead. The trail levels off and runs through hemlock forest, crossing a snowmobile trail after 0.1 miles. Watch for wildflowers on the side of the trail, like the painted trillium. The trail crosses a couple wet areas on stepping stones, and begins to approach steeper slopes in another 0.2 miles. It weaves through a boulder field as it ascends, looping around one impressive split boulder. It soon jogs to the right and continues to climb steadily, eases for a bit, and then reaches a long stone staircase. After 0.45 miles of climbing, the trail splits in the gap between the two mountains. We recommend visiting North Sugarloaf first (turn right). The north branch of the trail approaches the base of the summit cliffs, circles around the cone, and climbs up to the top of North Sugarlaf with one switchback. As the trail encounters the summit ledges, it turns right and leads out to the most open viewpoint, reached in 0.3 miles from the junction. The summit rocks afford a wide directional view to the south. To the left, Rt. 302 through the Ammonoosuc River Valley can be seen, with the Dartmouth and Presidential Ranges behind it. To the southeast, you have a great view looking up into the Zealand River Valley, underneath the Rosebrook and Willey Ranges. The cliffs on the near side of the Rosebrook Range are Mt. Oscar, right behind the ski lifts of Bretton Woods. Straight ahead off the ledges is Middle Sugarloaf, with Mt. Hale rising behind it, a much higher mountain with no open ledges. To the right, you can see North Twin Mountain and Peak above the Nubble. Further off into the valley are the two rounded hills of Mts. Cleveland and Agassiz.

Returning to the junction to visit the next Sugarloaf, the south branch of the trail runs flat over a ledgy rise and dips into a fern-filled hollow in 0.15 miles. It swings out to the right, climbs moderately, swings back to the left across the mountainside, and makes one switchback up a steep rock face. It continues up over roots and rocks, and just below the summit, the trail climbs a ladder up the final pitch. The summit is reached in another 0.35 miles. Walk out onto the wide open summit ledges of Middle Sugarloaf, where the views are spectacular. The views are much more open here than from North Sugarloaf and provide a slightly different perspective. You can walk around the summit area in both directions to experience all the views. To the left from the ascending trail, the views are more open down into the Zealand Valley, where you can see a few ponds and stretches of the Zealand River. Walking around to the right around the patches of low-growing shrubs, you'll eventually reach much better views to the northwest, out into Vermont and over the village of Twin Mountain. All the way over to the north, you can see back toward North Sugarloaf and beyond to Cherry Mountain.

Printable directions page