May 21, 2022: Today’s joyous vagary was a hike up Sugarloaf Trail to Middle Sugarloaf Mountain. This is a 2.6 mile out and back trail near Twin Mountain, New Hampshire, with a difficulty rating of moderate. Parking was found on Zealand Rd, which is off Route 302.
It was sunny, a bit muggy, and complete with an increasing number of black flies as the day wore on. The temps started in the morning with low to mid 50’s, rising to the low 80’s within a few hours. There were a number of steep pitches along the trail, especially near the top. There were no views along the way, but spotting trillium and marveling at the huge glacial erratics made up for it. And, of course, the views off the top were enjoyable, despite the black flies!
Although the trail is supposed to be 2.6 miles out and back, the GPS clocked the hike at 3.8 miles out and back. Who knows what the real story is.
Sugarloaf Trail to the left, Trestle Trail to the right (and the bridge was out).Yellow blaze trail – to Middle Sugarloaf.Painted Trillium, seen all along the trailGlacial erratic covered in ferns.Wow……even bigger glacial erratic, and split!Putting the glacial erratic in perspective.The left end of the huge glacial erratic. Note the L-shaped ‘scoop’ More glacial erratics.A rare short section of trail without a bunch of rocks!Almost there! Middle Sugarloaf to the left, North Sugarloaf to the right. Red Trillium. Not as prevalent along the trail as the Painted Trillium.The image doesn’t show it well, but this is one of a few stone step “stairs” along the trail.A glacial erratic, and a good place to take shelter if stuck in a storm!Getting steeper…Roots and rocksOne more pitch up, complete with ladder!Finally at the top!A view off the top.Lowbush Blueberry on the mountaintopAnother viewA long view off the mountainMiddle Sugarloaf: Mission accomplished!The route to Middle Sugarloaf Mountain.An “almost” sunset view from the Pemigewasset Overlook, off the Kancamagus Highway
