As a family, we are always looking at different ways to get into the woods, gain some elevation, test ourselves a bit, and cap it all off with a nice mountain top view and the sense of accomplishment that comes from reaching the summit. The mountains of western Maryland, the Shenandoah and West Virginia provide ample opportunities for all forms of mountain play. But with the busy schedules that are the reality for most of us, it can be tough to find enough uninterrupted hours needed to fully enjoy these places.
Enter Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson Maryland. A mere 33 miles from Core72’s front door in Chevy Chase DC, Sugarloaf mountain offers miles of wooded hiking and running trails, ~ 800 feet of vertical gain, and impressive views from its 1,282 foot summit. The mountain’s six trails (Blue, Purple, White, Yellow, Orange and Green) can be mixed and matched to allow runners and hikers of all levels to get the type of workout that’s right for them.
For years, we’ve headed to Sugarloaf for pleasant half-day hikes, culminating with a picnic on the summit. We’ve also gone for awesome trail runs, weaving our way from the surrounding farmland up to the top of Sugarloaf and then back down. Quite a workout for your quads! Regardless of the activity, we always return home feeling like we got out of the city and did something nicely different than the wonderful (but familiar) trails of Rock Creek Park.
Visit www.sugarloafmd.com for more information.
Directions to Trailhead: Take 270 North to Exit 22 (MD 109). Go South on MD 109 to Comus Road (The Comus Inn will be on your right). Follow Comus Road straight into the parking area for Sugarloaf Mountain to 7901 Comus Road, Dickerson, MD, 20842