Sugarloaf Mountain - Hidden New Hampshire North Country Gem
With a rocky, mostly open summit, Sugarloaf Mountain (3,701') in northern New Hampshire offers stunning views of the surrounding North Country, along with views south into the heart of the White Mountains, including the Presidential Range.
Sugarloaf Mountain is climbed via the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, which is a 4.2 mile in and out hike and accessed from a trailhead located on Nash Stream Road (a seasonal road). The trail follows an old woods road to the former site of a fire tower observer's cabin, and then ascends the summit ridge to the open rock summit where the fire tower was once located.
The trail begins on the left side of Nash Stream road (as you head north from the trailhead) and turns left off the road, just before a private residence. Just past the home, the trail enters the woods and shortly thereafter the Cohos Trail continues to the left while the trail up Sugarloaf Mountain goes right.
From here you follow the old fire tower road to the summit. The trail begins climbing gradually, but the climb gets more intense as you ascend. The old road ends at the remains of the fire tower observers cabin. Today all that’s left of the cabin is some timber and rusting metal pieces at the edge of the field.
Once past the remains of the cabin, the trail narrows, becoming a footpath and climbs rather steeply. After reaching the crest of the ridge, the trail follows it to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at a much more relaxed grade.
As you reach the summit area, the trail brings you to the rocky summit and extensive views open up to the south. The summit has open ledges that offer a spectacular view of the White Mountains to the south and the surrounding north country area.
From the summit, you’ll return the way that you came.
Note that Nash Stream Road is not maintained in the winter for vehicle traffic, so unless you have access to a snowmobile, this Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is only accessible during the summer months.
On this trip you briefly travel on the Cohos Trail, which is a 170-mile long-distance hiking trail that begins in Crawford Notch in the south and ends at the United States/Canada Border in the north. This area of the Cohos Trail is roughly about halfway. Moe completed a thru-hike of the Cohos Trail in the Fall of 2020.
Gear we used on this hike:
Sugarloaf Mountain is climbed via the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, which is a 4.2 mile in and out hike and accessed from a trailhead located on Nash Stream Road (a seasonal road). The trail follows an old woods road to the former site of a fire tower observer's cabin, and then ascends the summit ridge to the open rock summit where the fire tower was once located.
The trail begins on the left side of Nash Stream road (as you head north from the trailhead) and turns left off the road, just before a private residence. Just past the home, the trail enters the woods and shortly thereafter the Cohos Trail continues to the left while the trail up Sugarloaf Mountain goes right.
From here you follow the old fire tower road to the summit. The trail begins climbing gradually, but the climb gets more intense as you ascend. The old road ends at the remains of the fire tower observers cabin. Today all that’s left of the cabin is some timber and rusting metal pieces at the edge of the field.
Once past the remains of the cabin, the trail narrows, becoming a footpath and climbs rather steeply. After reaching the crest of the ridge, the trail follows it to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain at a much more relaxed grade.
As you reach the summit area, the trail brings you to the rocky summit and extensive views open up to the south. The summit has open ledges that offer a spectacular view of the White Mountains to the south and the surrounding north country area.
From the summit, you’ll return the way that you came.
Note that Nash Stream Road is not maintained in the winter for vehicle traffic, so unless you have access to a snowmobile, this Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is only accessible during the summer months.
On this trip you briefly travel on the Cohos Trail, which is a 170-mile long-distance hiking trail that begins in Crawford Notch in the south and ends at the United States/Canada Border in the north. This area of the Cohos Trail is roughly about halfway. Moe completed a thru-hike of the Cohos Trail in the Fall of 2020.
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You can find this hike:
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services
You can find this hike:
Outdoor Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Services
Advice and Recommended Gear:
- Goodr Sunglasses
- Osprey Talon 22 Pack
- Altra Lone Peak Shoes
- Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles
- Darn Tough Socks
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter
- Nalgene 32-ounce Wide-Mouth Water Bottles
- Energizer LED Headlamp
- Columbia Titanium Outdry Ex Reign Jacket
- Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad
- Garmin Instinct Watches
- Garmin inReach Plus GPS
- iPhone 13 Pro
Hydration and nutrition for this hike:
- Lenny & Larry's The Complete Cookie
- Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews
- GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink
- Jelly Belly Sport Beans - Energizing Jelly Beans
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Important Hiking Considerations:
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring appropriate clothing and gear.
- Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing. It's also a good idea to hike with a friend or let someone know about your hiking plans.
- Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.
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