Big Sugarloaf Mt, Newfound Lake NH

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile loop
• Moderate | Gain 950 feet
• Alexandria, NH | Lakes Region
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The image shows a scenic view of a lake surrounded by lush greenery and trees. The lake has a small island in the middle, and the background features rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

Views of Newfound Lake on the Elwell Trail

This looping hike from Wellington State Park on the shores of Newfound lake has much to offer. Warming up our legs on the flat outbound Orange trail first brings us to the tranquil waters of Goose Pond.

After a mile of hiking through increasingly dense woodland the topography begins to ascend, and we start a hike up the Western flank of Big Sugarloaf which is where we gain most of our 950 of elevation. For the last part of the journey to the summit, expect to take a sharp right turn onto Elwell Trail heading South and tackle the steepest part of your journey.

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⬤ 4★ Big Sugarloaf Mountain 3.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 950 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Though both Big Sugarloaf and Little Sugarloaf peaks are worth the hike, they are tree covered. If you're looking for lake views, expect to find sweeping vistas of Newfound Lake on your way back down Elwell Trail.

Be prepared to share the trail with mosquitos and ticks - particularly in the spring and summer months. Thankfully we enjoyed this hike on an early fall day and found no bugs whatsoever.

Note that some of the trails named on AllTrails basemap are not current. We found that the Blue Trail does not summit Big Sugarloaf on its Southern flanks as shows, but instead follows our marked trail that continues clockwise around the mountain until it reaches Elwell Trail. Also, who thought it would be a good idea to include both a yellow and orange trail, as we found the colors hard to distinguish.

The image is split into two sections. The left side shows a wooden trail sign in a forest, with multiple yellow arrows pointing in different directions. Each arrow is labeled with a trail name and distance. The right side shows a serene lake surrounded by trees, with a clear blue sky above.

Tangents:
• Official: Lakes Region Conservation Trust
• Public Map at AllTrails: Sugarloaf via Elwell
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

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