Mount Sugarloaf, Deerfield MA

• 4-star hikes
• 2 to 4 mile options
• Easy & Moderate | Gain 460 to 1,290 feet
• Deerfield, MA | Pioneer Valley
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The image shows a scenic view of a bridge spanning a river, with a backdrop of a forested hillside displaying vibrant autumn foliage. The bridge is a steel structure supported by concrete pillars. The hillside in the background is covered with trees in various shades of red, orange, yellow, and green, indicating the fall season. The sky is clear and blue, adding to the picturesque quality of the scene.

Looking across Sunderland Bridge to Mount Sugarloaf.

Mount Sugarloaf stands out dramatically in the landscape of Deerfield, Massachusetts, its southernmost rocky cliffs edge evoking the image of a ship's prow slicing through water. The mountain offers experiences for all, from drive-up views of the expansive Connecticut River Valley to a network of woodland trails for the more active visitor. We've plotted several hiking routes around Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation for you to choose from.

Hikers arriving by motor vehicle will want to park at the base of the mountain at one of the parking areas marked on our map. Avoid the reservation's auto road, which is intended for sightseers wishing to park at the top of Sugarloaf next to the observation platform. Parking charges at the top of the auto road are fair for visitors with Massachusetts license plates, but controversially, expect to pay four times as much it you have out-of-state plates.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ South Mt Sugarloaf 1.5 mi loop, moderate, gain 460 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 3★ North Mt Sugarloaf 3.0 mi loop, easy, gain 660 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

⬤ 4★ Mt Sugarloaf Loop 4.4 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,290 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

⬤ South Mt Sugarloaf Varied trail, best views.
Embark on the best short hike on the mountain by starting with a thigh-burning ascent up the aptly named 'Steep Trail.' While trail conditions are generally easy, we rate this route as moderate, primarily due to the well-constructed steep section best approached uphill in a counter-clockwise direction.

The excellent scenic views from the summit of South Mount Sugarloaf are best enjoyed from the observation platform, which also includes a restroom and water fountains. Continue the trail behind the parking lot, following the ridgeline for additional views of Mount Toby rising above the adjacent Connecticut River. After a brief, sketchy downhill section leading to the auto road, take the forest trails for a gently graded downhill return trip to close the loop.

If you're looking for just a quick out-and-back along the Steep Trail expect 0.6 miles and around 400 feet of gain. We've linked to this very short route in the 'Public Maps at AllTrails' links at the bottom of the page.

The image shows a scenic aerial view of a landscape featuring a river, a bridge, fields, and a small town. The river runs horizontally across the middle of the image, with the bridge crossing it vertically. The fields in the foreground are green and well-maintained, possibly used for agriculture or sports. The town is nestled among trees with autumn foliage, and hills are visible in the background. The clear blue sky adds to the picturesque quality of the scene.

Connecticut River Valley views from the summit.

⬤ North Mt Sugarloaf Forest trail, partial views.
Begin at the Hillside Trailhead with its free parking lot and head out for North Mount Sugarloaf. Though there isn't much in it, we prefer a counter-clockwise route that heads in the direction of the unremarkable - and un-signposted - North Mountain summit. Hikers on this route should expect a pleasant woodland experience, though views are limited to partial westerly scenes over South Deerfield from the southwest corner of the trail.

⬤ 4★ Mt Sugarloaf Loop Longer. Most variety.
Combining the above routes into a single hike creates a guided tour to the greatest hits of Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation. Beginning at the foot of South Mountain, head counter-clockwise up the steep trail. Upon crossing the connector trail between the two peaks make sure that you tackle North Mountain in a clockwise direction, as this route begins with a moderately difficult scramble up loose, steep hillside.

The image shows a stone and wood observation tower with an American flag on top. The tower has multiple levels with railings and people standing on the observation deck, enjoying the view. The sky is clear and blue, with a faint moon visible. The surrounding landscape includes rolling hills and autumn foliage. The structure appears to be a scenic lookout point, providing panoramic views of the natural surroundings.

Lookout platform and tower atop the mountain.

The image shows a picturesque view of a small town nestled in a valley, surrounded by autumn foliage. The scene is captured from an elevated vantage point, looking through tree branches adorned with vibrant fall colors—shades of orange, yellow, and red. The town below features several buildings, including a prominent red barn-like structure, and is surrounded by fields and patches of trees. Rolling hills and a clear blue sky frame the background, enhancing the scenic beauty of the rural landscape in the fall season.

Partial view on the north loop.

The image shows a person walking through a forest during autumn. The ground is covered with fallen leaves in various shades of red, orange, and yellow. The trees are tall and have leaves that are also changing colors, creating a vibrant and colorful scene. The person is wearing a red shirt and dark pants and is walking away from the camera, adding a sense of exploration and tranquility to the image.

North Mountain loop is a woodland wonderland.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a river winding through a valley with lush greenery and autumn foliage. The river is surrounded by fields, trees, and some buildings, with hills and mountains in the background. The sky is clear and blue, adding to the picturesque quality of the scene.

Mount Toby visible from the south mountain ridgeline trail.

Tangents:
· Official: Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation
· AllTrails Public: South O&B, North & South
· Facebook Group: Comment on this article

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