If you live in DC and are looking not to spend more than an hour driving, then the Sugarloaf mountain is the choice to make. It has nice trails that are relatively easy to walk on, but be ready to get your leg muscles activated and heart racing. Around the top, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view....

This was a challenging mountain range. The parking was ample. We followed the green to red to blue to blue-white trail loop. The red trail connects with the orange. So, don't get led astray at that juncture. There are places to climb as well as beautiful creeks. There is reasonable elevation. We didn't go on it, but I heard that the purple trail isn't as well kept. So, be mindful when taking that additionally route. There is a portion of the blue trail that runs along a gravel road. So, don't be alarmed.

Sugar loaf is a beautiful place to hike. I've been there a number of times, and it always proves to be a fantastic hiking trip with the family. It has a number of beginner trails from this parking lot, so it shouldn't be much of a problem to take the kids. At the top of the mountain, the are lots of boulders that the children always like to climb on. The view is beautiful, I highly recommend this as a great place to go out and get some fresh air.

Free park with lots of trails. It's a small mountain but still has nice climbs and views. Lol at review who took a star away because there were too many rocks." Was it well marked & maintained? Yes. Mountain trails usually have lots of rocks and elevation like sugarloaf. Wear appropriate footwear. I did 7+ miles starting from West view parking lot. Park in Westview unless you want to add a uphill climb to start. I took the blue blaze trail (northern peaks) which is 5 miles and added white mountain loop trail which was 2.5 miles. Give yourself more time to hike since it is technically difficult to maneuver around big rocks so will slow you down. I almost fell a few times trying to make up time. Luckily my shoes were tied tight otherwise twisted ankle or worse. Lots of parking but very crowded and still fills up. Get there early so less crowds. I only passed a few people the first couple hours then it was packed by 11. They have maps for you to take. It's clearly marked but some overlapping so if you have troubles reading maps could be an issue. Quite a few maps along the way that says you are here which is very helpful.

Fantastic day-hike! The green-blue trail is beautiful, moderately strenuous in elevation changes and about 4 hours long. More than one person/group got turned around with the trail intersections but trails are well blazed and well maintained. Bring a snack and take a break at white rocks where the overlook gives you a view from Frederick to the Blue Ridge mountains I would encourage anyone to look at the interesting geology and history of the mountain. It adds to the experience of the hike to consider who walked the trails before you and how the land has changed over time

Parking lot on the west side of Sugarloaf. Lots of parking available, there are two portapoties here, usually very clean with hand sanitizer available. There's also a picnic shelter. Easy access to blue and white trails. Not too great of views immediately here, but it's usually less full than the East View parking area.

Very nice hike ! You can do the full 10 miles which I did in the summer and was very pleasant, with a variety of scenic vistas and patches of walking in the woods. You can also park in the lot closest to the top and shave about 5 miles for a more relaxed hike. This one takes closer to 2 hours. Not very hard or steep since your car has done more of the climbing but you still get the pretty views at the top.

The green trail is very steep and Rocky. Not for the less mobile.