Sugarloaf Mountain (Maryland)

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Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain, seen from 2.5 miles (4km) to the east
Elevation	1,282 feet (391 metres)
Location	Maryland, USA
Easiest route	hike

Sugarloaf Mountain is a monadnock mountain in Dickerson, Maryland, close to Frederick. The town of Barnesville, Maryland, located nearly at the foot of the mountain inside Montgomery County, Maryland is closest. Its 1,282-foot (391 m) elevation makes it approximately 800 feet (244 m) taller than the surrounding farmland. As a relatively low mountain with well-designated trails it is a frequently climbed summit. Though owned by Stronghold Incorporated, through a trust fund set up by Gordon Strong in 1947, the mountain remains open to the public.

During the United States Civil War and the first invasion of the North in 1862 by the Army of Northern Virginia led by Robert E. Lee, the area around Sugarloaf was the scene of major activity by both Union and Confederate forces trying to locate each other. The height of Sugarloaf made it a natural location to view the entire countryside. Soon after, the Union and Confederate armies would collide in the Battle of Antietam to the west, which became the first victory for the Union in the East and resulted in the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves in Confederate territory.

In the early 1900s Chicago businessman Gordon Strong bought substantial land holdings on the mountain. In 1925 Frank Lloyd Wright, on commission from Strong, proposed an automobile objective development for the top of the mountain.

1 Tourism
2 Rules
3 Directions
4 External links

[edit] Tourism

Sugarloaf mountain is an area tourist attraction, free and open to the public. Activities include hiking, picnicking, and viewing. The mountain is known to locals for its scenic views.

The road leading up to Sugarloaf Mountain

The scenic overlook at Sugarloaf Mountain

[edit] Rules

Visitors to Sugarloaf Mountain are asked to obey the following rules:

Mototists must strictly obey the posted 15 mph speed limit. Due to the narrow, winding roads, exceeding this speed may be extremely dangerous!
Park only in designated parking areas.
No campfires, grills, or other use of fire.
No overnight camping.
No firearms.
Mountain bikes are permitted only between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and only on designated trails.

[edit] Directions

From I-270: Take exit 22 (SR-109). Turn left off ramp (turn right off ramp if exiting from I-270N), following signs to Sugarloaf Mountain. Go about 2 miles, then turn right on Comus Road. When you see parking spaces on sides of road, turn right onto road that will bring you to top of mountain.