Mount Sugarloaf Summit Day Trip
Welcome to Mount Sugarloaf Summit in South Deerfield, Massachusetts
Mount Sugarloaf Summit in South Deerfield, Massachusetts (MA), has spectacular (almost panoramic) views of the Connecticut River, Pioneer Valley and Berkshire Hills. From the top at 652 feet high, and on a bright sunny day, you can see the horizon for miles.
There are two summits in Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, a MA state reservation, and this post helps you plan a fun visit to the South Sugarloaf Mountain Summit.
How to get to Mount Sugarloaf Summit |
You can hike or drive up the paved, fairly narrow auto road to the south summit.
From the free parking lot at 300 South Sugarloaf Street at the intersection of MA-116, you can hike a fairly steep, and challenging in sections, one-and-a-half mile loop trail. According to reviews, hiking up counterclockwise means you have a shorter, steep incline.
During the season, the auto road is open 9 a.m. to sunset. It’s fairly narrow, and there are a couple sections where you’ll likely need to pause and let other vehicles by.
At the top, there is a $5 parking fee for MA residents ($20 for non-MA residents); the day I visited, the ranger told me that there is no fee after 5:30 p.m. There are two paved parking areas and a porta potty.
What to see at Mount Sugarloaf Summit
Viewing Sunderland, Massachusetts and the Connecticut River from Mount Sugarloaf Summit.
Once you hike up to or park at the top of South Mount Sugarloaf, walk past the ranger station to the observation tower. There is a covered pavilion area with picnic tables (and a grill) and a sizeable grassy area below the tower you can walk around to see stunning views.
Tip: The observation tower has three levels for viewing. Go up to the top level when you see people come down the spiral staircase as there is only room for a few folks.
The second level of the observation tower is my favorite because you can get expansive views, and the height is awesome for photography. There’s a bit more room as well to find your spot and chill for a bit.
Climbing up to level two of the Mount Sugarloaf Summit observation tower and seeing the Connecticut River and Pioneer Valley vista for miles.
As the season turns to autumn, visiting the south summit is an incredible spot for fall foliage. The top of Mount Sugarloaf offers dramatic vistas of the surrounding hills that pop with autumn colors.
Tip: Looking South to Sunderland offers the best fall foliage views. By standing on the edge of the grassy area, you’ll have the best vantage point.
Check the weather forecast before visiting because you’ll want to see the striking Connecticut River views on a bright day with clouds. The image below was captured in the late afternoon at around 5 p.m.
Tip: Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to have a picnic on the grounds below the observation tower and enjoy the views for a while.
Whether you want a hiking excursion with stunning views as a reward or a family outing to see the beauty of the Pioneer Valley, the South Mount Sugarloaf Summit is an awesome day trip.
Have you been to this summit? What’s your favorite Western Massachusetts mountain summit to hike up to or visit?
Leave a comment below to share tips.
