The South Sugarloaf Trail located near South Deerfield, Massachusetts offers views of the Connecticut River, Pioneer Valley, and views of Pelham and Berkshire. About an hour and 45 minute drive from Boston, this hike can certainly be completed in less than a day. In fact, it’s a great hike that offers great rewards for humble efforts.
We recently started this hike on a rainy day, however we were lucky that the rain stopped after only about 10 minutes. Parking at the trailhead is free. This is link to start the trail. It’s a great short hike but isn’t too stressful making it a great place to start for beginners, hiking with kids, family or anyone looking looking for a quick workout. It’s a bit steep in patches but nothing too high that makes it relatively easy. It took us about 30 minutes to get to the top.
The path is marked with blue markers making it a well guided path to the top. It’s a dog-friendly trail for everyone who wants to go hiking with your dog as well as cyclist-friendly. As you get closer to the top of the mountain, there will be a stretch that will lead you to the path but don’t think you are on the wrong path because if you follow the path and go through the blue lines it will take you to the top.
The best part about this trail is that you don’t have to walk long distances to get there. You can simply drive from the base of Sugarloaf Mountain all the way to the top if you’re not in the mood for hiking, or traveling with young children, or just want a picnic with friends and family but still want to enjoy the view. embrace . If you decide to drive to the top, the entrance fee is $5 for Massachusetts Residents and $20 for Non-Massachusetts Residents.
At the top of the mountain there are various picnic tables to enjoy a picnic with your family or friends and also barbecues are available. A great place to spend a summer day or start an autumn day to soak up the breathtaking views and fresh air.
There is a 3-level observation deck at the top that offers 360-degree views by climbing the spiral stairs. The observatory offers miles of natural beauty stretching below you. However, if you don’t want to climb the tower, there are also various lookout points at the edge to enjoy the beautiful view.
Overall a great short trail to explore with breathtaking views. Highly recommend it!
