South Mount Sugarloaf is one of Western Massachusetts’ hidden treasures. Perhaps I think they’re hidden because to me, a MA Southcoaster, Western Mass seems like the forgotten lands; and what a shame that is. How can I flaunt my Massachusetts pride if I never visit this region? This part of the state has its own special charm that shouldn’t be missed.
Benny and I decided to go for a hike up South Mount Sugarloaf. Well, it was mostly me who decided to go up. I convinced Benny that with a name like Sugarloaf, it had to be good. They must be giving away candy at the top! And at only 652 feet, I thought it’d be a great, short, not-too-intense hike. When we arrived, he became a disgruntled little bear when he realized that there was neither sugar nor bread. Later you’ll see how I paid for my innocent deception.
How to get to the top of South Mount Sugarloaf
As with many New England mountains, you have two choices. You can walk up or you can drive up. While I consider taking the auto-road cheating (Benny rolled his eyes at me when I told him that), it’s an easy way to enjoy the views of the Connecticut River that South Mount Sugarloaf has to offer.
Auto-road option:
Thinking about taking the auto-road? Don’t worry, I don’t think you’re cheating. Really. It’s a great option if you have young kids, you’re short on time, or you want to enjoy a picnic at the summit without being tired and sweaty.
Taking the auto-road costs $5 per car for Massachusetts residents. Out-of-staters have the honor of paying $10 per vehicle. (Thank you, out-of-staters, for contributing to the Commonwealth’s coffers. I promise we’ll put it to good use.) The price you pay is determined by the license plate of the car you’re driving. So, if you’re taking a day trip with friends who are spread out among Rhode Island and Massachusetts, take your Massachusetts friend’s car to save $5.
Helpful FYI on fees: MA residents can buy a year pass good at all MA state parks for $60. Out-of-staters can get the same pass for $120. Massachusetts seniors, brace for this good news: You can get a lifetime pass for $10. Seriously. For more information on park fees, check out the state’s Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation site.
The auto-road for South Mount Sugarloaf is at 300 Sugarloaf St, Deerfield, MA.
Climbing South Mount Sugarloaf
If you’ve been reading the blog for a while, you can assume that this is the option we took. For those who are climbing: Congratulations! You just saved $5 (or $10)! There is no fee to park your car at the base, which can be found right next to the beginning of the auto-road (300 Sugarloaf St, Deerfield, MA – just in case you missed it).
Of course, make sure you have a map! This is a good time to point out that South Mount Sugarloaf is part of the Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, and that there’s also a North Sugarloaf Mountain also.
Remember when I said that I figured it would be a short, not-too-intense hike? Well, I was half wrong. It was short, but it was pretty intense. There’s a sharp incline. I told Benny that it was a great lower-body workout. He was not enthused. It took us a little over 40 minutes to get to the top. It should have taken us longer, but I was walking at a good clip. I should have remembered that I was taking my little bear friend along with me.
The trail is manageable for younger children if you take your time. We passed a few families, and one dad was giving his daughter a piggy back ride. If you do go with little ones, you’ll want to be more careful as you approach the summit.
The Summit of South Mount Sugarloaf
At the summit, you can see the Connecticut River for miles, and you get a great view of the town of Sunderland. We climbed up a lookout tower at the top. There were a few people, including a ranger. Benny went to go speak with her while I continued climbing to the top of the tower. I should have known he was up to something, but at the time I thought he was just going to ask some innocent questions. He didn’t talk with her for long. She went into a golf cart and drove down the auto-road, probably on her normal patrol route.
There are a few picnic tables also. The summit makes for a great place to bring the family.
Exploring a bit farther down the other side, we came across a bench with a stunning view of Sunderland.
I told Benny that I thought I sounded like a dweeb in the video. He said wryly, “You do.” Thanks for the moral support, Benny!
Benny’s (playful) revenge
After we were done exploring the area, we went down the trail and back to the car. We had to be careful at first, it’s too easy (and tempting) to start running down the mountain. I know we run a travel blog, but I’d rather not visit a Western Mass hospital because we tumbled down a mountain. (Although, on second thought, that would make for a great post, don’t you think?)
I digress. When we finally got back to the car, I noticed an orange paper on the windshield. AN ORANGE PAPER ON THE WINDSHIELD. I wrote it again just in case you needed to let it sink in. An orange paper on the windshield means only one thing: A TICKET.
“You’ve got to be kidding me! I thought we could park here!” I exclaimed. I went over the windshield and indignantly grabbed it. How much is this going to cost me? I thought.
My anger subsided as I read what was written on the paper: “Hope you enjoyed your hike! Come back to Western MA again!”
Benny smirked as he said, “Looks like you didn’t get a ticket after all! That’s great!”
This bear…
Looking for another hike in Western Mass? Check out Monument Mountain!
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If you like local hikes, you should check out these places:
- Ridge Hill Reserve, Dartmouth
- Hiking Simmons Pond in Little Compton
- New Bedford Harbor Walk
- Destruction Brook Woods, Dartmouth
- A Stroll at the Westport Town Farm
- Gooseberry Island in Westport
- Sandwich’s WWII Remains
- East Over Reservation, Rochester
- Natural Resources Trust of Easton
- Colt State Park, Bristol
- The Knob, Falmouth
- Blackstone Gorge, Blackstone
- Quequechan River Rail Trail, Fall River
- Lyman Reserve, Plymouth/Bourne/Wareham
- Lawrence Island, Bourne
- Meshanticut State Park, Cranston
- South Mount Sugarloaf, Deerfield
- Hiking up Mount Wachusett, Princeton, MA
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The trail head and auto-road leading up to South Mount Sugarloaf can be found at 300 Sugarloaf Street. When you see a dirt parking lot, you’ll know you’re at the right place.
Check out our map of places we’ve been in New England!
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[…] You can say “Poor Benny” all you want, but it was high time that I got him back for being so mischievous in the past, like when he pulled a prank on me at South Mount Sugarloaf. […]