Known throughout the Northeast primarily as a destination ski resort, this 4,237-foot mountain also boasts the 3rd highest peak in the State of Maine, trailing only Baxter and Hamlin Peaks on Katahdin. It also offers hikers some of the best views outside of Baxter State Park.

While there are many ways to ascend this mountain, the traditional hiker approach begins along the rugged seasonal-use Caribou Valley Road. Over the years, CVR (as the road is known) has gone through several cycles of deterioration and refurbishing according to the whims of the logging companies who maintain it. As such, there are no true parking areas or trailheads along CVR although hikers regularly utilize the road for accessing not only Sugarloaf but Reddington, South Crocker and Spaulding as well. The Appalachian Trail crosses CVR approximately 4.5 miles from Maine State Route 27. Set your odometer and keep an eye out for the white blazes as it is very easy to miss the crossing. Hop on the AT southbound, which leaves the east side of the road. To the west, the AT ascends the slopes of South Crocker.

Once on the trail, you're in for a treat. The Appalachian Trail climbs moderately at first and then steeply with a brief rock scramble in the early going. Little more than a mile from CVR, the trail winds to breathtaking views to the south of the western cirque of Sugarloaf. The trail continues to the junction with the blue-blazed Sugarloaf Side trail on the left at 1.9 miles. To the right, the AT continues to Spaulding. Follow the Sugarloaf side trail for another 6/10 of a mile to the summit and the top of the ski area. The views are spectacular and the Carrabassett Region is truly one of the gems of the Northeast.

I first climbed this peak one March during a ferocious snow storm and if you're willing to add some miles to your hike, a ski trail descent makes for an enjoyable loop. Once at the bottom of the ski area, just work your way back to State Route 27 and turn left (west). CVR will be on your left just about a mile from the ski area.

Maine Mountain Guide and Maps are recommended.

Sugarloaf from the south with the Bigelows beyond

Getting There

Caribou Valley Road is located along the south side of State Route 27 approximately one mile west of the Sugarloaf ski area. Sugarloaf USA is in the Carrabassett Valley Region between the villages of Kingfield and Stratton.

Red Tape

Be prepared to walk Caribou Valley Road. Though the road has been well-maintained in recent years, you never know when a storm may wash it out. Not a bad idea to bring a mountain bike along or cross-country skis in winter (road is not maintained in winter but is used by snowmobilers).

Burnt Hill seen from the summit of Sugarloaf

When To Climb

Year-round climbing although this area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the Northeast.

Camping

There is always camping available along the Appalachian Trail. The nearest designated tent sites are at the Crocker Cirque tentsite less than a mile west of Caribou Valley Road on the AT and at the Spaulding Mountain campsite about a mile south of Spaulding Mountain.

There are also numerous camping areas maintained by the Maine Forest Service throughout the Rangeley/Stratton region.

Contributed by RobA:
Miles are calculated from the start of the A.T. side trail to the summit.
Crocker Cirque Campsite elev. 2,710 ft. 3.3 miles north on the A.T. Water source is the spring.
Spaulding Mountain Lean-To elev. 3,140 ft. 2.9 miles south. Sleeps eight. Water source is a spring.
Source: 2002 A.T. Thru-Hikers Companion

Sugarloaf from Stratton Brook

Ski Sugarloaf

What more can you say? Only Sunday River rivals this mountain as far as Maine skiing is concerned. 134 trails ranging from green to double black diamond; over 55 miles of skiing on 664 acres of terrain.

Ski Sugarloaf here

Sugarloaf and the ski area as seen from Bigelow

Local Weather

External Links

Ski Sugarloaf
Offical Website of the Ski Area
Maine Appalachian Trail Club
MATC is a volunteer nonprofit corporation that manages 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine, its facilities and corridor. MATC is a trail maintenance club, not a hiking club. Anyone is welcome to come out on trail work projects with the club or its Maine Trail Crew.

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