Phew! Completing the strenuous hike to the top of Mount Surgarloaf in western Massachusetts is well worth the sweat and strain. At the top you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Connecticut River Valley. On a clear day, visitors can see for miles, the surrounding valley and mountains provides for awe-inspiring scenery. It’s a great day trip destination and is totally worthy of your summer bucket list!

Mount Sugarloaf is an 800 foot mountain in South Deerfield and is one of the tallest points in western Massachusetts. It's also protected by the state and is open to the public for hiking, biking, and breath-taking views.
Zouhan Zeng/Google Images
Hikers can park their car along Sunderland Drive or Sugarloaf Street. The trailhead will start in the parking lot and end far above the river valley.
Mark Morrell/AllTrails
Blue markers help to guide the way to the top of the trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail but for many people's pooches the incline was a little too strenuous. So keep the incline in mind when considering to bring your kids or pets along.
Mark Morrell/AllTrials
However, even beginner hikers can concur this trail. Most people can make it to the top in about 30 minutes. Once you're at the summit you will have a good opportunity to rest.
Mark Morrell/AllTrials

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At the summit you can take a set of stairs up to the pavilion tower or lower observation deck. There is also lookout points along the edge of the summit.
Mark Morrell/AllTrials
On a sunny day you can see for miles across the Connecticut River Valley. The reserve is especially beautiful in the summer when flowers are in bloom and in fall when the leaves change colors.
maxrebos/TripAdvisor
From the top of Mount Sugarloaf the tiny town of Sunderland looks like it's straight out of a picture book. Stop by Sugarloaf Frostie, in Sunderland, for a well deserved ice cream cone before heading home.
Andrey O/AllTrails
If all of this hiking sounds a bit too strenuous you can drive to the top of Mount Sugarloaf. The road to the summit is seasonal and is open mid-May through mid-October each year.
Mark Morrell/AllTrials
Hiking the tall trail to the summit of Mount Sugarloaf will certainly be one of the highlights of your summer. Get out and explore more of Massachusetts this summer!
Cushpond/TripAdvisor

Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation is open daily from 9 AM until sunset. If you choose to drive to the summit there is a parking fee of $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for non-residents.

Have you hiked the View of the Valley Trail or driven to the top of Mount Sugarloaf? What did you think of the views? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

If you enjoy pairing nature and history, you’ll love visiting Tantiusques in Sturbridge, MA. This beautiful forested area is a great place to get away from it all.

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Featured Addresses
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation, 300 Sugarloaf St, South Deerfield, MA 01373, USA
116 Amherst Rd, Sunderland, MA 01375, USA