Sugarloaf being the second highest mountain in Maine 4237`
is primarily know for skiing and not one of the more popular places to hike. My first thoughts on Sugarloaf were that it was going to be a completely boring hike. Quite the contrary, it was actually a lot of fun especially if you approach it from the Caribou Valley Road.
At the blinking yellow light directly in front of the entrance to Sugarloaf keep going North exactly 1 mile then turn left onto the Caribou Valley Road( not well marked) and follow this for 4.4 miles. The trail is on your left with a small 4 vehicle parking area on the right.
Soon after leaving the parking area you will cross the South Branch of the Carrabassett which if there has been alot of rain can be quite hazardous. The water rises quickly making it difficult on the footing. The trail parallels the stream for a time then slowly ascending then becoming quite steep After crossing some ledges it then skirts the top of a cirque on the western side which will give you some awesome views. At 1.9 miles the AT turns right toward Spaulding Mt. and the left blue blazed side trail will take you to the summit of Sugarloaf .06 mile.
It still seems a little weird to climb all the way up and encounter what resembles a ghost town. The ski lifts, buildings that warm the skiers between slopes along with the radio towers that are on top give you the feeling that you are not as isolated as you may have hoped for. However the views are outstanding with more peaks visible than any other place other than Katahdin.

Distances from Caribou Valley Rd.
to junction Sugarloaf Side Trail 1 hr. 45 min.
to Sugarloaf summit2.5 mil 2 hr. 15 min.