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Coordinates: 39°16′9.15″N 77°23′42.89″W / 39.2692083°N 77.3952472°W / 39.2692083; -77.3952472
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{{short description|mountain and park about 10 miles (16 km) south of Frederick, Maryland, USA}}
{{Short description|Mountain and park about 10 miles (16 km) south of Frederick, Maryland, USA}}
{{For|other mountains called "Sugarloaf"|Sugarloaf (mountain)}}
{{For|other mountains called "Sugarloaf"|Sugarloaf (mountain)}}
{{Infobox mountain
{{Infobox mountain
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| topo =
| topo =
| type = [[Monadnock]]
| type = [[Monadnock]]
| age = approx. 500 million years<ref>Choukas-Bradley, Melanie. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=X3BZ0fHJoQ8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false Sugarloaf: The Mountains History, Geology, and Natural Lore]''. University of Virginia Press 2003 {{ISBN|0-8139-2168-6}} p. 11</ref>
| age = approx. 500 million years<ref>Choukas-Bradley, Melanie. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=X3BZ0fHJoQ8C Sugarloaf: The Mountains History, Geology, and Natural Lore]''. University of Virginia Press 2003 {{ISBN|0-8139-2168-6}} p. 11</ref>
| first_ascent =
| first_ascent =
| easiest_route = Stairway and trail to summit
| easiest_route = Stairway and trail to summit
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}}
}}


'''Sugarloaf Mountain''' is a small (1,282 foot; 391 m) mountain and park about 10 miles (16&nbsp;km) south of [[Frederick, Maryland|Frederick]], [[Maryland]], USA. The closest village is [[Barnesville, Maryland|Barnesville]], located just over one mile from the foot of the mountain. The peak of this relatively low mountain is approximately 800 feet (244 m) higher than the surrounding farmland. It is visible from many parts of northern [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]] and southern [[Frederick County, Maryland|Frederick County]], notably from [[Interstate 270 (Maryland)|I-270]] north of the town of [[Germantown, Maryland|Germantown]]. Because of its geological and [[natural history]] interest, it was designated a [[National Natural Landmark]] in 1969. It is a notable example of an admission-free, privately owned scenic park.
'''Sugarloaf Mountain''' is a small (1,283 feet; 391 m) mountain and park about 10 miles (16&nbsp;km) south of [[Frederick, Maryland|Frederick]], [[Maryland]]. The closest village is [[Barnesville, Maryland|Barnesville]], located just over one mile from the foot of the mountain. The peak of this relatively low mountain is approximately 800 feet (244 m) higher than the surrounding farmland. It is visible from many parts of northern [[Montgomery County, Maryland|Montgomery County]] and southern [[Frederick County, Maryland|Frederick County]], notably from [[Interstate 270 (Maryland)|I-270]] north of the town of [[Germantown, Maryland|Germantown]]. Because of its geological and [[natural history]] interest, it was designated a [[National Natural Landmark]] in 1969. It is a notable example of an admission-free (although donations are requested), privately owned scenic park.


==History==
==History==
The mountain was visited in 1712 by [[Christoph von Graffenried, 1st Baron of Bernberg]] and his French-Canadian guide, [[Martin Chartier]]. The Baron wrote:
The mountain was visited in 1712 by [[Christoph von Graffenried, 1st Baron of Bernberg]] and his French-Canadian guide, [[Martin Chartier]]. The Baron wrote:


:"From there we went further back upon a mountain of the highest in those parts, called Sugar Loaf, for it has the form of a loaf of sugar. We took with us Martin Chartier, a surveyor we also had with us, and there came with us several Indians. From the mountain we viewed an exceedingly broad extent Of country, a part of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Carolina, used the compass, [and] made us a map."<ref>Thomas P. de Graffenried, ''History of the de Graffenried Family, from 1191 A.D. to 1925,'' Vail-Ballou Press, New York, 1925; pp. 101-102.</ref>
{{quote|From there we went further back upon a mountain of the highest in those parts, called Sugar Loaf, for it has the form of a loaf of sugar. We took with us Martin Chartier, a surveyor we also had with us, and there came with us several Indians. From the mountain we viewed an exceedingly broad extent Of country, a part of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Carolina, used the compass, [and] made us a map.<ref>Thomas P. de Graffenried, ''History of the de Graffenried Family, from 1191 A.D. to 1925,'' Vail-Ballou Press, New York, 1925; pp. 101-102.</ref>}}


During the [[Maryland Campaign]] of the [[American Civil War]] in 1862, Union forces occupying the summit, which was being used as an observation and signal station, first spotted the [[Army of Northern Virginia]] on September 5 as it crossed the [[Potomac River]] into Maryland. The following morning as the small Union force on the mountain began to retreat in the face of the oncoming [[Confederate States Army|Confederate]] Army, they ran into the unsuspecting 1st North Carolina Infantry and a small skirmish ensued. The Union force was able to escape, but it was later caught by Confederate cavalry at [[Urbana, Maryland|Urbana]].<ref>[http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=1749 Sugarloaf Mountain - A Signalman’s Lot Marker<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
During the [[Maryland Campaign]] of the [[American Civil War]] in 1862, Union forces occupying the summit, which was being used as an observation and signal station, first spotted the [[Army of Northern Virginia]] on September 5 as it crossed the [[Potomac River]] into Maryland. The following morning as the small Union force on the mountain began to retreat in the face of the oncoming [[Confederate States Army|Confederate Army]], they ran into the unsuspecting 1st North Carolina Infantry and a small skirmish ensued. The Union force was able to escape, but it was later caught by Confederate cavalry at [[Urbana, Maryland|Urbana]].<ref>[http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=1749 Sugarloaf Mountain - A Signalman’s Lot Marker<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


In the early 20th century [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]] businessman Gordon Strong bought substantial land holdings on and around the mountain. In 1925, the architect [[Frank Lloyd Wright]], on commission from Strong, proposed an [[Gordon Strong Automobile Objective|automobile objective]] development for the top of the mountain, but that was never carried out.
In the early 20th century [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]] businessman [[Gordon Strong]] bought substantial land holdings on and around the mountain. In 1925, the architect [[Frank Lloyd Wright]], on commission from Strong, proposed an [[Gordon Strong Automobile Objective|automobile objective]] development for the top of the mountain, but that was never carried out.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/flw/flw02.html | title=Gordon Strong Automobile Objective - Frank Lloyd Wright: Designs for an American Landscape, 1922-1932 &#124; Exhibitions - Library of Congress | website=[[Library of Congress]] | date=14 November 1996 }}</ref>


[[President of the United States|President]] [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], briefly considered using Sugarloaf as his Presidential retreat, but he was persuaded by Strong to choose the nearby Shang-Ri-La site on the [[Catoctin Mountain]], which today is known as [[Camp David]].
[[President of the United States|President]] [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], briefly considered using Sugarloaf as his Presidential retreat, but he was persuaded by Strong to choose the nearby Shang-Ri-La site on the [[Catoctin Mountain]], which today is known as [[Camp David]].
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==Geology==
==Geology==
[[Image:Sugarloaf Mountain 1VCRJ00030555.jpg|thumb|left|240px|1971 air photo, showing the complex structure. Width of image is approximately 4.7 miles.]]
[[Image:Sugarloaf Mountain 1VCRJ00030555.jpg|thumb|left|240px|1971 air photo, showing the complex structure. Width of image is approximately 4.7 miles.]]
Sugarloaf Mountain is an example of a [[monadnock]] — an isolated hill or small mountain rising abruptly from gently sloping or level surrounding land. It appears to be either an outlier to the east of the main mass of [[Catoctin Mountain]], or a root remnant of the ancient [[Appalachia]]n land mass.
Sugarloaf Mountain is an example of a [[monadnock]] — an isolated hill or small mountain rising abruptly from gently sloping or level surrounding land. It appears to be either an outlier to the east of the main mass of [[Catoctin Mountain]], or a root remnant of the ancient [[Appalachian mountains]].


The bedrock is the Lower [[Cambrian]] Sugarloaf Mountain Quartzite, a massive white [[quartzite]] interbedded with softer [[Sericitic alteration|sericitic]] quartzite, [[slate]], and [[phyllite]]. The formation is divided into upper, middle, and lower members.<ref>Geologic Map of the Frederick 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, Scientific Investigations Map 2889, USGS, S. Southworth et al., 2007</ref>
The bedrock is the Lower [[Cambrian]] Sugarloaf Mountain Quartzite, a massive white [[quartzite]] interbedded with softer [[Sericitic alteration|sericitic]] quartzite, [[slate]], and [[phyllite]]. The formation is divided into upper, middle, and lower members.<ref>Geologic Map of the Frederick 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, Scientific Investigations Map 2889, USGS, S. Southworth et al., 2007</ref>


==Tourism==
==Tourism==
Sugarloaf Mountain is an area tourist attraction, free of an admission charge, and open to the public. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, and sightseeing. The mountain is known to locals for its scenic views.
Sugarloaf Mountain is an area tourist attraction, free of an admission charge, and open to the public. Visitors are however encouraged to voluntarily donate $5. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, and sightseeing. The mountain is known to locals for its scenic views.
The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail system is a popular network of trails that link the East Face with the West Face. The blue trail system is popular with hikers while the yellow trail system can also be used by bikers and horseback riders at designated times of the year. The Stronghold Mansion at the base of the mountain is often used for Weddings and other special events, and the nearby vineyard is a popular side excursion.
The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail system is a popular network of trails that link the East Face with the West Face. The blue trail system is popular with hikers while the yellow trail system can also be used by bikers and horseback riders at designated times of the year. The Strong Mansion at the base of the mountain is often used for weddings and other special events, and the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is a popular side excursion.


<gallery>
<gallery>
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== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
⚫
*{{cite journal |doi=10.1130/0016-7606(1951)62[45:SOTSMA]2.0.CO;2 |year=1951 |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=45–76 |title=Structure of the Sugarloaf Mountain Area, Maryland, As a Key to Piedmont Stratigraphy |last1=Scotford |first1=David M. |journal=Geological Society of America Bulletin|bibcode=1951GSAB...62...45S }}


==External links==
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://sugarloafmd.com/}}
* {{Official website|https://www.visitmaryland.org/listing/attraction/sugarloaf-mountain-recreation-area}}
* [http://www.sugarloafmd.com/images/maps/102709_trailmap.pdf Trail map]
* [http://www.sugarloafmd.com/images/maps/102709_trailmap.pdf Trail map]
* [http://indy-adventures.net/climbing/guide.html#SugarloafMtn Brief overview of climbing areas]
* [http://indy-adventures.net/climbing/guide.html#SugarloafMtn Brief overview of climbing areas]
* {{cite gnis|id=587621|name=Sugar Loaf Mountain}}
* {{cite gnis|id=587621|name=Sugar Loaf Mountain}}
* {{cite gnis|id=1712427|name=Sugarloaf Mountain Natural Area}}
* {{cite gnis|id=1712427|name=Sugarloaf Mountain Natural Area}}
⚫
*{{cite journal |doi=10.1130/0016-7606(1951)62[45:SOTSMA]2.0.CO;2 |year=1951 |volume=62 |issue=1 |pages=45–76 |title=Structure of the Sugarloaf Mountain Area, Maryland, As a Key to Piedmont Stratigraphy |last1=Scotford |first1=David M. |journal=Geological Society of America Bulletin}}
<!-- Redundant with the Template:Geobox where coordinates are needed to let the locator map work
<!-- Redundant with the Template:Geobox where coordinates are needed to let the locator map work
{{coord|39.269208|-77.395248|region:US-MD_type:landmark_scale:5000_source:Wikimapia|display=title}} --> <!-- Ex Wikimapia link -->
{{coord|39.269208|-77.395248|region:US-MD_type:landmark_scale:5000_source:Wikimapia|display=title}} --> <!-- Ex Wikimapia link -->
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{{Mountains of Maryland}}
{{Mountains of Maryland}}
{{Maryland parks}}
{{Maryland parks}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Mountains of Maryland]]
[[Category:Mountains of Maryland]]

Latest revision as of 21:26, 4 January 2024

For other mountains called "Sugarloaf", see Sugarloaf (mountain).
Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain, sunset
Highest point
Elevation1,283 ft (391 m)
Prominence802 ft (244 m) Edit this on Wikidata
Isolation14.26 mi (22.95 km) Edit this on Wikidata
Coordinates39°16′9.15″N 77°23′42.89″W / 39.2692083°N 77.3952472°W / 39.2692083; -77.3952472
Geography
LocationFrederick County, Maryland
Parent rangeBlue Ridge Mountains (outlier)
Geology
Age of rockapprox. 500 million years[1]
Mountain typeMonadnock
Climbing
Easiest routeStairway and trail to summit
DesignatedJune 1969

Sugarloaf Mountain is a small (1,283 feet; 391 m) mountain and park about 10 miles (16 km) south of Frederick, Maryland. The closest village is Barnesville, located just over one mile from the foot of the mountain. The peak of this relatively low mountain is approximately 800 feet (244 m) higher than the surrounding farmland. It is visible from many parts of northern Montgomery County and southern Frederick County, notably from I-270 north of the town of Germantown. Because of its geological and natural history interest, it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969. It is a notable example of an admission-free (although donations are requested), privately owned scenic park.

History[edit]

The mountain was visited in 1712 by Christoph von Graffenried, 1st Baron of Bernberg and his French-Canadian guide, Martin Chartier. The Baron wrote:

From there we went further back upon a mountain of the highest in those parts, called Sugar Loaf, for it has the form of a loaf of sugar. We took with us Martin Chartier, a surveyor we also had with us, and there came with us several Indians. From the mountain we viewed an exceedingly broad extent Of country, a part of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Carolina, used the compass, [and] made us a map.[2]

During the Maryland Campaign of the American Civil War in 1862, Union forces occupying the summit, which was being used as an observation and signal station, first spotted the Army of Northern Virginia on September 5 as it crossed the Potomac River into Maryland. The following morning as the small Union force on the mountain began to retreat in the face of the oncoming Confederate Army, they ran into the unsuspecting 1st North Carolina Infantry and a small skirmish ensued. The Union force was able to escape, but it was later caught by Confederate cavalry at Urbana.[3]

In the early 20th century Chicago businessman Gordon Strong bought substantial land holdings on and around the mountain. In 1925, the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, on commission from Strong, proposed an automobile objective development for the top of the mountain, but that was never carried out.[4]

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, briefly considered using Sugarloaf as his Presidential retreat, but he was persuaded by Strong to choose the nearby Shang-Ri-La site on the Catoctin Mountain, which today is known as Camp David.

Strong set up a trust fund in 1947 that maintains a trail system and other tourist facilities at Sugarloaf Mountain. The mountain and its immediate environs continue to be open to the public, but they are privately owned by Stronghold, Incorporated.

Geology[edit]

1971 air photo, showing the complex structure. Width of image is approximately 4.7 miles.

Sugarloaf Mountain is an example of a monadnock — an isolated hill or small mountain rising abruptly from gently sloping or level surrounding land. It appears to be either an outlier to the east of the main mass of Catoctin Mountain, or a root remnant of the ancient Appalachian mountains.

The bedrock is the Lower Cambrian Sugarloaf Mountain Quartzite, a massive white quartzite interbedded with softer sericitic quartzite, slate, and phyllite. The formation is divided into upper, middle, and lower members.[5]

Tourism[edit]

Sugarloaf Mountain is an area tourist attraction, free of an admission charge, and open to the public. Visitors are however encouraged to voluntarily donate $5. Activities include hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, and sightseeing. The mountain is known to locals for its scenic views. The Sugarloaf Mountain Trail system is a popular network of trails that link the East Face with the West Face. The blue trail system is popular with hikers while the yellow trail system can also be used by bikers and horseback riders at designated times of the year. The Strong Mansion at the base of the mountain is often used for weddings and other special events, and the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard is a popular side excursion.

  • The scenic overlook at Sugarloaf Mountain
    The scenic overlook at Sugarloaf Mountain
  • View at the top during fall
    View at the top during fall
  • Sugarloaf Mountain as seen from Maryland Heights
    Sugarloaf Mountain as seen from Maryland Heights
  • Oblique air photo of Sugarloaf Mountain, facing southwest, January 2009
    Oblique air photo of Sugarloaf Mountain, facing southwest, January 2009
  • The base of the mountain, as seen from the top.
    The base of the mountain, as seen from the top.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Choukas-Bradley, Melanie. Sugarloaf: The Mountains History, Geology, and Natural Lore. University of Virginia Press 2003 ISBN 0-8139-2168-6 p. 11
  2. ^ Thomas P. de Graffenried, History of the de Graffenried Family, from 1191 A.D. to 1925, Vail-Ballou Press, New York, 1925; pp. 101-102.
  3. ^ Sugarloaf Mountain - A Signalman’s Lot Marker
  4. ^ "Gordon Strong Automobile Objective - Frank Lloyd Wright: Designs for an American Landscape, 1922-1932 | Exhibitions - Library of Congress". Library of Congress. 14 November 1996.
  5. ^ Geologic Map of the Frederick 30' x 60' Quadrangle, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, Scientific Investigations Map 2889, USGS, S. Southworth et al., 2007

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

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