Place

Sugarloaf Loop Trailhead

A color photograph with the sun illuminating a snowy trail with a concrete trailpost on the left.

Quick Facts
Location:
Piney River Parking Area (mile 22)

Trailhead

Sugarloaf Loop leads to a scenic viewpoint. In the early summer, the showy white flowers of mountain laurel bloom in abundance here. Pets must be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

Distance: 5.0-mile circuit hike
Difficulty: Moderate (explanation of our hiking difficulty scale)
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,120 feet

Hike Description

  1. From the trailhead at the Piney River Parking Area (mile 22), take the Piney Branch Upper Trail to its intersection with the Pole Bridge Link Trail.
  2. Go left on the Pole Bridge Link Trail.
  3. Turn left onto Sugarloaf Trail. This will bring you out near Skyline Drive, above Hogback Overlook.
  4. Turn left to take the Appalachian Trail (white-blazed) back to your starting point.

Shenandoah National Park

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Last updated: May 14, 2021