Sugarloaf sits midway along the eastern Devil's Path, between Pecoy Notch and Mink Hollow, and its winter ascents earned it the local nickname Suicide Mountain. Thick, dangerous ice makes crampons the sensible choice in winter.
The loop from Roaring Kill starts at a parking area around 2,000 feet and passes Dibble's Quarry early, where the Stone Chairs and a view of upper Platte Clove sit near the first mile. Next come an emptied beaver pond and Pecoy Notch, then a natural rock bridge to duck under, narrow slots between boulders, and pitches where tree roots serve as handholds. There is nothing easy about this trail. The actual summit is flat, viewless, and easy to overlook. A lookout just beyond it takes in Cooper's Lake, the Ashokan Reservoir, and Plateau in the distance.
West of the top, the trail drops steeply toward Mink Hollow, some of the roughest going on the entire route. A mossy stream crossing and a small waterfall come on the return leg. Parts of Roaring Kill Road are not plowed in winter, and parking on Dale Lane can be difficult. Sugarloaf lies within the Indian Head Wilderness, where camping above 3,500 feet is prohibited from March 21 to December 21, so plan the round trip as a long day.
