| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Sugarloaf Mountain, Black Mountain (Benton), NH |
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 | Trails: |
Chippewa Trail, logging roads, bushwhacks, Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, Black Mountain Trail |
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 | Date of Hike: |
Sunday, October 1, 2023 |
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 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the Chippewa trailhead on Lime Kiln Rd. in Haverhill. |
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 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable |
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 | Recommended Equipment: |
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 | Water Crossing Notes: |
I crossed Titus Brook twice on the bushwhacks without issue. |
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 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
Chippewa and Black Mtn. trails are both suffering from severe erosion and trail creep. Chippewa also had one small widowmaker. |
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 | Dog-Related Notes: |
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 | Bugs: |
Amazingly, I've only found two ticks. |
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 | Lost and Found: |
Near the start of Chippewa Trail, someone hung a rain jacket on a branch. I grabbed it and left it at the trailhead. |
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 | Comments: |
An unconventional loop over Black Mtn. in Benton by way of a relatively easy bushwhack up to its neighbor Sugarloaf Mtn., followed by a more difficult and longer bushwhack down into and out of the valley of Titus Brook. After that it was actual hiking trails to close the loop. 11 hard-earned miles with about eight of those being off-trail.
I made progress up into the valley using old logging roads that are still indicated on various older maps. The road that follows Titus Brook was in great condition and clearly still sees use. I followed it to its end where I believe the old section of Black Mtn. Trail departed. From there I did a short whack uphill to what is shown on maps as a continuation of FR 190. This was brushy but had a worn footpath through it. At a log landing NE of Sugarloaf, I headed into the woods.
Instead of going straight on at the summit, I curved around a bit toward the E, aiming at the col between Sugarloaf and The Hogsback. Grades were super easy and the woods were open. I did hit one swampy section that I had to detour around.
Once on the ridge, travel was slower due to hundreds of small blowdowns, rocks, and holes. Near the summit of Sugarloaf, herd paths started to appear and I used these to get up, bumping into the unofficial trail at the east ledges (these ledges provide an amazing view of The Hogsback; you can really see how narrow and vertical it is). I followed this to the recognized high point (thank you Hiker Ed), where there is a fantastic view across the valley to Black.
I pretty much went back down the same way, coming out at the log landing. I then set off for the saddle between Howe Hill and Black. Travel in this direction was more difficult due to wetter ground, rougher footing, logging regrowth, and thicker woods. The final climb up to the ridge is also very steep, but thankfully short.
At the saddle between Howe and Black I picked up bits of what I believe to be the old trail over Howe. These took me down to Black Mtn. Trail, which I was very happy to see at that point! The rest of the way was easy up to Black, then down via Chippewa Trail.
Sugarloaf had been on my to-do list for some time (I'm aware of the unofficial trail), along with poking around in the valley between it and Black. Today was the perfect day to get this challenge done! Foliage color is coming along and should be gorgeous next weekend. |
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 | Name: |
KenM |
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 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
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| Date Submitted: |
2023-10-01 |
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 | Link: |
 https:// |
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Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
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