2,539 ft | Twin | 0 routes
As of October 17, 2026
Trail conditions on Middle Sugarloaf are currently rated Moderate. At 3:20 AM ET it was 33°F at the summit (2,539 ft), feeling like 21°F, with WNW winds at 19 mph. See the hour-by-hour Middle Sugarloaf weather forecast for summit temps, wind chill, and the best hiking window.
No routes available for this peak.
Feels like 21°F
Recent Precipitation
Rain: 0.09" (24h) · 0.79" (48h)
Snow: 0.5" (24h) · 0.5" (48h)
Conditions summary as of October 17, 2026
Cold, windy, foggy conditions with sub-freezing temps from trailhead to summit and a light dusting of snow that may glaze rocks and wet leaves with ice. Wind chill near 9\u00b0F at the summit and reduced visibility make this a moderate outing for prepared hikers. Sunday offers a calmer, drier window with no precipitation expected.
The freezing level spans the whole hike, with trailhead around 27-39\u00b0F and summit around 25-37\u00b0F, so expect icy surfaces throughout and a wind chill drop of roughly 4\u00b0F at the top. Start with a warm base layer and bring a windproof shell and insulating layer to add at the exposed summit; wind picks up from about 22 mph at the trailhead to 25 mph at the top.
Best Hiking Window
Sunday, mid-morning through early afternoon, when conditions are drier, winds should be lighter, and temps climb into the low 40s; if hiking Saturday, wait for fog to lift and ice to soften and start after sunrise.
Last synthesized Oct 17, 3:20 AM ET
Planning a hike here this week?
Trailblazer adds the full 7-day summit forecast, the best day to go for every peak, and conditions for each route up.
Trail: Elwell Trail, Goose Pond-Elwell Link, Goose Pond Trail, Goose Pond Loop Link, Around the Pond Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Terrific quick after-lunch hike. Saw many more people than usual here, but, this is one of the last hurrah weekends of the summer season in the Lakes Region. Beautiful trails as usual and enjoyed the fact that nothing was slippery!!!”
Trail: Elwell Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail
“Terrific afternoon for us jetlagged old folks!!! Just what was needed. Love this section of the Elwell Trail - very dry and get some cardio!!! Around 18 minutes each way with this approach.”
Trail: Sugarloaf Mountain Trail
Conditions: Dry Trail, Wet Trail, Wet/Slippery Rock, Standing/Running Water on Trail, Mud - Minor/Avoidable
“Was a great day for hiking and had some company at the summit. Great views and a cool pot bellied stove at the summit. This hike is definitely one of the more remote hikes I've done.”
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Trail reports across the Whites this week · Trailhead parking
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25°F
Summit low
Microspikes
Summit lows near 25°F, so expect ice on rock and the upper trail.
10h 52m
Daylight
Headlamp
Sunset around 5:56 PM, so a late start or a slow descent ends in the dark.
The rest of the list: Winter gear guide · How I pick gear
Conditions synthesized from: NWS Higher Summits Forecast, NOAA Open-Meteo, Mount Washington Observatory, NETC Trip Reports, NOHRSC Snow Depth.
Rising within the Twin Range of the White Mountains, this 2,539-foot summit offers an accessible yet rewarding hiking experience suitable for those building their mountain skills. Middle Sugarloaf is one of three distinct Sugarloaf peaks in the area and stands out for its open, rocky summit, which provides surprisingly expansive views considering its modest elevation. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic sightlines toward the surrounding peaks of the Twin and Roan Highlands region, making the effort well worth it. The trail character is moderate, featuring steady elevation gain through mixed forest before emerging at the exposed summit ledges. As part of the 52 With a View (52 WAV) peak list, it attracts hikers working through this popular New Hampshire collection. Its combination of above-treeline exposure, strong views, and manageable distance makes it an appealing objective for intermediate hikers and list enthusiasts alike.
Elevation
2,539 ft
Range
Twin
Difficulty
Moderate
Coordinates
44.2517, -71.5176
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AI-generated from public data. Always verify conditions before heading out — backcountry weather can change quickly.