
Elevation: 1,282 ft.
Vertical: 800 ft.
Geologically, Sugarloaf is known as a monadnock, a
mountain that remains after the erosion of the surrounding land.
Here, that process took approximately 14 million years. The rugged
cliffs on the summit are composed primarily of quartzite, the predominant
type of rock on the mountain.
The dominant tree species on Sugarloaf are the oaks
of both red and white groups. These trees are being threatened by
oak decline, a result of several factors of which the introduced
gypsy moth is a part. Other trees include black gum, tulip poplar,
black birch and eastern hemlock. The more than 500 species of plants
here include a variety of wildflowers, many of which can be found
blooming during the warm weather months.
White tailed deer are abundant on and around the mountain.
Other mammals include flying squirrel, red fox, eastern cottontail
and raccoon. The forest birds include the great horned owl, pileated
woodpecker, wild turkey and red shouldered hawk. During the spring
and fall, many migratory species of songbirds can be found.
PLEASE be aware that this is the habitat of the
timber rattlesnake and the copperhead.
LOOK! BUT DO NOT TOUCH!
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