Another update - The Mountain remains closed and Stronghold is towing cars that park there. Check out coverage in the Washington Post
Update:
We checked in with chairman of the Stronghold Board, John Webster, and he indicated that they will keep the mountain closed and had no estimate of when it would re-open. Mr. Webster reminded us that the foundation that manages the Sugarloaf, Stronghold Inc., is very unhappy about the conservation plan that is currently being considered by Frederick County. The plan properly aims to provide protection against sprawl development and loss of farmland and forest in the Sugarloaf region. Stronghold had previously warned they would permanently close the mountain to the public if the mountain’s acreage remained in the plan. We have recommended that Stronghold work collaboratively with Frederick County to advance the plan while addressing their issues.
Frederick News Post Coverage of the Latest Hearing (July '23) We understand the next hearing has not been scheduled yet. Stay Tuned.
Meanwhile…
We outside enthusiasts are a resilient bunch. The great news is that we have a number of other close by opportunities to get out and about this fall and all year round.
Montgomery Parks Trails
Top Area Trails Reviewed
Frederick County Trails
We checked in with chairman of the Stronghold Board, John Webster, and he indicated that they will keep the mountain closed and had no estimate of when it would re-open. Mr. Webster reminded us that the foundation that manages the Sugarloaf, Stronghold Inc., is very unhappy about the conservation plan that is currently being considered by Frederick County. The plan properly aims to provide protection against sprawl development and loss of farmland and forest in the Sugarloaf region. Stronghold had previously warned they would permanently close the mountain to the public if the mountain’s acreage remained in the plan. We have recommended that Stronghold work collaboratively with Frederick County to advance the plan while addressing their issues.
Frederick News Post Coverage of the Latest Hearing (July '23) We understand the next hearing has not been scheduled yet. Stay Tuned.
Meanwhile…
We outside enthusiasts are a resilient bunch. The great news is that we have a number of other close by opportunities to get out and about this fall and all year round.
Montgomery Parks Trails
Top Area Trails Reviewed
Frederick County Trails
Sugarloaf Mountain has closed for the foreseeable future to the public. This past weekend there was a break-in at the Strong Mansion, a venue associated with Sugarloaf Mountain. The burglar was injured and didn't take anything. Stronghold Inc. the nonprofit owners of Sugarloaf have elected to close the mountain while they assess security concerns. More from the Frederick News Post.
