Tom Rankin
Well-known member
We left our micro spikes behind yesterday, and headed up from the Northern Mink Hollow PA, that is near Elka Park. After a short but muddy jaunt up the old road, we hit the Devil's Path and turned right for Plateau. The path is in good shape, with a few large blowdowns to go around, but nothing major. We huffed and puffed up to the summit in about an hour. Not surprisingly, there is a camp site and fire ring not 100 yards from the summit! 
Back down quickly to the col and up and over to Sugarloaf we went. Again a few blowdowns, but nothing to worry about. However, the ice on Sugarloaf is already starting to become a factor! The cliffs are covered with ice, and the trail is frozen over in many places, some of which are long stretches. We had to pick our way carefully to get to the top. This in spite of the lack of rain recently.
So, if you plan to hit SL soon, bring the spikes!
Back down quickly to the col and up and over to Sugarloaf we went. Again a few blowdowns, but nothing to worry about. However, the ice on Sugarloaf is already starting to become a factor! The cliffs are covered with ice, and the trail is frozen over in many places, some of which are long stretches. We had to pick our way carefully to get to the top. This in spite of the lack of rain recently.
So, if you plan to hit SL soon, bring the spikes!
