If you find yourself in Orange County, New York on a beautiful summer’s day when the cars have jammed up the roads in all directions, and you find yourself looking for a place that’s all yours, look no further than Sugar Loaf Mountain.  Standing at a mere 1,100 feet, it offers a relatively easy excursion from the bustle of daily life…and a perfect picnicking spot. For this hike, begin in Sugar Loaf Village – take time to enjoy the local shops beautifully adorned with crafts, housewares, candles, soaps, unique clothes and gifts. Then head south out of town on Route 94 toward Bellvale Road. The hike begins as a gentle wide mountain path, canopied in green shade, then turns into a short rock scramble.  Hand over hand you’ll ascend calcareous red shale rock to a crystalline, bare summit with a myriad of places to play and enjoy the breathtakingly expansive views. For directions to the hike and more, check out the Sugar Loaf Mountain page. Bonne Promenade!