10 Most Instagrammable Places Up the Access Road

Instagrammable, adj. / A term that applies to something appealing in that it is suitable for being photographed and then posted about on the social media sharing site Instagram.

 

After much debate and deliberation, we’ve selected the top 10 most Instagrammable places up the Access Road; while Sugarloaf has no shortage of scenic sights—in fact, photographers and social media enthusiasts alike have found that there’s an abundance of photogenic shots to share while spending time in Carrabassett—here’s our go-to guide for getting that perfect travel photo optimal for social sharing. 

 

1. The Sugarloaf Golf Club 

As Maine’s premier golf destination, the Sugarloaf Golf Club is an Instagrammable experience for golfers and observers alike; this Robert Trent Jones Jr. design provides guests with stunning panoramic mountain views, guaranteeing an unforgettable experience from first tee to final putt—and don’t get me started on the posting potential.

Shot list: The driving range, driving a golf cart, out on the greens, relaxing with refreshments at Stroke’s Bar & Grille

 

 

2. The Beach

With Sugarloaf Mountain as a backdrop and a scenic stone fireplace, the Beach has undeniable Instagram-post potential; upcoming events to take place here that possess equal social sharing swagger include the final concerts in our Summer Après Series on September 10 and 11, as well as Homecoming Weekend this October 9 and 10.

 

  

3. Burnt Mountain

Burn Mountain is a challenging hike that promises the reward of spectacular panoramic sights, with the summit sporting stunning 360° views of the surrounding mountains including the Bigelow Range, Crocker and Crocker South, Mount Abraham, Spaulding, and, of course, our beloved Loaf. For its unique perspective overlooking multiple mountains here in Western Maine, Burnt Mountain makes a picture-perfect place for a photo opp.
 

  

4. The Sugarloaf Grand Summit Hotel

The Sugarloaf Grand Summit Hotel—the mountain’s signature lodging property—makes the list of top 10 Instagram-worthy places up the Access Road for its immaculate aesthetic: with a design inspired by classic New England farmhouses, the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel evokes the warmth of a rustic mountain lodge with the convenience of a modern world-class resort.

For hotel guests, there is perhaps nowhere on-site as Instagrammable as the resort’s 30-person hot tub, where you can indulge both your muscles and your inner influencer; for visitors, venture to 45 North, an on-site eatery located just off the lobby serving breakfast and dinner daily. Here, you’ll enjoy custom crafted cocktails and a Chef-driven menu inspired by the bounties of Maine’s harvests.

Events to keep an eye out for: Taco and Tequila Tuesday, Rose Sundays

 

 

5. The Rack

The Rack is an iconic stop in the Sugarloaf après ski scene; this independently owned-and-operated eatery at Sugarloaf has been serving burgers, beers, and authentic Maine barbeque smoked with sugar maple wood to the Carrabassett community since 2007.

The exterior of the Rack features a wooden wrap-around porch; with an air of rustic ambiance and an assortment of Sugarloaf-specific décor (including a decommissioned gondola), this is the perfect place for a pic. The Rack’s overall atmosphere inspires an air of camaraderie and livelihood supported by outstanding service from the restaurant's sensational staff—and sure, the Rack can get rowdy, but at its heart, this is a family-friendly establishment with great food (always good for the ’Gram) and a welcoming staff.

Especially Instagrammable events include: 

• Monday Night Trivia, 6:00pm(ish)
• Wednesday Night Open Mic, 7:00pm
• Live music Friday and Saturday nights

 

 

6. The Disc Golf Course 

You cannot beat the scenic views from the Sugarloaf Disc Golf Course, located just above the base area on the Landing and spanning over to the SuperQuad.

“Hole 16 is one of the most beautiful [disc golf] holes in the state of Maine. That’s an objective statement, but I also believe it’s a factual one,” Course Manager Kirby Kelly says. It just goes to show that there’s no denying that its one of the most scenic courses in the state—and a prime-time selfie spot for you and your disc golf crew, especially at sunset.

Please note: As of Monday, August 23, the bridge from the top of Snubber to the Landing is being replaced; since this is the path to the back 9 of the disc golf course, the back 9 holes (over on the Whiffletree side) will be closed until further notice.

 

 

7. The Bag, #tagthebag

Located in Village West, The Bag & Kettle has been an institution of the Sugarloaf dining scene for the past five decades, ultimately earning a place on several well-esteemed listicles citing this mountainside microbrewery as one of the top ten ski bars in the States.

The interior of The Bag is a blend of an English-style pub with a distinctly local touch, establishing this eatery as a tried-and-true heritage restaurant with a cult-like following, while their spacious patio places you directly in the heart of Village West.

Pro-tip: When social sharing, be sure to #tagthebag.

 

 

8. The Summit

Whatever the season, you never really need a reason to justify snapping a #summitselfie, especially at the third highest peak in Maine! On a clear day at Sugarloaf’s summit—standing at 4,237 feet—you can see all the way to New Hampshire, Vermont, and even the neighboring country of Canada, which I’d say is some pretty post-worthy stuff.

 

 

9. West Mountain Falls

West Mountain Falls is a picturesque place to spend an afternoon; located upstream from the Sugarloaf Golf Club, this local hotspot offers visitors a scenic riverside hike complete with a chance to cool off in several swimming holes on the South branch of the Carrabassett River—and plenty of places for content collection.

“Don’t go chasing waterfalls” when you can just head to West Mountain Falls, where they’re waiting for you!

 

  

10. The Ziplines

Experience the thrill of soaring through the forests surrounding Sugarloaf, taking flight over trails and mountain terrain on a series of 6 ziplines with the Outpost Adventure Center; groups of 8 depart at 90 minute intervals from summer through fall, weather permitting. You can get both adventure and scenic shots on these excursions while reaching speeds up to 25 miles per hour 20 to 30 feet in the air. Taking the concept of “Instagrammable” to new heights.

 

  

Follow @sugarloafmountain on Instagram to add a little extra #loaflove to your feed, and be sure to tag us in your posts. #loaflife!