Forest County High Point Trip Report

Sugarbush Hill (1939 ft)

Date: May 15, 2000
Author: Ron Tagliapietra

The Nicollet National Forest office in Laona explained that this hill is outside of the NF on Indian land. They also said that the Indians had closed the lookout tower for awhile, but had recently reopened it to the public. It is an easy drive up and the tower offers a great 360-degree view from the second highest CHP in the state. On US 8, about 8 miles west of Laona (or 5 miles east of Crandon), turn south on Potatwatomie Road at the sign for Johnies Resort. Beyond the resort, this road almost intersects hwy. 8 again in less than a mile, but this second connection shown on the map is not discernible from US 8 and not something I would want to drive regardless. Continue pass the gravel pit on the left and reach an intersection signed Potawatomi Trail at about 1.5 miles. Bear left and drive a half mile to the summit. The microwave tower is huge but correctly shown on the map as in a slightly lower contour. The road ends at the lookout tower, which seems to be on the highest spot (but I did walk around a bit to be sure).