We spent a spontaneous weekend at Sutton Nest, and for once—I didn’t plan anything in advance. That’s rare for me. But sometimes, letting go of the plan is exactly what adventure needs. The timing couldn’t be better: the trees were glowing in peak autumn colours, and the mountains were calling. We’ve hiked many trails around Mont Sutton, but somehow, one had always escaped our boots: the Lake Mohawk Loop. That was about to change.
A Coffee, a Sandwich, and a Trailhead Start
We kicked off our day with a stop at a local coffee shop—fuel for the trail and a couple of sandwiches to go. Then we headed toward the Mont Sutton ski resort where several public parking lots make a great starting point for nearby hikes.
With the GPS tracking app on, we joined the buzz on the mountain. It was alive with mountain bikers, trail runners, and families soaking up the fall sun. There was even a race going on. The energy was contagious.
In all that excitement, I forgot to check the map. Next thing I knew, we’d missed our turn and were halfway up the steepest part of the trail! Oh well—there was no turning back now.
The Hard Climb and a Rewarding Summit
The climb was steep but stunning. The colours of fall made every step worthwhile. In no time, we reached the summit—and to our surprise, found a designated camping area at the top. Imagine waking up to those views! It’s definitely on our list for a future overnight adventure.
Before continuing the second half of the loop, we realized we hadn’t paid our daily trail pass. The cell signal was poor (hello, US roaming!), and it took a while to complete the payment. Pro tip: download your trail maps in advance and pay your pass before arriving!
From Peaks to Peace: Abénakis and the Lake
As we descended, the lookouts offered panoramic views toward the U.S. border and back to Mont Sutton’s Round Top. Then came a little surprise—Abénakis Peak, a rocky outcrop that guards the lake like a quiet sentinel. From there, the views opened up: south to the U.S., north to the mountain, and directly ahead—Lake Mohawk.
Finally, we reached the lake. Quiet. Majestic. Surrounded by rocks and evergreens, its calm waters reflected the sky like a mirror. We sat in silence, soaking it in. This was the kind of place you don’t want to leave.
Tricky Trails and a Fireside Finish
Eventually, we had to continue. The final section of the loop wasn’t as steep, but it came with its own challenge—poor trail markings. Despite checking the map constantly, we kept veering off course. If you hike this loop, be extra cautious during the final stretch.
Back at Sutton Nest, we wrapped up the day with a small fire under the stars and a relaxing soak in the spa. There’s no better way to end a mini adventure.
Plan Your Own Lake Mohawk Hike
If you’d like to experience this hike for yourself, we’ve prepared a free itinerary with all the details you need. You can download it here – Link To Download the Itinerary
🎥 Prefer the video version? Watch the full story on our YouTube channel!
Whether you’re chasing autumn leaves or just want a quiet day in nature, the Lake Mohawk Loop is a hidden gem worth exploring. Don’t forget to pack snacks, download your map, and embrace the detours—they often lead to the best memories.
Enjoy your adventures,
– The Adventurion Family
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