Fisher Mountain Trip Report

July4th Weekend • Elevation 2,609 ft • Unofficial trail

Quick Stats

Route

Forest Road 23 → FR 23C → FR 23D → herd path to summit

Mileage

~4.0mi round trip (approx.)

Elevation Gain

~1509ft

Group

Eight GayOutdoors crew, carpooled from Exit 28

Conditions

Warm, bone dry granite—perfect for traction & views

Time

4 hours hiking, generous summit & photo breaks

Getting There

With major trailheads mobbed for the holiday, we chose Fisher Mountain—an overlooked knob west of the famous Welch?Dickey Loop. Because the old logging roads are unsigned, we rendezvoused at the Exit 28 post office. 

Forest Road 23 was our gateway.

At the fork, we kept right on FR 23C, then left on the faint FR 23D just before Shattuck Brook.

Parking is a wide shoulder; no signs, no crowds—just the hush of spruce and a trickling stream.

The Ascent

The first minutes follow an overgrown logging grade, crossing a clear brook before shrinking to a herd path. Soon, granite takes over and the magic begins:

Lower Ledges – Polished slabs framed by mossy rock gardens. Early views of Dickey’s forested backside and Cone Mountain eased us into “ridge run” mode. In the distance were view of Mt. Kearsarge and Cardigan. Further up we got our first view of Mt. Moosilauke.

Giant Slab  – A football field of sunbaked granite pitched steeply skyward. In the wet it would be a slip n slide; today it was grippy and grin inducing. Blue blazes and well placed cairns kept us honest.

“Fissure on Fisher” – A dramatic crack cleaving the ledge; one long straddle step carried us across.

False Knob to Summit  – A short, moss floored dip leads to a small knob that looks like the top. A faint right hand spur pops out at the true summit cairn—cheekily capped with an…ahem…granite phallus.

Summit & Explorations

Primary Vista – Hogback and Green Mountains dominate the near horizon; Tecumseh peeks above the trees.

Secret Ledges – A quick bushwhack left (south) opens a panoramic balcony: Moosilauke’s whaleback, Cannon’s cliff face, the entire Franconia Ridge, and the twin Osceola’s gleaming in July sun. We lounged here, swapping  tales and summit snacks.

Descent

Down climbing the slabs demanded the same focus (and sticky soles) but passed quickly. In under a couple of hours, we were plunging in the Mad River.

Après Hike

Back at the house:

Mad River plunge – Refreshing but cold. Nonetheless, we soaked in the river for a few minutes and then lounged in chairs riverside to warm up in the sun. The river crossing to get to our private sandy beach was almost as challenging at the hike itself.

Deck hang – Brews, wine, queer camaraderie, big laughs.

Chef Jon’s dinner – Oven- baked chicken kabobs, corn, rainbow of salads.

Sweet finale – Classic strawberry shortcake, whipped cream sky high.

Campfire – Sparks rising to a star splashed sky while distant fireworks echoed through the valley.

Reflections & Beta

Crowd hack – If Welch Dickey’s lot is overflowing, drive ten more minutes and own an entire mountain.

Footwear – Aggressive tread crucial for the slick rock freeway.

Navigation – Print a satellite map or drop a GPS pin—no signage.

Leave No Trace – Cairns are fine; resist adding more. Pack out strawberry shortcake crumbs!

Fisher may only brush 2,600 feet, but its granite theater and solitude punch far above their weight. Sharing that stage with friends—out, proud, and high on summer freedom—was the perfect way to celebrate Independence Day. Here’s to many more “off the beaten path” adventures together!

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