Trip/Event Location: Thornton, NHUS
Trip Leader(s): Gandalf , JDNnh
Max # People: 15
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate
We'll follow a herd path to Fischer Mountain which provides good fall foliage views to Franconia Ridge. The ledges of Fischer Mountain can be viewed from Dickey Mountain. After parking
Because the trailhead [or lack thereof] is difficult to find, we'll be meeting at the Campton Post Office on Exit 28 off I-93. As you get off the exit, turn towards Waterville Valley and you'll see the Post Office after Dunkin' Donuts. We'll be driving a blue FJ Cruiser. We can carpool from here.
Looking to avoid the crowds on a beautiful Sunday on Columbus Day weekend, we chose this little known (at least to the majority) 2,609 foot peak in Thornton, NH up near the end of Mill Brook Rd [although the summit is in Waterville Valley.] This mountain has some interesting ledges and well worth the trip! On the way back, we were surprised to have run into two separate groups making their way up to the summit. We started on a Forest Service Road and then followed a herd path maintained by locals straight to the top which was blazed and marked with surveyors tape. In the interest of keeping this little used and local trail just that, I won't explain its location in detail. But I will say that it was steep in places on open ledges, and other places had an annoying side-hill on the flat rock. The ledges were nearly identical to the neighboring Welch & Dickey Mountains. Up top we had lunch and enjoyed the fall foliage views. Hung out looking at the western Whites, Franconia and Kinsman Ridges, and Mt. Tecumseh before heading back. We could also pick out Cardigan and Kearsarge. Next time I think we'll try to do some bushwhacking and continue to the higher, Hogback Mtn. which looked to have nice ledges on its two peaks as well. Good day out with GO buddies!
Outdoor Fitness Level: Very Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Easy to Moderate
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous