| Hiking Trail Conditions Report |
 | Peaks |
Fisher Mountain, Hogback Mountain, NH |
|
 | Trails: |
FR 23, FR 23A, FR 23C, unnamed trail, herd paths, bushwhacks |
|
 | Date of Hike: |
Thursday, October 5, 2023 |
|
 | Parking/Access Road Notes: |
At the start of FR 23 off Mill Brook Rd. in Thornton. |
|
 | Surface Conditions: |
Dry Trail |
|
 | Recommended Equipment: |
|
|
 | Water Crossing Notes: |
|
|
 | Trail Maintenance Notes: |
The unnamed trail is in terrific condition. The ledge blazes near the top appear to have been redone since my last visit. Mad River Trail Collective was out here last month and cleared brush from the forest roads for mountain bikers. Quick and easy walking now. |
|
 | Dog-Related Notes: |
|
|
 | Bugs: |
|
|
 | Lost and Found: |
|
|
|
|
|
 | Comments: |
I was looking for a quiet foliage viewing destination and then remembered Fisher. Having never been to Hogback, I decided to add that one as well.
The trail up Fisher is always a lot of fun. It's definitely "sporty", "productive", and thankfully today, dry. At the high point where markings end, the trail continues a bit further to an open ledge with a rock bench and a restricted view of Dickey Mtn.
From the summit of Fisher, bits of herd path here and there plus sporadic cairns provide a pointer toward Hogback, but they are nothing that can be used for reliable navigation; getting between the two peaks is still very much a bushwhack. About halfway to Hogback, I lost all signs of any paths and bushwhacked up through spruce. The woods weren't tight but they were scrappy and pokey. Eye protection is recommended. The push is worth it though as the open summit of Hogback is super and has great views.
I also whacked over to "Northwest Hogback" and up to the cliffs that are visible from Fisher. This is also an awesome spot with expansive views to the east. Both Hogback bumps have small cairns at their respective high points.
I pretty much followed the same route back to Fisher, picking up the herd path bits again to make progress.
Foliage color was good in this area but not quite at peak yet, and the color that is displaying is somewhat muted.
Too warm for October. We broke the planet. |
|
 | Name: |
KenM |
|
 | E-Mail: |
kmacgray@gmail.com |
|
| Date Submitted: |
2023-10-05 |
|
 | Link: |
 https:// |
|
|
Disclaimer: Reports are not verified - conditions may vary. Use at own risk. Always be prepared when hiking. Observe all signs. Trail conditions reports are not substitutes for weather reports or common sense. |
|
