Fisher Mountain, Thornton NH

• 4-star hike
• 3.8 mile out-and-back
• Hard | Gain 1,335 feet
• Thornton, NH | White Mountains
.

The image shows a panoramic view of a mountainous landscape with a forested hill in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy with patches of blue, and the distant mountains create a layered effect, adding depth to the scene. The lush greenery of the forest contrasts with the rocky patches on the hill, making the natural beauty of the area stand out.

The round-topped Fisher Mountain rising out over White Mountain National Forest.

One of the lesser-known hikes in one of most famous East Coast hiking locations, Fisher Mountain promises a challenging climb and sweeping White Mountain vistas. Although this trail plays second-fiddle to the very popular neighbor that is the Welch-Dickey loop, Fisher Mountain offers some similar views, more challenges and a lot fewer people.

Our directions will take you to the informal trailhead at the end of Millbrook Road, which includes a 2.4 mile unpaved but mostly smooth stretch. You won't find any trailhead signs, but your starting point is easily identified by a forest road gate.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Fisher Mountain 3.8 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,340 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

The first three-quarters of a mile is on an easy and shaded forest road, partly overgrown with long grasses and other vegetation. Enter woodland and continue on a well-defined and easy trail, past occasional muddy patches, until the way becomes steeper and brings you to your first granite slab.

Granite slabs are a defining feature of the rest of this hike. Although thirty-five degree slopes don't sound that steep, they're definitely hard on the legs, much harder in wet conditions, and potentially treacherous in icy situations. For us, the slabs were even harder coming back down. For this reason, we categorize this trail as hard.

The image shows a scenic view from a mountaintop or high vantage point, overlooking a vast expanse of forested hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds. The foreground features rocky terrain with some small shrubs and trees, while the background is dominated by a lush green forest and rolling hills extending to the horizon.

White Mountain views.

From the beginning of the granite you leave the shade of the forest behind, but you now get to marvel at the many expansive views at your back as you hike up at a consistent grade to the rounded summit of Fisher Mountain. The granite trail is well marked with blue flashes as you navigate through occasional patches of trees and across parking-lot size rock expanses. Rock scrambling is minimal, although there is one small crevasse to negotiate. If you want more, there is reportedly a continuing 0.9 mile trail up to the 2,770 foot summit of Hogback Mountain though it is apparently overgrown and our cursory investigation came up with nothing.

The image shows a large, smooth rock surface that slopes upward, surrounded by a forest of evergreen trees. The sky above is blue with a few scattered clouds.

Up to 35 degrees of mossy granite slope.

Tangents:
• Public Map at AllTrails: Fisher Mountain
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Welch Dickey Loop (4 mi) · 5★ Mount Moosilauke (7-8 mi) · 4★ Mount Tecumseh (5-7 mi) · Show Map

New Hampshire 4,000 Footers
Forty eight peaks all above 4,000 feet, including epic Mt Washington.

NH 52 With A View
Explore the best views in the White Mountains.