Jon and I are running this hiking weekend from Rock ‘N River [Mike and Jon’s house] in the White Mountain National Forest for this getaway! This is an opportunity for Newbies to get started with hiking and for experienced hikers to help the Newbies. It’s all about all of us having fun together! Lodging is optional to participate but we think you’ll have more fun, cut down driving back & forth in one day, and get to make new gay outdoorzy buddies better if you spend the weekend.

Dickey Notch/Fisher Mountain Hike

We will be meeting at the Welsh/Dickey trailhead for 10AM and the directions are posted below. The flat trail through Dickey Notch meanders past beaver ponds and boulders in a pleasant woodland setting.  

Located just north west of Dickey Mountain, and nearly the same height as Welch Mountain, Fisher Mountain provides views in nearly all directions from its ledgy summit.  This is a very cool hike with spectacular views from large open ledges. If you like Welch/Dickey but not its crowds, you'll like Fisher. Very few people visit this mountain so there will be a wilderness feel to this hike. We may even spot a moose!

Elevation 2,609 feet 
Vertical Gain: 1,300 feet [Moderate]
Distance: 6.9 miles 
Approximately 6 hours outing duration

We’ll hike 1.7 miles through Dickey Notch to get to the Fisher Mountain herd path. This herd path is not an official trail but is marked by blazes of various colors and cairns. We’ll be following a herd path but it will feel a bit like bushwhacking. There are steeply sloping, angled ledgy areas on the climb up that can be dangerous when wet and there is some rock scrambling that could make some people nervous. We’ve had someone turn around with us before. At the summit we’ll be poking around and bushwhacking a bit for optimal viewing areas.

We’ll be taking our time and not rushing…especially for the rock scrambles and hiking across the angled ledgy slabs. We plan on taking a leisurely lunch on the summit that will include some napping and sunbathing! 

Après-Hike

After the hike we will relax on our deck for beer/wine/snacks to enjoy the spectacular views, have a family style BBQ and a campfire under the stars! It’s BYOB all weekend. If you will not be spending the weekend with us and would like to join us for the BBQ [$10 to reimburse our food costs], let us know so can ensure there is enough food for everyone.

Lodging Option

Rock ‘N River has 2 rooms with 4 bunks each. The bunks include linen/blankets and there are plenty of towels in both bathrooms to use for showers. We can only accommodate 8 members indoors for the weekend so RSVP quickly!  Members who reserve both nights instead of one night will be given priority…so if you only reserve one night you may ultimately not have a place to stay.  Rock ‘N River will be open take in arrivals Friday night at 7PM. Saturday & Sunday mornings we will start the day with coffee and bagels.

Rate

The rate of $25 for Friday night and $35 Saturday night [includes BBQ]; or $60 for the entire weekend. Includes a bunk bed with a breakfast each morning, BBQ Saturday night and full access to the amenities at Rock ‘N River such as the Mad River, outdoor deck and campfire.   

We will provide directions to Rock ‘N River in a separate email to anyone who reserves a bunk.

Here are the directions to the trailhead if you will only be day hiking with us [We will meet you at 10AM]:  

We will meet at the trailhead parking lot.  To get there from I-93, get off at exit 28 (Campton/Waterville Valley) and go east on Rt. 49.  As you make the turn, and if it is a clear day, you should see the open ledges of Welch-Dickey looming ahead of you. Go east on Rt 49 towards those mountains.  After the traffic light, travel 4.5 miles and after you pass the WMNF Smarts Brook trails parking lot on the right look for the left turn to Upper Mad River Road. Cross Mad River, drive up the steep hill and at 0.7 miles turn right onto Orris Rd., where you should see a sign directing you to the Welch-Dickey trailhead.  At 0.6 miles, Orris Road makes a sharp turn to the left, and the trailhead parking will be on your right.  We will be driving a blue FJ Cruiser with NH plates.