The Fool Killer

Trip Details
Date: September 6^th, 2019
Total Distance: 9.84 mi (via Garmin fenix 5X)
Total Time: 4 hours 16 min
Total Elevation: 2467 ft gained
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We were looking for something different to do and that would get us back to our points of origination in the later afternoon. For years I saw this peak call "The Fool Killer" on maps behind the Tripyramids. It just seemed like destiny to bushwhack up this mountain. Come to find out it is actually on the NH Hundred Highest List. The easiest way to get to the summit is to take Sabbaday Brook Trail until just before the switchbacks. Then head straight up the opposite ascending side and eventually you will find yourself on the summit of The Fool Killer.

I send my wife an itinerary each time just so she knows where to send a search party if an emergency were to occur...this is the response I get for The Fool Killer.

First time I have had to pay in awhile as I usually avoid these trails. Price has gone up to $5 per day.

This is trail system is taken care of and groomed all the way to the falls.

The well groomed trail ends shortly after the falls and the water crossings start. You will cross the brook a total of six times at what I call major crossings. There are a few other step-overs or easy jumps, but six of them are true rock hopping crossings. I would not attempt this trail during high water.

#1

About a minute later...#2

#3

Moss Crossing...#4

The Bending Tree Crossing...#5

#6

Overall the trail has not suffered much erosion and the incline is quite gradual that it was rather easy to make it to the switchbacks with minimal effort. Then came the challenge. Where to start the bushwhack? There was no obvious sign anywhere. We decided to start at a small overgrown drainage valley. It was not the best choice as the woods were not thick, but they were not open either. Plus we basically hiked straight up as the summit was straight ahead from where we started.

The cairn marking the summit.

At one time there was a canister up here with a notebook you could sign, but that is missing now. 

BishopX determined that the hook was securely attached to the tree.

We believe that circular hole in the dead center is where the nail was that held the summit sign, which is also missing now.

So we made one!

We walked around the summit for a bit and eventually found this view of Mt. Passaconaway.

The way down we tried to head more towards the summit col (which is where most maps have the summit labeled) and then drop down. This was much easier as the woods were more open. It ended up dropping us back on to the trail at a larger drainage valley just in front of the one we initially ascended.

When you see this valley just before the start of the switchbacks this is where I would start the bushwhack. Go in to that leaning tree and then turn right. Continue straight until you get the summit area and then turn right again until you find the summit cairn.

On the way back we took a few minutes to check out Sabbaday Falls.

Top of the falls

Pothole

For some reason or another we are prohibited from swimming in this giant calm pool.

Well, it was fun to say we hiked The Fool Killer but ultimately there was not much to see or do on the summit. The old sign and canister are missing and the summit is virtually all wooded with no views. Though the trail as rather easy, I see little reason to ever attempt it again with all those water crossings. Some of those you would have no choice, but to just wade through it and that is a pain. There are other ways to summit the Tripyramids.

The mileage is probably off as the GPS cut out as we started the bushwhack and did not come back until we were closer to the summit..