Tripyramids

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A challenging loop hike to three 4,000'+ summits in the White Mountains, two of which count as official 4,000 footers.
Trail Activity
Hiking Snowshoeing
Length
13.10 miles, Network
Difficulty
Strenuous
Town
Waterville Valley (NH)
Surface
Packed Earth/Dirt, Rock/Ledge
Pets
Permitted
Fees
Yes

Description

The Tripyramid lollipop loop offers access from Waterville Valley to three summits, North Peak, Middle Peak and South Peak. The loop offers outstanding views from the North and Middle Peaks as well as from North and South Slides.

This hike is very challenging. It is recommended to do the loop part of the hike in a clockwise direction -- up the North Slide and down the South Slide. The slides are exposed and can be slippery, especially when wet.

The clockwise loop around the Tripyramids follows Livermore Road then Livermore Trail past the first intersection with the Tripyramid Trail and continues up the Livermore Trail to the second intersection with the Tripyramid Trail. Turn right onto this trail and ascend the tricky and steep North Slide to North Tripyramid. An alternative and easier way to climb North Tripyramid is to continue 0.2 miles to Scaur Ridge Trail. Turn right and follow the trail 1.2 miles to the Pine Bend Brook Trail. Turn right again and follow that trail 0.8 miles to the summit. Continue following the Tripyramid Trail along the ridge (past intersections with the Sabbaday Brook Trail and the Kate Sleeper Trail) then descend the South Slide back to Avalanche Brook. Turn left at the Livermore Road/Trail and follow it back to the parking area.

Please note that the Tripyramid Trail crosses Avalanche Brook twice, which can be difficult in high water. 

The Tripyramids can also be hiked from the Kancamagus Scenic Byway via Livermore Trail at the Lily Pond pull-off, Pine Bend Brook Trail (roadside parking), and the Sabbaday Brook Trail (Sabbaday Falls parking lot). Trail Finder postings for these approaches will be created in the future.

Other Information

Fees: There is a daily parking fee at Livermore Parking area. 

Pets: Please note that pets are NOT allowed on Livermore Road in the winter.

Please note that this trail enters the Sandwich Mountain Wilderness Area. Wilderness areas are managed for wilderness values and the trail experience will differ from other parts of the White Mountain National Forest. Users are expected to know and follow all regulations for the areas they are visiting. For more information, please visit the White Mountain National Forest wilderness page

Before you hike, know the hiker responsibility code and be prepared:

  • With knowledge and gear
  • To leave your plans
  • To stay together
  • To turn back
  • For emergencies
  • To share the hiker code with others.

 Visit the hikeSafe website to learn more!

Trail Manager

For more information, visit the White Mountain National Forest hiking page, or the Waterville Valley Athletic & Improvement Association website, or contact:

Waterville Valley Athletic & Improvement Association
PO Box 412
Waterville Valley, NH 03215
wvaiatrails@gmail.com
View website
White Mountain National Forest: Pemigewasset Ranger District
71 White Mountain Drive
Campton, NH 03223
Phone: (603) 536-6100
View website

Trail Tips

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Find out about and follow any local regulations and respect landowners’ property.

Trailhead Information

To access Waterville Valley's Livermore trailhead on W. Branch Road, take Exit 28 on I-93, and follow NH-49 11.3 miles through Waterville Valley. Turn right on Boulder Path Road. At the library, turn left on W. Branch Road for 0.7 miles to the parking lot on the right. If you cross the bridge you've gone too far. 

An alternate approach is to follow NH-49 from I-93 Exit 28 for 10.2 miles and turn left on Tripoli Road. At the "Y" stay right on Tripoli Road and turn right on W. Branch Road over the bridge to the Livermore trailhead. An alternate approach (summer only) is from I-93 Exit 31 in Woodstock. Follow the gravel-surfaced Tripoli Road 9.3 miles. Turn left on W. Branch Road, cross the bridge and then turn left into the parking lot.

Please note: There is a parking fee at Waterville Valley's Livermore trailhead, and in winter no pets are allowed on Livermore Road.

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