If you are thinking about hiking the tripyramids this weekend, you should probably prepare yourself for a serious workout and some of the most unique terrain in New Hampshire's White Mountains. Unlike some of the other 4,000-footers that offer wide-open grassy summits or long, gradual climbs, the Tripyramids—North, Middle, and South—are famous for their slides. These aren't the kind of slides you'll find at a playground; they are massive paths of exposed rock and loose gravel created by old landslides, and they make for one of the most exhilarating days you can have in the Sandwich Range.
The Tripyramids are a bit of a local legend among hikers in the Northeast. They don't always get the same fame as Mount Washington or the Franconia Ridge, but anyone who has spent time on the North Slide knows exactly why this hike is a rite of passage. It's steep, it's a bit sketchy in places, and it'll definitely leave your calves screaming by the time you get back to the car.
Getting Started: The Long Walk In
Most people tackle these peaks by starting at the Livermore Trailhead near Waterville Valley. The beginning of the day isn't exactly "mountainous." You'll spend the first few miles walking along Livermore Road, which is essentially an old logging road that's now used for cross-country skiing and mountain biking.
It's flat, easy, and honestly, a little bit boring if you're itching for the climb. But don't let the easy start fool you. Use this time to warm up your legs and find a good rhythm. It's a great chance to chat with your hiking buddies before the grade kicks up and everyone is too out of breath to talk. Eventually, you'll see the sign for the North Slide, and that's where the real fun—or the real suffering, depending on how you look at it—begins.
Tackling the Infamous North Slide
When you start hiking the tripyramids via the North Slide, you're committing to one of the steepest sections of trail in the Whites. Once you leave the woods, the trees just sort of vanish, and you're standing at the bottom of a massive field of granite slabs and loose boulders.
The North Slide is legendary for a reason. It's incredibly steep, and in some sections, you'll find yourself using your hands as much as your feet. This is "scrambling" in its truest sense. On a clear, dry day, the granite is wonderfully "grippy," and you can practically walk right up the slabs. But a word of warning: if it's raining or even just humid and damp, these rocks turn into a skating rink. It's generally recommended to only go up the North Slide, never down, because trying to descend that much steep, open rock is a recipe for a bad time.
As you climb higher, the views behind you start to open up. You'll see Waterville Valley laid out below and the surrounding peaks of the Sandwich Range stretching out toward the horizon. It's one of those spots where you'll want to stop every ten minutes just to take a photo, but make sure you have a good footing before you reach for your phone.
The Triple Peak Experience
Once you top out on the North Slide, you'll hit the summit of North Tripyramid. Like many peaks in this part of the woods, the actual high point is mostly enclosed by trees. You won't get a 360-degree alpine view like you would on Mount Lafayette, but there's a certain rugged beauty to the dense balsam fir and the quiet of the high woods.
From North Tripyramid, the trail follows the ridge over to Middle and South. The stretch between North and Middle is relatively short and doesn't involve nearly as much drama as the slide you just climbed. Middle Tripyramid is actually the favorite of many hikers because there's a small lookout just off the summit that gives you a fantastic view of the peaks to the east and south. It's a great spot to grab a snack and realize just how far you've come.
After Middle, you'll head toward South Tripyramid. By this point, your legs might be starting to feel the burn. The dip between the peaks isn't massive, but it's enough to keep you honest. South Tripyramid is the last of the three "official" 4,000-footers in this group, and once you hit that cairn, you've officially bagged three peaks in one go.
The Descent via the South Slide
Most folks choose to make this a loop by heading down the South Slide. Now, the South Slide is a completely different beast than its northern brother. While the North Slide is all about big, solid granite slabs, the South Slide is mostly loose rock, scree, and "potato-sized" stones that love to roll under your feet.
It can be a little hard on the knees, and you'll likely find yourself doing a bit of a "scree ski" as you slide down through the loose stuff. It's less about technical climbing and more about balance and patience. Just take it slow, watch your ankles, and enjoy the fact that you aren't going back down those steep slabs on the North side.
Once you clear the slide, you'll plunge back into the woods for the long walk back to Livermore Road. This part of the trail can feel like it goes on forever, especially since your adrenaline has probably worn off by now. You'll eventually hook back up with the flat logging road, and those last couple of miles back to the parking lot are the perfect time to dream about the post-hike burger you're going to eat.
Tips for a Successful Trip
If you're seriously considering hiking the tripyramids, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you actually enjoy the experience rather than just surviving it.
- Check the Rock: I can't stress this enough—don't do the slides in the rain. People do it, sure, but it's much more dangerous and significantly less fun. Wait for a dry window.
- Footwear Matters: This isn't the place for flimsy sneakers. You want boots or trail runners with excellent traction (look for Vibram soles or something similar) because you'll need that "stickiness" on the North Slide.
- Leave the Dogs at Home? While many dogs are mountain goats, the North Slide is genuinely dangerous for most pups. Unless your dog is extremely experienced with steep rock scrambles and you're prepared to carry them if they freeze up, it might be better to let them sit this one out.
- Water and Fuel: Between the long approach and the vertical gain on the slides, you're going to burn a lot of calories. Pack more water than you think you need, especially since there aren't many reliable water sources once you start the actual climb.
Why We Love These Peaks
There is something special about hiking the tripyramids that sets it apart from the rest of the White Mountain National Forest. It feels a bit more "wild" and rugged than some of the more groomed trails near the notches. The slides give it a sense of adventure that you usually only find on more technical climbs, yet it's still accessible to any fit hiker with a bit of grit.
Whether you're working on your 48 peaks list or you just want a day that challenges your balance and rewards you with stunning forest scenery, the Tripyramids are hard to beat. It's a long day, a sweaty day, and probably a day where you'll get a little bit of dirt under your fingernails, but that's exactly what makes it a classic New Hampshire hike. So, lace up those boots, grab your poles, and get out there—the slides are waiting!