Tripyramids Loop Hike

On Sunday, August 11th, five of us (Andrew, Gary, George, Woody and myself) met up at the Livermore Trailhead at the northern end of Waterville Valley for the hike around the Tripyramids.  It was a gorgeous day with barely a cloud in the sky, but it was on the chilly side until we got going. 

Everyone got there early or was on-time and we were ready to hit the trail by 8:40AM.  The initial 2.5 miles out to the junction of the loop trails followed out forest roads and there was not alot of elevation gain.  We reached this point by 9:35AM.  Just a little further up (10AM), we finally got to the junction with the Scaur Ridge Trail and the point on the trail up the North Slide began.  Beyond this point we crossed brook and in no time we were at the base of the slide.  It was rocky and wooded to started, but the slide gradually widened and steepened as we gained elevation.  Soon we were treated to views back to the Oceolas and then to the Mt. Tecumseh.  The views were spectacular with some clouds rolling in by this time.  It took about an hour and fifteen minutes for all of us to reach the top of the slide (although Andrew raced up in record time and was there for awhile before the rest of us!).  We took a much deserved break and admired the view before heading to the summit.  From the top of the slide the trail headed back into the woods for a short distance and we were on the mostly wooded summit of North Tripyramid by 11:30AM.  I hadn't realized it before or it was new, but there was a viewpoint now from a short spur to the northeast of the summit.  Mt. Passaconaway and the Presidential Range could be seen off in the distance.

It was early, so we decided to press on to the Middle Peak for lunch, which we reached by 12:05PM.  The summit had relatively open views to the east with another ledge with views to the west just prior to reaching the summit.  The peak was fairly crowded but we were able to settle into a nice spot on the summit as another group of hikers were leaving.  As we enjoyed our lunches, we also had a chance to chat with fellow hikers (two of whom we'd met on the slide coming up).  After about 45 minutes we decided it was time to proceed along the trail to the South peak.  It was a fairly steep descent off of the peak, but we were summiting South Tripyramid by 1:15PM.  We took another short break before heading down to the start of the South Slide.  This slide was slightly less impressive, but provided wonderful views south to Sandwich Dome and Lake Winnipesaukee.  Still it was steep and we took our time.  By 2:00 we were near the base of the slide and the trail again became a walk in the woods...taking only about 45 minutes to reach the Livermore trail junction.  From here we had the long walk back, but we filled the time with spirited conversation.  We reached the parking lot at 3:45PM.

Afterwards, Andrew and Gary had to take off, but George, Woody and myself headed over to the Mad River Tavern in Campton to cap off the day with dinner and drinks.  This was a amazing day on the slides with an awesome group of GO'ers!  Thanks Andrew, Gary, George and Woody for joining me for this hike...another one of my favorites.

Join me on this classic 11-mile loop that tags the summit of all three Tripyramids - North (4180'), Middle (4140') and South (4100').  The Tripyramids are best known for their slides... exposed slabs of rock that are visible from long distances, offering great views while hiking, and make for a unique trail experience.  The loop begins with the gentle and wide Livermore Trail.  At 2.6 miles there is an intersection for the south end of Mount Tripyramid Trail.  We will continue on the Livermore Trail for one additional mile to the north end of the Mount Tripyramid Trail.  There, the real hiking begins, ascending a steep, rocky, and mostly exposed 1.2 miles to the summit of Mt. North Tripyramid.  From this summit, the final 3.7 miles of the Mount Tripyramid trail tags the remaining two summits, descends another rocky slide below the south summit, and finally links back to the Livermore Trail at the southern end. 

NOTE:  Portions of this hike are STEEP with loose rock for footing.  It will require use of your hands for climbing in a few spots.  There is over 2600' in elevation gain for this hike. 

What to Bring:  Typical summer hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants or shorts, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, extra layer(s) (as needed) and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 4-5PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with a light dinner/drinks in Campton.