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The Tripyramid Loop Trail (sometimes called the North Slide Trail and South Slide Trail) makes a loop from the Livermore Trail over the three summits of Mount Tripyramid. It is one of the classic hikes of the White Mountains, which of course means that some hikers will find it too difficult for their liking. The North Slide is very steep with much climbing up rock slabs, while the South Slide is not quite as steep, is mostly smaller rocks and gravel, and also is shorter with much of it overgrown by trees. Full-loop hikers often choose to go up the North Slide and descend the South Slide, while more cautious hikers may go up the South Slide and descend the Scaur Ridge Trail.
Distance: From Livermore Trail to Livermore Trail, about 4.6 miles one-way
Whole loop from Livermore Trail parking area, about 10.7 miles one-way
Elevation gain: From Livermore Trail up North Slide and down South Slide to Livermore Trail, about 2200 feet ascent - allow extra time for rough ascent and descent on slides
Whole loop from Livermore Trail parking area, about 3100 feet ascent
Maps:
USGS Mount Tripyramid
AMC Crawford Notch-Sandwich Range
Location: White Mountains Region
NH 2003-2004 map I-7
DeLorme NHA&G 40-A2/44-J3 - Waterville Valley
Waterville Valley is about 13 miles from I-93 exit 28 up NH Route 49, or (summer and early fall only) can be reached from I-93 exit 31 via scenic gravel Tripoli Road
South End: Livermore Road/Trail about 2.6 miles from parking lot near Tripoli Road, elevation about 1980 feet
North End: Livermore Road/Trail about 3.5 miles from parking lot near Tripoli Road, elevation about 2420 feet
Owner: White Mountain National Forest
Maintainer: White Mountain National Forest
Special regulations: Most of the trail in Sandwich Range Wilderness
Up South Slide: From the Livermore Road/Trail about 2.6 miles from the parking lot, the South Slide portion of the Tripyramid Loop Trail follows an overgrown old woods road, almost immediately crossing Avalanche Brook. The crossing may be easier upstream or downstream from the trail. The trail then angles up the hillside crossing several smaller brooks before turning more steeply uphill to parallel Slide Brook. At 1.9 miles, the trail starts following what looks like an old streambed steeply uphill - this is the start of the overgrown slide. The trail crosses an open area with loose gravel and some rock slabs to climb before returning to the evergreens. It crosses another open section where the Kate Sleeper Trail leaves R at 2.2 miles, then leaves the slide and climbs in larger evergreens. At 2.4 miles the flattish summit of South Tripyramid is reached, with limited views. The trail descends slightly along the ridge before angling L and climbing more steeply to Middle Tripyramid at 2.7 miles. The summit is a rock ledge to the R with views S and E, and a short distance beyond a side path leads L to a viewpoint N.
Up North Slide: From the Livermore Road/Trail about 3.5 miles from the parking lot, the North Slide portion of the Tripyramid Loop Trail crosses Avalanche Brook almost immediately and climbs steeply along the far side. The bottom of the slide itself is reached in about half a mile. Much of the slide is open rock which can be dangerous when slippery. At 1.0 miles the trail re-enters the woods at the top of the slide (watch for markings and beware of taking the wrong herd path) and climbs steeply in evergreens to the Pine Bend Brook Trail. Both trails run together to the R 25 yards to the summit of North Tripyramid at 1.2 miles, where there are views between the trees.
The combined trails next descend steeply then more moderately S along the ridge, before passing over a minor knoll and descending to the junction with the Sabbaday Brook Trail L at 1.6 miles, where the Pine Bend Brook Trail officially ends. The Loop Trail descends slightly more to the col before climbing a narrow ridge to Middle Tripyramid at 1.9 miles. The summit is a rock ledge to the L with views S and E, a short distance back a side path leads to a viewpoint N.
Livermore Trail parking plowed in winter, and no dogs allowed on the groomed ski trail portion of Livermore Trail.
Only properly equipped technical climbers should attempt the North Slide with snow or ice on it. The slide portion of the South Slide route can be bushwhacked parallel in the woods if avalanches are a concern.
The portion of the trail from North Peak to South Peak has a few steep spots but they are probably easier than any route up to the ridge.
Map Notes: The USGS map incorrectly shows the trail passing S of North Peak rather than N, and passing E of Middle Peak instead of going over it.
Mount Tripyramid Trail up Middle Peak
Summit of Middle Peak Mount Tripyramid
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