How difficult is hiking North Tripyramid?

North Tripyramid is rated as Difficult difficulty.

How long does it take to hike North Tripyramid?

Typically, hiking North Tripyramid takes 7–9 hours - loop over North & Middle Tripyramid via slides..

North Tripyramid

Q: What are the main hiking routes to North Tripyramid?

The main routes to North Tripyramid include: Pine Bend Brook Trail > Mt. Tripyramid Trail - North Slide up, South Slide down loop., Pine Bend Brook Trail - out & back avoiding slides..

Mount Tripyramid (North Peak) is one of the three summits of Mount Tripyramid in the Sandwich Range of the White Mountains.

Prominence: 1345 ft Range: Sandwich / Waterville Range

Elevation: 4,180 ft

North Tripyramid mountain bathed in soft sunset light with forested ridges and shadows — The North Tripyramid peak in New Hampshire's White Mountains glows softly under the fading summer sunset. Shadows stretch across the dense forest ridge line, highlighting the rugged contours of this iconic summit within the White Mountain National Forest.

North Tripyramid mountain ridge in White Mountains with cloudy sky and fall forest — A broad view of North Tripyramid in New Hampshire's White Mountains reveals a dramatic interplay of light and shadow beneath thick, rolling clouds. The autumnal forest trail below hints at the season's transition within White Mountain National Forest.

North Tripyramid mountain with colorful fall forest in White Mountains, New Hampshire — This afternoon view captures North Tripyramid framed by the vibrant fall foliage of the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The mountain’s rugged ridge line stands out against a clear sky, highlighting the seasonal transition within White Mountain National Forest.

North Tripyramid summit with granite scar and dense forest under clear fall sky — A striking granite scar carves through the dense evergreen forest of North Tripyramid in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Captured in the clear fall afternoon light, the rugged alpine zone contrasts sharply with the surrounding forest trail areas within White Mountain National Forest.

North Tripyramid Forested mountain ridges layered into the distance beneath scattered cumulus clouds and blue sky near South Tripyramid — A telephoto view compresses forested mountain ridges into soft, layered silhouettes beneath a bright blue sky dotted with fair‑weather cumulus. Evergreen slopes dominate the scene while a few leafless shrubs and blurred spruce branches frame the foreground, hinting at early-season conditions in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Moss-covered fallen log in a shaded forest with dappled afternoon sunlight and slender tree trunks near South Tripyramid — A moss-covered fallen tree trunk cuts diagonally through a quiet White Mountains woodland, its vivid greens glowing in dappled afternoon light. Slender tree trunks and scattered deadwood recede into soft shade, emphasizing the rich textures of bark, decaying wood grain, and forest-floor debris in a calm, intimate landscape scene. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Small forest stream cascades over mossy rocks into a foamy pool under dappled spring light near South Tripyramid — A small woodland stream spills over a mossy rock ledge into a shallow pool, where white foam swirls in dappled afternoon light. Exposed tree roots, leaf litter, and fresh spring-green leaves frame the miniature cascade, creating an intimate, close-up view of moving water and textured stone in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Rocky hiking trail through dense evergreen forest with mossy boulders and dappled afternoon sunlight near South Tripyramid — A narrow, rocky hiking path winds through dense conifer forest, where moss-covered boulders and granite slabs form a natural walkway. Strong afternoon sunlight filters through the canopy, creating dappled highlights and deep shadows across the uneven trail. The scene feels quiet and rugged, emphasizing texture, stone, and evergreen greens typical of New Hampshire’s mountain woods. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Small forest brook flowing over mossy rocks and fallen logs in spring woodland light near South Tripyramid — A small White Mountains brook threads through a quiet deciduous woodland, slipping over moss-covered stones and past fallen logs. Bright spring-green understory leaves contrast with last season’s leaf litter, while soft afternoon light keeps the scene calm and evenly lit. The shallow riffles and wet rock textures emphasize the cool, damp feel of late spring in New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Sunlit spring stream flowing over mossy boulders and small cascades in a wooded setting near South Tripyramid — A shallow mountain brook rushes over rounded boulders and small cascades, catching bright afternoon highlights in dappled forest light. Fresh spring greens edge the streambank while last season’s leaf litter and mossy stones add texture and contrast. A quiet, intimate White Mountains waterscape focused on movement, pattern, and reflective water. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Small clear stream flowing through dense conifer forest with mossy rocks and dappled afternoon light near South Tripyramid — A narrow, clear stream winds through dense conifer forest in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, slipping over stones and around mossy banks. Fallen logs and scattered boulders frame the water while patches of afternoon sunlight filter through the canopy, creating bright highlights and cool shadows across the rippling surface and forest floor. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Close-up of a young green plant shoot with fresh leaves on forest floor covered in conifer needles and leaf litter in spring afternoon light near South Tripyramid — A close-up of a young green plant shoot with fresh leaves emerging from the forest floor in the White Mountains during a bright spring afternoon. The image captures natural ground cover with conifer needles and leaf litter under sharp sunlight. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Orange mushrooms growing on a moss-covered decaying log, lit by afternoon sun in forest near South Tripyramid — A close-up study of small orange fungi clustered on a moss-covered, decaying log in the White Mountains. Warm afternoon sunlight rakes across the textured wood, highlighting bright green moss, pale lichen, and the intricate shapes of the mushrooms while the forest floor falls into a soft, creamy blur behind. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Dark red trillium-like wildflower in dappled sunlight among leaf litter, moss, and small ferns near South Tripyramid — A deep red, trillium-like wildflower rises from last year’s leaf litter on the White Mountains forest floor. Fresh green leaves, small ferns, and moss frame the bloom while dappled afternoon sunlight creates crisp highlights and soft shadows across the understory. A quiet, intimate spring scene focused on texture, color, and new growth. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Close-up of a small white wildflower with pink markings growing in dry leaf litter near South Tripyramid — A single delicate wildflower blooms above dry leaf litter and twigs on the forest floor, lit by strong afternoon sun. Shallow depth of field isolates the white petals and pink markings while the surrounding woodland fades into soft green blur, creating an intimate spring detail from the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Sunburst through dense spring trees, backlighting fresh green leaves above ferns and leaf litter near South Tripyramid — A warm sunset sunburst pierces a dense stand of deciduous trees, lighting fresh spring leaves with a glowing rim of gold. Ferns, leaf litter, and fallen wood texture the shaded forest floor while vertical trunks create a layered, intimate woodland scene. The high-contrast backlight and subtle flare emphasize the quiet atmosphere of a White Mountains forest interior. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid Low sunset sun shining through conifer branches and bare twigs in a quiet forest near South Tripyramid — Warm sunset light filters through a mixed White Mountains forest, illuminating spruce and fir needles and catching the edges of bare deciduous branches. The low sun creates gentle flare and a glowing rim light against a mostly clear blue sky, emphasizing vertical trunks and the layered understory in a quiet woodland scene. Trip context places this image with South Tripyramid, Middle Tripyramid, North Tripyramid.

North Tripyramid A softly lit stream flowing through a snowy forest in winter with sunlight reflecting off the water and tall trees casting shadows — This image captures a quiet winter forest scene near the North and Middle Tripyramids in the White Mountain National Forest. Low sunlight filters through tall evergreens, casting shadows over a gently flowing stream with partial snow cover on the ground and mossy rocks along the banks. The dark forest floor contrasts with the shimmering reflections on the water surface, highlighting natural winter textures and light.

Frosted Firs and Pastel Sky on North Tripyramid poster — Lightly frosted North Tripyramid firs frame distant ridges under a pale pink and blue evening sky.

Mountain Overview

Mount Tripyramid (North Peak) is one of the three summits of Mount Tripyramid in the Sandwich Range of the White Mountains. The North Peak stands at 4,180 feet (1,274 m), making it the highest of the Tripyramid trio. It is located in Grafton County, New Hampshire. North Tripyramid, along with Middle Tripyramid, is included on the Appalachian Mountain Club’s list of 4,000-footers. The two peaks are connected by a ridge and separated by a deep col. The summit of North Tripyramid is wooded, but a hike up its steep North Slide (for experienced hikers) or the gentler approach from the south provides views along the way, and there are limited outlooks near the summit itself. North Tripyramid is the highest of the three summits of Mount Tripyramid in the Sandwich Range. The Tripyramids get their collective name from their three distinct cone-shaped peaks, which resemble a cluster of pyramids rising from the forest. The naming is credited to Arnold Guyot, a prominent 19th-century geographer and cartographer, who systematically surveyed the White Mountains in the 1850s and bestowed many of their names. Guyot named these peaks “Tripyramid” due to their tri-peaked form. North Tripyramid, being the tallest, stands at 4,180 feet and is included on the AMC’s official 4,000-footer list along with Middle Tripyramid. The area around the Tripyramids has a history of logging and natural landslides. In August 1885 (and again in 1892), heavy rains triggered landslides on the north side of North Tripyramid, creating the now-famous North Slide (and similarly, the South Slide on the south side in 1869). These slides were notable enough to be mentioned in early trail reports, and by the early 1900s hikers were using them as adventurous routes. The Livermore brothers ran logging operations on Tripyramid’s lower slopes (1890s), using a series of switchback logging railroads – remnants of which hikers still encounter, such as the grade in Livermore that the Mount Tripyramid Trail follows. By 1916, as logging waned, the WMNF took over and the area gradually returned to wilderness. North Tripyramid’s summit is densely wooded, so historically it was not a site for fire towers or structures. However, one tangible bit of history is an old blaze at the top marking the junction of paths laid out by the AMC in the 1920s. Those trails remain, guiding modern hikers up the same steep slides that early mountaineers tackled with alpenstocks and hobnailed boots.

General Info

Elevation

4,180 ft

Prominence

1345 ft

Range

Sandwich / Waterville Range

Trail Type

Loop or Out & back

Difficulty

Difficult

Exposure

High - on slide route – dangerous when wet or icy; wooded route is low exposure.

Typical Time

7–9 hours - loop over North & Middle Tripyramid via slides.

Best seasons

Late summer and fall - North Slide dry; winter ascents use slide with caution – icy.

Water availability

Yes - Pine Bend Brook along lower trail provides water for first couple miles; none on upper mountain.

Cell reception

None - remote ravine; summit wooded – assume no signal.

First Photo & Camera

Mountain

North Tripyramid

Photo

Sunset Shadows over North Tripyramid

Description

Captured in the warm, late-evening light of a summer sunset, this landscape photograph showcases the North Tripyramid summit rising prominently amid the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the mountain weather’s calm and clear conditions, while the dense forest trail areas below remain cloaked in deep blue hues. This scene reflects the tranquil beauty of White Mountain National Forest at dusk.

Dimensions

5727 x 3818

Credit

Static map preview

North Tripyramid: summit area with linked trail context.

Summit: 43.9731, -71.4429

Trails: Pine Bend Brook Trail, Mount Tripyramid Trail (North Slide), Scaur Ridge Trail, Sabbaday Brook Trail

NOAA / NWS Snapshot unavailable

MWOBS Higher Summits ForecastOfficial higher-summit outlook for exposed White Mountain terrain

Live summit weather is temporarily unavailable. Monthly climate normals are never substituted for current observations. Static trip-planning guidance remains available below.

USNO Snapshot unavailable

Astronomy timing is temporarily unavailable.

High-summit climate profile

1991-2020 Mount Washington climate normals. Daylight is calculated at South Twin Mountain.

Winter

Spring

Summer

Fall

0 / 3

Sources & method

Climate reference: Mount Washington, NH US · 6267 ft · 1991-2020

Solar reference: South Twin Mountain · 2026

Wind is not displayed: January hourly coverage is below the 80% threshold.

NOAA/NCEI · U.S. Climate Normals, Monthly 1991-2020 NOAA/NCEI · Global Hourly U.S. Naval Observatory · Complete Sun and Moon Data for One Day

Climatology describes typical conditions, not a forecast.

Drainage context only, not a crossing safety decision. 3 linked water references; expand a row for sources and notes.

Route note: Yes - Pine Bend Brook along lower trail provides water for first couple miles; none on upper mountain.

Cold River USGS historical • 10.6 mi context • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationCOLD RIVER AT NH 113 BRIDGE NEAR N SANDWICH, NH • 01064795

USGS Historical

Useful lower-valley Cold River signal for Sandwich Range trailheads and north Sandwich approach roads after storms.

Nearby live proxy: BEARCAMP RIVER AT SOUTH TAMWORTH, NH • Ossipee Dam

Official source

Swift River USGS historical • 12.0 mi context • 2 proxy gages No Current Live Data

StationSWIFT RIVER 0.5 MI BL HOBBS BR, NR CONWAY, NH • 01064485

USGS Historical, Observed

Swift River context for Kancamagus crossings and Sandwich / Passaconaway approach planning.

Nearby live proxy: Saco River near Conway, NH • SACO RIVER AT RIVER STREET, AT BARTLETT, NH

Official source

Saco River USGS historical • NHDES observed • Observed Aug 24, 2026, 3:45 AM • 17.8 mi context 176 cfs · 2.32 ft gage · stable · fresh

StationSaco River near Conway, NH • 01064500

USGS Historical, Observed NHDES Observed NWPS Forecast HADS Observed

Official source

Treat rising, stale, modeled, or missing readings conservatively.

Trail gradeGentle0–8%Moderate8–15%Steep15–25%Very steep25%+

Mount Whiteface → Middle Tripyramid3.59 mi Middle Tripyramid → North Tripyramid0.67 mi

Route order: Mount Whiteface → Middle Tripyramid → North Tripyramid

Hover, touch, or use arrow keys for exact distance, terrain elevation, and grade. Terrain: 1 m USGS S1M DEM (NAVD88); summits: official NH48 elevations.

Middle TripyramidSame trailClosest trail link

Trail: 0.68 mi
Gain: +306 ft
Loss: −314 ft
Time: 23 min

Summit-to-summit route

North Tripyramid Middle Tripyramid

Via TRIPYRAMID LOOP

0.60 mi straight-line • low point 3,846 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

North Tripyramid 4,143 ftcol / low point 3,846 ftMiddle Tripyramid 4,136 ft

Mount WhitefaceConnected trails

Trail: 4.27 mi
Gain: +1,495 ft
Loss: −1,655 ft
Time: 2 h 10 min

Summit-to-summit route

North Tripyramid Mount Whiteface

Via Blueberry Ledge Trail / Kate Sleeper Trail / TRIPYRAMID LOOP

3.27 mi straight-line • low point 3,441 ft • confidence: medium

Open peak guide

North Tripyramid 4,143 ftcol / low point 3,441 ftMount Whiteface 3,990 ft

Pine Bend Brook trailhead - Kancamagus Hwy, Route 112, roadside.

Trailhead parking

Roadside pull-off on Kanc - no formal lot; park off pavement.

Trailhead

Pine Bend Brook trailhead - Kancamagus Hwy, Route 112, roadside.

Capacity

8 vehicles (est.)

No WMNF seasonal road listing

Primary trailheads are linked, but no WMNF seasonal access-road dependency is currently linked to this route. This is common for state highways, AMC lots, ski-area lots, or year-round paved road access.

Verify official sources and posted signs before driving to a trailhead.

Technical difficulty (1-10)

Physical effort (1-10)

Difficulty class

Difficult

Typical completion time

7–9 hours - loop over North & Middle Tripyramid via slides.

Risk factors

Above treeline exposure, Severe weather, Long bailout, Limited water, Navigation, Scramble / steep, No cell service

Preparation notes

Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases. Plan water conservatively and do not assume reliable sources late in the hike. Download offline maps and do not rely on cell service; leave a plan with someone. Retreat back down Pine Bend Brook Trail - both slides are one-way challenges once started.; Sabbaday Brook Trail offers alternate exit from between N

Bailout distance

0 mi

Weather exposure

High - on slide route – dangerous when wet or icy; wooded route is low exposure.

Field planning note

Pine Bend Brook Trail > Mt. Tripyramid Trail - North Slide up, South Slide down loop. - 11.0 - 3,100 - Difficult - Loop - over Middle Peak. Yes - Pine Bend Brook along lower trail provides water for first couple miles; none on upper mountain. Roadside pull-off on Kanc - no formal lot; park off pavement.

Water availability

Yes - Pine Bend Brook along lower trail provides water for first couple miles; none on upper mountain.

Cell reception

None - remote ravine; summit wooded – assume no signal.

Best seasons

Late summer and fall - North Slide dry; winter ascents use slide with caution – icy.

Terrain

If via slides: loose rock and slab on slides - very steep.; otherwise typical steep, rough wooded trail with many roots

Scramble sections

Yes - North Slide is a class 3 scramble on loose slabs; alternate Pine Bend route avoids major scrambles.

View type

Partial - limited view near summit from top of slide; summit itself wooded.

Summit marker

Small cairn in woods - no sign; summit is treed and flat.

Flora / environment

Hardwood forest in lower ravine; higher up, dense spruce-fir; slide areas open with scrub and lichens; summits are wooded with boreal trees

North Tripyramid Route & Conditions

Route

North Tripyramid's standard hiking options include Pine Bend Brook Trail > Mt. Tripyramid Trail - North Slide up, South Slide down loop at 11 miles with 3,100 feet of gain and Pine Bend Brook Trail - out & back avoiding slides at 9.6 miles with 3,000 feet of gain. A typical completion time is 7–9 hours - loop over North & Middle Tripyramid via slides.

Terrain and exposure

This is a difficult Sandwich / Waterville Range hike. Expect if via slides: loose rock and slab on slides, very steep.; otherwise typical steep, rough wooded trail with many roots. Scrambling includes north Slide is a class 3 scramble on loose slabs; alternate Pine Bend route avoids major scrambles. Upper-mountain terrain includes hardwood forest in lower ravine; higher up, dense spruce-fir; slide areas open with scrub and lichens; summits are wooded with boreal trees and partial, limited view near summit from top of slide; summit itself wooded. Weather and exposure are defining planning concerns here: high, on slide route, dangerous when wet or icy; wooded route is low exposure.

Weather window

The best normal hiking window is late summer and fall, roughly North Slide dry; winter ascents use slide with caution - icy. In September, average summit conditions are about 43 F. Check a summit forecast and carry windproof/warm layers; turn back if visibility or lightning risk increases.

Water, signal, and bailout

Water is available: pine Bend Brook along lower trail provides water for first couple miles; none on upper mountain. Cell reception is none, remote ravine; summit wooded, assume no signal. Bailout options include Retreat back down Pine Bend Brook Trail, both slides are one-way challenges once started and Sabbaday Brook Trail offers alternate exit from between North and Middle, long, many crossings. Nearby live water context is available from Cold River, Swift River, and Saco River.

Trailhead and access

The most common trailhead is Sabbaday Brook Trailhead, with room for about 8 vehicles. Roadside pull-off on Kanc - no formal lot; park off pavement. Other linked starts include Downes Brook / Mount Passaconaway Trailhead and Pine Bend Brook Trailhead (Tripyramid).

Connected route context

Major linked trails include Pine Bend Brook Trail, Mount Tripyramid Trail (North Slide), Scaur Ridge Trail, and Sabbaday Brook Trail. Nearby 4,000-footer connections include Middle Tripyramid and Mount Whiteface.