Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
The Tripyramids are a rugged set of three peaks: North, Middle, and South, located in the Sandwich Range of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The Tripyramid Loop is a sneaky hike that doesn’t seem challenging until you hit the rapid elevation gain.
Both North and Middle Tripyramid, are over 4,000 feet and part of the NH 48 list. There are several routes you can take to hike the Tripyramids but the classic route starts in Waterville Valley and combines the Pine Bend Brook Trail or Livermore Trail with the North and South Slide Trails.
Dave, Cali and I hiked this loop in the summer of 2025 on a hot August day. We had a fantastic hike but were impressed with how steep the climb gets on the North side.
Quick Look at the Tripyramids Loop
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,000 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
The trail starts at Waterville Valley with a dirt road walk through the woods for about 2.5 miles. The trail passes over several bridges and then meets up with the loop trail.
Hike the loop clockwise ascending up to the North Peak. After a gradual trail, the trail ascends steeply up slabs and loose rocks for a mile. This is when you will do the majority of the elevation gain. It is VERY steep and exposed. Some people have described it as unsafe. We never had trouble with footholds/handholds, but I would not like hiking this if there was ice or even water making it slippery.
The best views are on the ascent. Once you reach the summit of North peak you travel on a wooded ridge across the other peaks before descending steeply, then gently back down to end the loop. Retrace your steps 2.5 miles back to the car.
Trailhead for the Tripyramid Loop
The trailhead for the tripyramid is located right at Wildcat Mountain in the Livermore Road parking lot. You will need to pay a fee to park here or use a park pass. There are bathrooms, a trail map and plenty of parking. We hiked this route on a Sunday in August and there was ample parking mid morning.
Details of the Tripyramid Loop Hike
The Mount Tripyramid Loop Trail begins at the Livermore Road parking area. We left the parking lot around 10 am, after passing the information board and fee station, turn left onto the gravel path and follow Livermore Road for several miles as it gently climbs from the valley. This is a dirt road that is closed but it is very easy and fast walking.
Follow this trail to the loop.
There are two main trailheads for the Tripyramids. The first leads toward the South Slide. I strongly recommend hiking this is clockwise direction. Continue another half hour to a sharp hairpin turn, where the trail to the North Slide begins. The entire route is well marked. After hiking up the North slide I would not like hiking down this trail.
This path drops down to cross Avalanche Brook, then traverses alongside it before reaching the base of the slide.
The North Slide is a demanding climb: a straight, steep scramble up bare ledges and rock slabs. For half the hike you feel like you aren’t on the trail – continue following the rocks uphill. The easiest line begins on the left, angles toward the center, and finishes at the upper right. The trail enters the woods at the top of the slide on the left – from here it is only a short uphill to the summit. The best views are found partway up, before the slide narrows near the top.
The slide took us about 1 hour to complete, even our australian shephard was out of breath and needed a few breaks in the 85 degree heat. In many places you will need to use your hands to get up the rock.
Traversing across the Tripyramid summits is a rolling walk with very few views. There is a a junction to the Sabbaday Brook Trail about halfway across, make sure to stay right. The descent from South Tripyramid begins with another steep forested pitch before emerging onto the South Slide. This slide is steep and loose, but much easier to navigate than the North Slide Just below the start of the slide, the Kate Sleeper Trail branches left – follow this back to the road.
At the bottom, the loop rejoins the woods on a long descent, eventually connecting with an old logging road that parallels Slide Brook. The trail then crosses Avalanche Brook which can be challenging in high water before meeting back with Livermore Road for the final walk out.
Things to Know About the Tripyramid Loop Hike
Are dogs permitted?
Yes – dogs are allowed on leash.
Is this good for Kids?
Not really. It is a good hike for older kids, but I wouldn’t do this hike with kids under 10 unless they are experiences hikers.
How hard is it really? Is it safe?
This is a hard trail. Some people describe the North Slide as dangerous, although we found plenty of hand and foot holds. It can be a little unnerving if you aren’t an experienced hiker.
Is there a fee?
There is a fee to park in the lot for this trail.
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