Mount Tripyramid (Middle Peak)
N 43° 57.882 W 071° 26.403
19T E 304252 N 4870846
The middle of three distinct peaks that lie along the summit ridge of Mount Tripyramid
Waymark Code: WMCC2F
Location: New Hampshire, United States
Date Posted: 08/20/2011
Views: 10
The eastern wall of New Hampshire's Waterville Valley is made up of an interesting and rugged mountain range named (collectively) Mount Tripyramid. The mountain derives its name from the three distinct pyramid-shaped peaks that lie along its summit ridge. Although all three of the summits (North, Middle, and South) are over 4,000 feet in height, only the
North Peak (4140 feet) and the Middle Peak (4110 feet) appear on the Appalachian Mountain Club's New Hampshire four thousand footers list (there is not the required 200 foot elevation 'dip' between the Middle summit and the South summit for the South Peak to qualify).
Many hikers who climb the Tripyramids do so by following a clockwise loop which runs from the Livermore Trail (essentially a logging road) to the north end of the Mount Tripyramid Trail, across all three summits from north to south, back to the Livermore Trail. The reason for the clockwise direction is the dangerous North Slide - a steep rocky slide that ascends the northern face of the North Peak, gaining 1200 feet of elevation in about half a mile. Climbing the North Slide while challenging, is easier than descending it. Under wet conditions, the slide is considered too dangerous to ascend, but an alternate trail (the Scaur Ridge Trail) offers a safer option.
The summit of the Middle peak is located along the Mount Tripyramid Trail. While many hikers arrive at the summit after having climbed the North Peak, the summit can also be reached from the south for those who ascend the South Slide (a less dangerous climb than the North Slide), or via the Sabbaday Brook Trail, which climbs from the Kancamagus Highway to the north to a point near the col between the North and Middle peaks.
Although mostly wooded, there are some fine views to the east from the rocky summit of Middle Peak. Following the trail south will bring you quickly to the South Peak, and from there, a descent of the South Slide and a pleasant walk in the woods will bring you back to the Livermore Trail.
The Middle Peak of Mount Tripyramid is the 35th highest peak on the list of the Appalachian Mountain Club's New Hampshire four thousand footers.