“Rather than tell him I’d be absolutely terrified to join him wherever he was going, I told him I had other plans.”
— from 4000s by 40
This page shares some photos from the experiences in Chapter 9 of 4000s by 40. Of all the mountains I climbed, these two are the hardest for me to remember, so I’m grateful for the pictures. For more on the reasons why my memory was challenged, you can find out [here]. And to go along with the photos below, I’ve also added a quick retelling of events, along with quotes from the book, to give a small sense of what you’ll find inside. Enjoy!
Ambition Meets Trouble
Feeling ambitious after the Hancocks, I went for another hard “two-bagger” day soon afterwards, deciding to celebrate my 39th birthday with a difficult trudge over the Tripyramids. Of all the climbs I did, I was probably least present for this one. I’m not exactly sure why, but I think it was partly because I kept bumping into someone who made me very uncomfortable. He spoke of taking on some dangerous activities and stared at me a little too long in response to greeting him. In all my time spent in the wilderness or on the trail, it’s the only time I’ve ever felt unsafe around someone.
On the plus side, from Middle Tripyramid, I spotted a view of Waterville Valley (aka Tecumseh), and I decided right then and there what mountain I’d be hitting next—and how I’d do it.
One of the many rewards of setting out for an early climb, is the chance to see a sunrise over the mountains.
The Pine Bend Brook Trail
The chosen route for the day was the Pine Bend Brook Trail, which led to the summit of North Tripyramid first, before running another .8 of a mile to the summit of Middle Trip. There wasn’t much in the way of views going up North Tripyramid, so I didn’t linger long at the summit. It was a calm but chilly day, and I made good time, reaching the summit of North Tripyramid in 2 hours.
“Every trip up and down a mountain peak feels like Mother Nature is granting me a fresh start. The clean air and the wind whispering through the trees renew my spirit, reminding me that I don’t need to get pulled down into the muck of civilization and society.”
Because North Tripyramid didn’t give me too much to look at, I motored along to Middle Tripyramid in little time. I was glad I did. The most memorable part of the hike itself was Middle Tripyramid’s summit, where I enjoyed a terrific view of Waterville Valley—the only place catching direct sunlight that morning. Looking at it, I thought of my failed attempt to bring skis up Mount Moosilauke, and growled a little under my breath. There was no question I’d be lugging my skis up Tecumseh next.
Oh yeah. I’m going to carry my skis up that one.
Upon Reflection
Sadly, of all my 4000-footer climbs, the Tripyramids are the ones I feel least connected to. I was so distracted by that one hiker that I’ve always wanted to return and experience them more fully. I need to see them again. Maybe soon…
“Each mountain feels like a chance to reestablish what my purpose is, and perhaps even reestablish myself as a good person.”
Climbing the 4000-footers?
Want to hear more about that unsettling encounter? Pick up 4000s by 40 to get the full story.
Looking for more climbs from the White Mountains? Check out the 4000s by 40 Visual Companion for photos from the book and beyond.
North and Middle Tripyramid Ascent Details
- Route (Out-and-Back): Pine Bend Brook Trail – a steady climb with some steep and rugged sections, especially near the ridge. This route offers a remote, forested ascent and connects to the Tripyramid Loop.
- Elevation Gain: 2,911 Feet
- Miles to North Tripyramid Summit: 4.3
- Miles to Middle Tripyramid Summit: 4.8
- Total Distance (Loop): 9.6 Miles
- Trailhead Location: Pine Bend Brook Trailhead is located off the Kancamagus Highway in Albany, NH.
Exploring the Tripyramids: Trail Reports & Peakbagging Resources
If you’re looking to climb multiple mountains in one day for your quest to climb the New Hampshire 4000-footers, the Tripyramids are a good choice. It’s not a moderate climb, but not overly difficult either, and relatively easier than a lot of the other climbs where multiple ascents are involved. If you’re planning to go check them out, here are some helpful resources:
- Peakbagger.com – North and Middle Tripyramid – A great site to track your 4000-footer progress, log summits, and find elevation data.
- Waterville Valley Web Cam – Given Waterville’s proximity to the Tripyramids, this visual can help you get a look at current conditions
- AMC Trail Maps – Always a good idea to carry a reliable map, especially if tackling the more rugged trails.
