RMC The Perch

- Randolph, NH 03593

Introduction / Overview

For seasoned New Hampshire adventurers and dedicated hikers of the White Mountains,

RMC The Perch

is not just a campground; it is an iconic, high-elevation backcountry destination. Operated by the esteemed Randolph Mountain Club (RMC), The Perch is located at a brisk elevation of approximately 4,313 feet in the dramatic Cascade Ravine, near treeline. It offers a crucial, simple accommodation for hikers traversing the Northern Presidential Range, including sections of the Appalachian Trail (AT). Unlike the full-service AMC huts, The Perch, along with the other RMC camps, provides a more rustic, self-service overnight experience, appealing to those who prefer minimalist mountain lodging without the "Hollywood" atmosphere often associated with larger facilities.

The Perch facility consists of a lean-to (shelter) and a series of adjacent tent platforms, designed to concentrate foot traffic and protect the fragile high-elevation environment from the impacts of dispersed camping. It plays a critical role for hikers coming off the challenging terrain of the Presidential summits, offering protection from the harsh and unpredictable elements common at this altitude, as attested by visitors who appreciate the shelter's ability to 'button up a little smaller for winter experiences.' It serves as an essential waypoint, maintained by a dedicated caretaker staff and volunteers, ensuring this important piece of New Hampshire hiking infrastructure remains available for public use year-round.

Location and Accessibility

RMC The Perch

is nestled deep within the White Mountain National Forest, on the northern slopes of Mount Adams and Mount Jefferson in the Presidential Range. The stated address of

Randolph, NH 03593, USA

refers to the general area, as The Perch is a true backcountry facility accessible only by foot trail.

The primary trail access points are found off US Route 2 in the town of Randolph. The most common trailheads used by hikers to reach The Perch include the Appalachia parking lot or Lowe's Store.

Key Locational Details:

• High-Elevation Setting: Located near treeline, it provides spectacular views and immediate access to the alpine zone, making it an ideal base for summiting Mt. Adams or Mt. Jefferson.
• Trail Network Proximity: The Perch is strategically situated on the Perch Path, just a few hundred yards from both the Israel Ridge Path and the Randolph Path. It is also one of the closest RMC camps to the Gulfside Trail, which carries the Appalachian Trail route through the region.
• Not Accessible by Vehicle: It is imperative that users understand this is a wilderness camp. There is no vehicle access to the site; all gear, food, and supplies must be backpacked in, emphasizing a commitment to prepared, self-sufficient hiking.

Services Offered

The services at

RMC The Perch

are focused on providing essential safety and minimal-impact camping in a demanding environment. These are not amenities in the traditional sense, but crucial infrastructure for high-elevation hiking:

• Overnight Accommodations: The facility offers a lean-to (shelter) that can accommodate approximately eight people, and four tent platforms for additional use. Both options are available on a strict first-come, first-served basis, highlighting the need for backup plans, especially on busy weekends.
• Caretaker Services: During the summer season (mid-June through August) and occasionally on other busy weekends, an RMC caretaker is on-site or visits nightly to greet guests, ensure the facility is operating correctly, and collect overnight fees. This role provides an important layer of assistance and stewardship.
• Water Source: Water is available from a spring located a short distance (approximately 125 feet) to the east of the shelter, or from Cascade Brook. It is untreated spring water, and the RMC strongly advises all campers to filter or treat the water prior to consumption, adhering to US Forest Service recommendations.
• Waste Disposal: An outhouse equipped with a composting toilet is provided, which is essential for proper human waste management in a sensitive, high-use area. Designated washpits are also provided for dishwashing to protect the local water supply.
• Fee Collection: A modest fee is required for overnight use, collected nightly by the caretaker (cash or credit card accepted). This fee supports the RMC's extensive work in trail maintenance and camp operations.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of an overnight stay at The Perch are intrinsically linked to its unique setting and purpose within the White Mountains.

• Panoramic Vistas: Positioned near treeline, the location offers stunning, open views, particularly noted for a wonderful perspective of the sunset, as reported by enthusiastic visitors. This high-altitude vantage point is a reward for the challenging hike in.
• Protection from the Elements: The lean-to structure is well-known for providing reliable protection from the unpredictable and often brutal weather of the Presidential Range. Visitors value its ability to shield them from strong winds, especially on the exposed Israel Ridge.
• Gateway to the Alpine Zone: The Perch serves as an excellent staging ground for immediate access to the alpine summits of Mt. Adams and Mt. Jefferson, allowing hikers an early start on their ascent without a long day hike from the valley floor.
• Appalachian Trail (AT) Proximity: As it is close to the AT's route on the Gulfside Trail, The Perch is a frequent stop for thru-hikers and a key location for New Hampshire hikers completing sections of the national scenic trail.
• Sense of History and Community: The shelter has historical roots, with the current lean-to being rebuilt in 1948 after the original structure was destroyed. Staying here connects hikers to the long tradition of backcountry stewardship in the White Mountains, fostered by the RMC.

Contact Information

As a remote backcountry shelter, direct communication at the site is not possible. For information, planning, or questions regarding the RMC and its camps, visitors should contact the maintaining organization.

Address (General Area):

Randolph, NH 03593, USA

(Trailhead access is via US Route 2, near the town of Randolph)

Phone: The RMC's main contact number for camp-related questions should be sought via the Randolph Mountain Club's official website or other publicly available resources, as a single, direct camp phone number is not practical for a wilderness site. Hikers should be prepared with their own emergency communication methods.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For residents of New Hampshire, particularly those who cherish the state's rugged mountains,

RMC The Perch

is more than a place to stay—it is an authentic piece of local hiking heritage and an essential White Mountain experience. It is ideally suited for local users for several critical reasons. Firstly, its rustic, self-service model is highly favored by experienced New England hikers who are accustomed to and prefer low-impact, traditional backcountry camping over commercial lodge settings. The low, required fee—discounted further for RMC members—makes it an accessible and affordable option compared to other high-elevation accommodations, allowing locals to frequent the range without the expense of the hut system.

Secondly, The Perch is a vital training ground and staging area for year-round mountain activity. New Hampshire residents frequently use this section of the Northern Presidentials for winter ascents, and the structure’s ability to "button up" for winter makes it a practical, high-altitude sanctuary for experienced, local winter hikers. The sense of securing the cabin or a platform on a challenging hike, as described by a customer, provides a deep connection to the challenging, rewarding nature of New Hampshire's mountain trails. By supporting and using RMC facilities like The Perch, local hikers directly contribute to the preservation and maintenance of the trails they love, reinforcing the local stewardship ethic that defines the best of the White Mountain hiking community.

RMC The Perch

Randolph, NH 03593, USA