Trident Col Tentsite

- NH-16, Berlin, NH 03570

Trident Col Tentsite stands as a quintessential New Hampshire backcountry experience, offering a crucial stopover for hikers exploring the state’s most rugged and spectacular terrain. Situated within the vast expanse of the White Mountain National Forest, this tentsite is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a necessary, well-placed refuge on the world-famous Appalachian Trail (AT). Unlike developed, drive-up campgrounds, Trident Col offers a truly primitive and immersive natural experience, reflecting the self-sufficiency and rugged spirit valued by New Hampshire's local outdoor community.

This secluded spot is a favored basecamp for those tackling the challenging Mahoosuc Range, which features stunning geological formations like the Mahoosuc Notch. It is maintained to meet the fundamental needs of backpackers, emphasizing low-impact camping and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. For New Hampshire locals who know and love the high-country trails, Trident Col Tentsite provides a connection point to the deep wilderness—a quiet spot to rest, filter water, and prepare for the next day's challenging ascents and descents. Its very existence helps to concentrate camping in designated areas, protecting the fragile forest and alpine environment around it.

Trident Col Tentsite is located in a high-elevation 'col,' or mountain pass, within the rugged Mahoosuc Range, which straddles the border of New Hampshire and Maine. While the administrative address is associated with Berlin, NH 03570, USA, and Route 16, it is vital for local users to understand that this is a remote backcountry site and is not accessible by vehicle. The provided address points to the general vicinity or the Ranger District managing the area, not the tentsite itself.

The tentsite is specifically found off a short side trail from the Mahoosuc Trail, which is part of the Appalachian Trail system. This is a hike-in, hike-out location, demanding significant effort and preparation. It is situated approximately 6.6 miles from the Mahoosuc Trail's junction in the southern Mahoosuc Range. Hikers often access this area from trailheads near Route 2 or Route 16, such as the Mahoosuc Trail Trailhead or the Austin Brook Trail Trailhead, with one-way hikes ranging from 4 to over 7 miles, depending on the route chosen. Its location deep within the forest ensures a true wilderness experience, requiring all visitors, especially New Hampshire residents familiar with mountain trekking, to be fully self-sufficient and prepared for mountainous weather and trail conditions.

The amenities at Trident Col Tentsite are basic and designed to support low-impact backpacking, focusing on environmental protection and hiker essentials. This is a first-come, first-served site, and reservations are not typically accepted, which is a key characteristic of many remote AT sites.

• Designated Tent Pads: The site offers a limited number of dirt tent pads or low-profile platforms, specifically designed to contain camping impact and protect the surrounding vegetation.
• Water Source: A natural water source is available, often described as a nearby spring or intermittent stream. Hikers must carry appropriate gear to filter or treat all water before consumption.
• Composting Privy: A bin-batch composting outhouse (privy) is provided to ensure proper human waste disposal and maintain sanitary conditions in the remote location, which is a crucial service for all hikers.
• Bear Box / Metal Food Storage: The site features a metal, bear-resistant storage container (bear box) where all food, trash, and scented items must be securely stored to protect both campers and local wildlife, a necessity in the White Mountain National Forest.
• Campfire Restriction: Due to the high-elevation forest environment and the emphasis on Leave No Trace, open campfires are generally prohibited or heavily restricted. Hikers should rely on a camp stove for all cooking.

Note that as a primitive tentsite, no services such as Wi-Fi, cell service, electrical hookups, or trash removal (beyond the metal food boxes) are available. Hikers must pack out all non-compostable waste.

Trident Col Tentsite is celebrated for its strategic location and the access it grants to the dramatic scenery of the Mahoosuc Range.

• Appalachian Trail Access: It is an essential component of the AT hiking experience in New Hampshire, providing a key overnight stop between major shelters and trail towns.
• Gateway to Mahoosuc Notch: The tentsite is located near the epic Mahoosuc Notch, often cited as one of the most challenging and memorable miles on the entire 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, offering unparalleled scrambling and adventure.
• High-Altitude Location: Situated at approximately 2,020 feet, the tentsite provides a genuine high-mountain, forested camping atmosphere, with excellent opportunities for stargazing and experiencing deep wilderness quiet.
• Stewardship Focus: The site’s amenities, including the composting privy and bear box, highlight a commitment to environmental stewardship, promoting responsible use of the White Mountain National Forest’s resources.
• Views and Terrain: The surrounding peaks, which give the 'Trident Col' its name, offer opportunities for side trips and incredible views of the Presidential Range and surrounding New Hampshire mountains, rewarding the strenuous effort of reaching the site.

Due to its nature as a remote backcountry location, direct contact with the tentsite is not possible. For all inquiries regarding trail conditions, rules, permits, and management of the area, local users should contact the managing body of the White Mountain National Forest.

Managing Authority (General Inquiries): White Mountain National Forest Supervisor's Office

Address (Administrative): NH-16, Berlin, NH 03570, USA (This is the general vicinity for the Ranger District)

Phone: (603) 536-6100

Mobile Phone: +1 603-536-6100 (Primary Forest Service/Ranger District Contact)

Please note that this phone number connects to the Forest Service’s main office and cannot be used to contact the tentsite directly or make reservations, as the site operates on a first-come, first-served basis without an on-site caretaker fee.

For New Hampshire locals, Trident Col Tentsite represents the pinnacle of the state's storied backcountry tradition. We in the Granite State value ruggedness, independence, and the challenge of mountain hiking, and this site delivers on all counts. It is a fundamental part of the New Hampshire section of the Appalachian Trail, making it an essential destination for local hikers looking to complete a section of the AT or simply immerse themselves in the deep wilderness of the Mahoosuc Range.

This tentsite is not for the casual visitor; it is for those who embrace the "Live Free or Die" spirit of self-reliance. It requires and rewards preparation, allowing you to prove your mastery of essential outdoor skills—from navigating challenging trails to safe food storage in bear country. As a first-come, first-served, fee-free site maintained by stewardship efforts, it reflects the community ethos of responsible recreation. By utilizing Trident Col, you are not just camping; you are participating in the long, proud tradition of backcountry exploration that defines the New Hampshire White Mountains, all within a reasonable driving distance to the trailheads near Gorham and Berlin. It offers the quiet, the challenge, and the unforgettable views that are uniquely New Hampshire.

Trident Col Tentsite

NH-16, Berlin, NH 03570, USA