TRIDENT COL TENTSITE

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees required. Winter access is challenging due to snow and ice conditions.

About

Trident Col Tentsite is a backcountry camping area situated in a col along the rugged Mahoosuc Trail, which coincides with the Appalachian Trail in this section of the White Mountain National Forest. This primitive site offers four designated tent platforms designed to minimize impact in the fragile mountain environment. The location provides a strategic camping spot for hikers tackling the demanding Mahoosuc Range, which includes the infamous Mahoosuc Notch, often called the hardest mile on the Appalachian Trail. The tentsite is equipped with a composting outhouse and a bear box for secure food storage, essential amenities in this remote backcountry setting. Water is available from intermittent sources nearby, though hikers should be prepared to treat all water. The site operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system or camping fees. Access requires hiking several miles on the Appalachian Trail from either the north or south, making this a true backcountry experience for self-sufficient hikers.

Directions

Trident Col Tentsite is accessible via a short side trail off the Appalachian Trail in the White Mountain National Forest. The site is approximately 9.6 miles from the northern end of the section near the Maine-New Hampshire border. The nearest road access is via the Success Trail, which begins on Success Pond Road, 8.7 miles from Berlin, New Hampshire. From Berlin, take NH 16 south, cross the Androscoggin River on the Cleveland Bridge, and follow Unity Street to Success Pond Road. Note that Success Pond Road is a gravel road and may be difficult to navigate.

Nearby Campgrounds