Important Information
The Perch operates on a first-come, first serve basis. Reservations are not accepted. Both the shelter and tent platforms are available in the order guests arrive. Because The Perch is one of the Randolph Mountain Club’s most popular facilities and is located near the Appalachian Trail, it frequently reaches capacity on summer and fall weekends. All hikers should be prepared with an alternate plan in case space is unavailable. Please also refer to White Mountain National Forest regulations, HikeSafe guidelines, and RMC’s General Guidelines before your trip.
Nearby RMC Camps:
- Gray Knob Cabin – 0.7 miles east via Perch Path and Gray Knob Trail
- Crag Camp – 1.1 miles east via Perch Path and Gray Knob Trail
- The Log Cabin – 1.2 miles north via Randolph Path and Lowe’s Path
A caretaker visits this site 1-2 times per day to check-in with guests, collect fees, and maintain the facility.
Location
The Perch is located at 4,313 feet, near treeline in Cascade Ravine. It is located on the Perch Path, a few hundred yards from both Israel Ridge Path and Randolph Path. Among RMC facilities, it is the closest to Gulfside Trail, which carries the Appalachian Trail through the Northern Presidential Range.
The Facility
The Perch offers the following amenities:
- One three-sided shelter
- Four tent platforms
- A water source
- An outhouse with a composting toilet
- A bear bin for food storage
- A gray water wash pit
The Perch is a pack in, pack out facility, meaning everything guests bring with them must be carried out, including rubbish. We expect all guests to abide by Leave No Trace principles.
The three-sided shelter accommodates up to eight people. Tents are prohibited inside the shelter. This maximizes space for other guests.
Each tent platform accommodates at least one large tent. Two of the larger platforms can accommodate two smaller tents. As tent sizes and configurations vary, the caretaker will work with guests to arrange tents in a way that accommodates the maximum number of guests possible. All guests should be prepared to share a platform if necessary.
Water is available from Cascade Brook, which crosses Perch Path approximately 50 yards east of the shelter. This is a natural water source and is, therefore, untreated. Guests are responsible for their own water treatment. To keep this water source clean, washing dishes and bathing are prohibited in Cascade Brook.
Dishes can be washed in the designated gay water wash pit located between the shelter and the tent platforms. Guests are required to pack out all food scraps.
An outhouse with a composting toilet is available for all guests to use. To help the composting process, we ask that guests urinate in the woods. Guests must bring their own toilet paper.
The RMC does not provide mattresses or cooking supplies at The Perch.
Overnight Guests
All fees should be paid to the caretaker during one of their daily visits. If you miss the caretaker, cash fees can be deposited in a lock box affixed to the shelter. The overnight fee is $15 per person, per night for RMC members and $20 per person, per night for non-RMC members. Overnight guests must have a means of payment available. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
Day use of The Perch is free.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at The Perch and require no additional fees. Owners are responsible for keeping their dogs under control at all times and ensuring they do not disturb other guests or wildlife. Dogs are not permitted to roam freely at The Perch. Owners must also clean up after their pets. Caretakers reserve the right to require that a dog stays on leash, or even the removal of a dog and their owner if the dog is aggressive or poses a safety concern.
The Northern Presidentials can be a very harsh environment for dogs. Dog owners are solely responsible for evaluating whether their pet is capable of safely traveling in these conditions and for ensuring their dog’s safety and well-being throughout their trip. Please plan accordingly for your humans and your pets.
