Pemigewasset Wilderness Food Storage Requirement

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to use a bear-resistant food canister in the Pemigewasset Wilderness?

Effective May 1st, 2026, all overnight campers must store all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, toothpaste) and refuse in a cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified bear resistant canister. Alternative methods for storing food and bear attractants in the Pemigewasset Wilderness will no longer be permitted as they have proven to be less effective than canisters. The only exceptions are the bear resistant food boxes located at the Thirteen Falls Tent Site.  Failure to comply with the food storage requirement could result in fines and or permit revocation.

Am I required to use a bear-resistant food canister in other parts of the White Mountain National Forest?

Throughout the rest of the White Mountain National Forest, all food, food containers, scented items (such as soap, lip balm, toothpaste) and refuse must be stored properly, however there are additional storage options permitted. Stored properly means inside of a closed building, a closed trunk or closed passenger compartment of a hard sided motor vehicle with windows rolled up and doors locked, a hard sided camper, or in Forest Service provided food storage boxes and or containers, in cylindrical, hard-sided, non-pliable bear resistant canisters, or behind electrified fences designed specifically for bears. Alternatively, if the storage methods previously stated are impossible to comply with, food, food containers, and food trash may also be suspended at least twelve (12) feet above the surface of the ground and not less than six (6) feet horizontally from any object. This “bear-hang” method is difficult to do properly in the forest due to the terrain and is not as effective.

Why is this rule in place?

The Pemigewasset Wilderness has experienced increased human-bear conflicts over the past five years driven by a healthy bear population, a surge in visitor use, and ineffective food storage. These conflicts pose significant risks to public safety, lead to bear habituation, result in negative ecological effects for the black bear population and degrade Wilderness character. Alternative food storage techniques have proven to be ineffective in the Pemigewasset Wilderness Area as incidents show an increasing trend between 2021 and 2025. See the Safety and Outdoor Ethics page for more information https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/whitemountain/safety-ethics

Does this affect the Appalachian Trail (AT)?

The AT is on the border of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Therefore, if northbound hikers are dispersed camping, the area to the right (south or east) is within the wilderness, but the area to the left (north or west) is not within the wilderness.

Since bears do not recognize boundaries, overnight hikers are encouraged to use a canister on the non-wilderness side. The terrain and trees in this area are not conducive for bear hangs. It is likely you won't be able to set up a proper, legal bear hang (at least twelve (12) feet above the surface of the ground and not less than six (6) feet horizontally from any object).

Can I use the bear boxes at shelters and campsites instead of a bear canister?

For overnight stays at sites with bear boxes use the bear box.  As 13 falls is within the wilderness area, an exception was established in the forest order. As Liberty Springs Tentsite, Galehead Hut, Garfield Ridge Shelter, Guyot Shelter, Zealand Falls Hut and Ethan Pond Shelter are not technically in the wilderness which is why they were not referred to in the forest order. 

Why aren't Ursacks allowed?

Ursacks, while IGBC approved, do not provide the same level of protection as a bear canister. They are not scent proof and can still attract bears. In areas with large bear populations or with habituated bears (both true for the Pemigewasset Wilderness) the bear resistant Ursack material is not enough to deter bears. 

Bears can also carry off an Ursack if not secured properly and given enough time can get into it. Ursacks do not protect the food from being crushed which can lead to hikers discarding food attracting bears or protect the food from bear saliva.  

Where can I get an approved bear-resistant food canister?

Bear-resistant canisters are available for sale from most outdoor equipment stores. They are also available for rent free of charge at White Mountain National Forest Visitor Centers in Lincoln, Campton, Conway and Gorham. See website for locations and current hours of operation.  www.fs.usda.gov/r09/whitemountain/offices

Where can I get more information?

Further information may be obtained at the Pemigewasset Ranger District/Forest Supervisor’s Office located in Campton, NH, telephone number 603-536-6100 ext. 0.