Bear canisters now required in parts of the White Mountains: What hikers should know

myEffective May 1, 2026, the U.S. Forest Service has implemented a strict bear container mandate in the Pemigewasset Wilderness within the White Mountain National Forest. The order will remain in effect for five years, until May 1, 2031. The new rules come after a sharp increase in human-bear conflicts in the wilderness and a history of ineffective alternative food storage methods in the area.

Bear Can Requirements in the White Mountains

The mandate specifically requires the use of IGBC-certified hard bear containers within the Pemigewasset Wilderness. Beginning May 1, 2026, all campers staying overnight in this designated area must store all food, trash, and scented items, including toiletries such as toothpaste and lip balm, inside an approved container. While the rest of the White Mountain National Forest also requires food to be stored properly, it allows a wider range of methods.

Because human-bear conflicts in the Pemigewasset Wilderness trended sharply upward between 2021 and 2025, these more flexible storage methods are now prohibited within the boundaries of the wilderness area to protect both visitors and the local bear population. The Forest Service notes that Alternative food storage techniques have proven to be ineffective. in the area, leading to bear habituation, degradation of wild conditions, and significant risks to public safety.

The Thirteen Falls tent site is the only geographic exception in the Pemigewasset Wilderness, already offering permanent bear-resistant food boxes for public use. Outside of that specific campground, failure to carry a personal boat could result in fines and permit revocation.

Pemigewasset Wilderness also includes the popular Bondcliff area. Photo courtesy of Kyle Debry

Do Appalachian Trail hikers and Pemi Loop Thru-Hikers need a bear can?

According to the Pemigewasset Ranger District, Appalachian Trail hikers who camp at designated sites along the trail will not need to carry a bear canister (as long as they store food properly) because the trail itself borders but does not enter the wilderness. However, any hiker leaving the trail for dispersed camping within the designated wilderness area will be required to wear a bear canister.

The AT hugs the wilderness frontier from where the trail joins the Franconia Ridge Trail (mile 1827.8 heading north of FarOut, as of this writing) to the junction with the Bondcliff Trail (mile 1840.4). For those heading north, the wilderness area would be on the right side of the trail.

Backpackers on the popular Pemi Loop and other trails that pass through the Pemigewasset Wilderness area should check to see if their planned campsites are within the wilderness area and plan accordingly.

Purchase an approved rigid IGBC canister before entering this segment of the White Mountains if you plan on dispersed camping or are concerned about arriving at a campsite with no clearance. The Forest Service has boats available to rent for free at the White Mountain National Forest Visitor Centers in Lincoln, Campton, Conway, and Gorham, NH. Find a complete list of approved containers here.

Ignoring this new regulation is not an option. The Forest Service is already designing enforcement strategies; Violating this food storage order is a Class B misdemeanor. This can cost you $5,000 and six months in jail.

The new order requires rigid bear containers, rendering bear hangings ineffective. Photo via katie jackson

Planning and Contact

To check if campsites are within the restricted boundaries, contact the Pemigewasset Ranger District at 603-536-6100.

Find the full text of the order here.

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