Hike: Shelburne Moriah

SUMMARY

Shelburne Moriah, the sometimes overlooked sibling if 4000 footer Mount Moriah, is one of the taller 52 with a View mountains. In mid-November 2016 I tackled this summit not just for its status on the aforementioned list, but because it was supposed to be a beautiful summit to behold.

I parked at the Shelburne Trail head and hiked on the Shelburne Trail until it intersected with the Kenduskeag Trail. I followed the Kenduskeag trail to the summit of Shelburne Moriah and little beyond, and returned via the same route. The trip was 11 miles long, included 3600 feet of elevation and took just under 6 and a half hours to complete.

Map of hike

After a moment of confusion and consulting my maps, I found my way to the parking lot at the start of the Shelburne Trail off of Route 2 in Shelburne, New Hampshire. It was cool, windy and cloudy, but there was only one other car in the parking lot, so I knew the hike would be a solitary one.

The trail started out on two miles of logging roads before climbing singletrack to the Kenduskeg Trail. The trail got steeper as it climbed the Kenduskeg Trail and passed below some ledges. I decided to bushwhack up to one of them for better view and a bit of a climb.

After a few steep sections I started to hit some of the good views.

Vista while hiking up Shelburne Moriah

I made it to the Shelburne Moriah summit at 9:30 am. Although it was very cold and windy, it was also mostly clear and very beautiful.

Shelburne Moriah Mountain summit

Summit Selfie

Presidentials behind Carter-Moriah Range

I played with idea of hiking to Moriah or at least to Appalachian Trail junction, but turned back after hiking down to the col between Shelburne Moriah and Middle Moriah Mountain.

After returning to Shelburne Moriah, I explored the summit and its many views, ledges and boulders.

Lenticular clouds in the distance

Back at the forestry road I found a swimming hole and jumped it. Though it was mid-November and close to freezing out, I couldn’t resist going for a dip.

Man in swimming hole with cascades behind him

Found a swimming hole

When I got back to my car I had only seen one other person during the hike. Shelburne Moriah was an excellent day hike. With its moderate climb and spectacular views, I can’t wait to return to it for a trail run.