Shelburne Moriah Mountain sits at the northern end of the Carter-Moriah Range near Gorham, New Hampshire. At 3,743 feet, it is the highest peak on the NH 52 With a View list, though one of the least traveled on that list. The open, ledgy summit delivers expansive views west across the Presidential Range and south over the Wild River Wilderness.
The main approach follows the Rattle River Trail to the Kenduskeag Trail, covering roughly 11 miles and 3,100 feet of gain. The trailhead on US Route 2 east of Gorham has a small parking area that fills quickly, partly because the trail shares its first miles with AT thru-hikers. The opening three miles run along the river on gentle grades, with several crossings that can be difficult in spring or after heavy rain. Above the river valley the trail steepens considerably, climbing sustained rock steps to the Kenduskeag Trail junction. The Kenduskeag section, whose name comes from an Abenaki word meaning "a pleasant walk," travels through spruce-edged bog gardens on wooden bog bridges before breaking above treeline onto open ledges leading to the summit. Some stretches can be overgrown with encroaching spruce. A longer traverse starting from Gorham over Mount Moriah is another option. Weather on these northern ridges changes quickly, so go prepared.
