Shelburne, New Hampshire
Coos County · White Mountains

Shelburne

Where Moses' Rock Rises 60 Feet Above the Androscoggin

Part of the Berlin area

Visit Berlin guide

About Shelburne

Shelburne is a quiet Androscoggin River town at the northern edge of the Mount Washington Valley, where the river carves through a dramatic glacial valley flanked by the Mahoosuc Range and the northern Presidentials. Founded in 1769, this community of about 350 residents retains a frontier feel, with historic farmhouses, birch-lined river banks, and outstanding trout fishing in the Androscoggin and Peabody rivers. The Shelburne Birches, a famous stand of white birches along Route 2, has been painted and photographed for generations. The Androscoggin River defines much of daily life here, offering excellent fishing spots and water access. Timberland Camping Area on Route 2 provides both RV sites with full hookups and tent camping, giving visitors direct access to the river for fishing and paddling. Hikers access the rugged Mahoosuc Trail and numerous Appalachian Trail connections from town, while the views of the northern Presidentials are among the most dramatic anywhere in the White Mountains. This working landscape maintains its rural character, where neighbors know each other and the pace follows the seasons rather than the clock. The combination of river access, mountain trails, and genuine small-town atmosphere makes Shelburne a place where outdoor recreation feels like a natural extension of everyday life rather than a weekend escape.

Why Shelburne?

  • World-class trout fishing in the Androscoggin and Peabody rivers
  • Mahoosuc Range trail access and Appalachian Trail connections
  • Famous Shelburne Birches and dramatic mountain views
  • Very affordable homes with mountain valley setting
  • Small, tight-knit community of outdoor enthusiasts

Quick Facts

Population
372
County
Coos
Region
White Mountains
School District
SAU 20

Weather in Shelburne

32°F

Partly Cloudy

Today

44 / 30

Thu

47 / 34

Fri

47 / 29

Map

Living in Shelburne

What you need to know about making Shelburne your home.

Major Employers

Town of ShelburneWhite Mountain National Forest

Schools & Education

Shelburne is part of the Gorham-Randolph-Shelburne Cooperative School District (SAU 20), with all students attending schools in nearby Gorham.

Cost of Living

Among the most affordable communities in the White Mountains with median home prices around $160,000, though the $18.95 tax rate is somewhat elevated for the region.

Real Estate

$160,000 median home price

$18.95 per $1,000 property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Shelburne

Commute Times

15 min
Berlin
5 min
Gorham
50 min
Littleton
45 min
North Conway

School District

Regional district

Gorham/Randolph/Shelburne School District(SAU 20)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Gorham.

Shelburne serves as a district hub for students from nearby towns in this district.

Edward Fenn Elementary School (Gorham)
K-5Elementary
Gorham Middle School
6-8Middle School
Gorham High School
9-12High School

Hidden Gems in Shelburne

Beyond the well-known attractions, Shelburne has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Shelburne Moriah Mountain

spring

A challenging but rewarding hike that locals prefer over the crowded Presidential range. The expansive alpine summit offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Wild River Wilderness, the Mahoosuc Range, and distant presidential peaks. The trail winds through quiet forests with soft moss underfoot before opening onto rocky ridgelines. Those who make the effort are rewarded with acres of bare rock and pockets of low-growing vegetation to explore.

Shelburne Basins

summer

A remarkable series of water-sculpted granite ledges and cascades on Pea Brook that locals have cherished since the 1890s. The brook zigzags through circular bowls and deep parabola-shaped carve-outs in the ledge, creating powerful swirling pools perfect for contemplation. The uppermost waterfall features two separate chutes pouring into an extraordinarily deep basin surrounded by high rock walls.

Rattle River Swimming Holes

summer

Multiple secluded swimming spots scattered along the Appalachian Trail route where you can claim your own private pool for an afternoon. The river offers refreshing pools and ledges alongside the hiking trail, with the sound of rushing water and the forest canopy providing natural privacy. Each spot has its own character - some with smooth granite slabs for sunbathing, others with deeper pools perfect for a cool dip.

Old Shelburne Lead Mine

year-round

Hidden remnants of a fascinating 19th-century mining operation tucked away in the forest along Lead Mine Brook. Two water-filled mine entrances remain - one near a small cascade that could easily be mistaken for a cave, and another partially enclosed by crumbling brick structures with chains still attached to submerged crossbeams. The site operated sporadically from the 1840s to 1880s before being reclaimed by the wilderness.

Wild River Campground Swimming Access

summer

A genuine wilderness experience at the end of a 5.5-mile gravel road, this remote campground provides access to pristine swimming holes along the Wild River. The crystal-clear mountain water flows through the Wild River Wilderness, creating deep pools perfect for a refreshing dip after hiking. You can hear the river from every campsite, and on clear nights the lack of light pollution reveals the Milky Way in stunning detail.

Events near Shelburne

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