Vershire’s mountain scenery draws mountain bikers and full-time residents
Vershire’s name tells its story. It was founded as a copper mining town named “Ely” for the Ely Mining Company. In 1882, the Vermont legislature changed the name to “Vershire,” combining the names of Vermont and New Hampshire, they say. So, whether it’s the metal-rich bedrock or the 15-mile distance from the state line, the town’s location has defined its identity. Vershire hasn’t changed much since those early days. The mining roads are now scenic hiking trails in the Green Mountains, and the woods are sparsely populated with farmhouses and local establishments like the Stagecoach Stop Hostel. “A lot of bikers and hikers stop here because there are some popular trails nearby,” says Shirley Collins, the manager of Stagecoach. Businesses like this bring a sense of community to the area. “We’re all volunteers,” Collins says. “We do farmers markets, kids camps, all kinds of stuff like that for the town.”
Hiking Copper Mine Falls and biking the VTXL
Mountain trails are the main source of activity in Vershire. The area’s state and town forests are full of hiking and biking routes. One of the most scenic treks, Copper Mine Falls, is also one of the easiest. Copper Mine Falls is tucked into the woods off South Vershire Road on the south end of town. Its flowing stream over the limestone shelf is a quintessential scene of the Vermont countryside. Across the road, hikers can walk up to the Green Mountain Copper Mine, the Ely Mining Company’s original site. In the mountain biking community, Vershire is known as a resting point on the VTXL, a dirt mountain-biking trail stretching from the Massachusetts to Canadian borders. “Professional bikers come through here all the time,” Collins says. “Some are alone, trying to break records, and some are in big groups. It’s a comfortable place to stay.”
Woodland cabins and mountain properties
Most homes are hidden among the trees and rolling hills. The median price is about $415,000, and properties are typically surrounded by acreage, no matter the price. Even small cottages starting at about $200,000 can come with over 5 acres of land. Midsize farmhouses and cabins with plenty of privacy often cost around the median price. Large mountain estates with clear views and 100-plus-acre properties may reach $800,000.
Produce at the Vershire Farmers Market and supermarkets in Bradford
Aside from a coffee shop at the Stagecoach Stop Hostel, there are no shops or restaurants in Vershire. It’s not uncommon for residents to grow and raise their own food, but they can also buy it at the Vershire Artisan & Farmers’ Market. It takes place every Sunday from June to September outside the Vershire Town Center Community Center, across from the hostel. The neighboring town of Chelsea, 6 miles west, has the closest restaurant, the Brick House, and some small shops. There are supermarkets in Bradford, just under 20 miles away. The nearest hospital is Gilford Medical Center, 25 miles west in Randolph.
Rivendell Interstate Schools District has schools in town and in New Hampshire
The area’s wooded rolling hills look like a Tolkien novel, but it’s just a coincidence that Vershire is served by the Rivendell Interstate School District, graded a C-minus by Niche. The district’s name includes “Interstate” because one of its three schools is in New Hampshire. Students begin school just south of town at Westshire Elementary, which earns a C-minus. They continue at C-rated Rivendell Academy for sixth through 12th grades. It’s located about 15 miles east in Orford, New Hampshire.
Interstate 91 provides convenient access to nearby communities
Vershire isn’t too far of a drive from Vermont’s larger cities. Montpelier, the state capital, is 30 miles away, and Burlington is 70 miles northwest. Burlington International Airport is typically where people go for flights. Interstate 91 is about 15 miles east of town, making it a 35-mile drive south to Lebanon, New Hampshire. Vershire is an especially convenient location for seasonal residents from Boston and Montreal because it’s equidistant between them. Boston is almost 160 miles southeast, and Montreal, Canada, is almost 160 miles northwest.
