
Madame Sherri Forest Chesterfield New Hampshire
Explore the intriguing castle ruins and scenic trails of Madame Sherri Forest, a historic gem in Chesterfield, NH.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air

Madame Sherri Forest Chesterfield New Hampshire
Best Time
Vibrant foliage, crisp air

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the intriguing castle ruins and scenic trails of Madame Sherri Forest, a historic gem in Chesterfield, NH.
"A delightful place to visit and learn about the colorful history of Madame Sherri and her friends."

🐾 Leash Up Your Pups
This forest is dog-friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Use apps like AllTrails to navigate the trails easily.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 771 reviews
Type
National Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Madame Sherri's Castle Ruins
Near the main parking area
Explore the intriguing stone foundation and iconic staircase, remnants of a once-grand estate.

Scenic Hiking Trails
Throughout the forest
Wander through beautiful woods, past serene ponds, and enjoy the natural beauty of southern New Hampshire.

Informative Kiosk
Near the main parking area
Learn about the colorful history of Madame Sherri and her estate before you explore the grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ruins
Trail Etiquette & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Leash Up Your Pups
This forest is dog-friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Use apps like AllTrails to navigate the trails easily.
🎒 Pack Out What You Pack In
Trash cans are limited. Be prepared to carry out all your waste, including dog waste bags.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Some trails can be rocky and uneven, so comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Leash Up Your Pups
This forest is dog-friendly, but keep your furry friends on a leash for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Use apps like AllTrails to navigate the trails easily.
🎒 Pack Out What You Pack In
Trash cans are limited. Be prepared to carry out all your waste, including dog waste bags.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Some trails can be rocky and uneven, so comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.
📖 Read the Plaques
The historical markers provide fascinating insights into Madame Sherri's life and the estate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Madame Sherri Forest a delightful stop with its unique castle ruins and beautiful woodland trails, especially scenic in autumn. While some expect grander ruins, the historical context and natural beauty are widely appreciated. Dog-friendly trails and the peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit for a short exploration or a longer hike.
"We stopped here for a quick walk while driving through Vt. The ruins were really cool and the forest was beautiful. Some lady had three dogs off leash and all we could here were the dogs running around and this lady yelling at them. Otherwise this place would have been a peaceful walk.
Definitely worth a stop, and if I lived closer I would be going on hikes all the time."
Kit Johnson
"What a delightful place to visit and learn about the colorful history of Madame Sherri and her husband and many friends. The historical display successfully conjures up the ambience and atmosphere of those days! Easy to imagine the midnight swims!!
Also a nice short hike for young children!"
Kimberley Bouchard
"Beautiful location. The ruins were really cool. To be fair, I partially expected more than one small building, but this place still has some really nice hiking trails that go by several ponds."
Rusty Shackleford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Madame Sherri Forest is located in Chesterfield, New Hampshire. The most common access point is via the parking area off Route 63. Many visitors use GPS or navigation apps, but it's helpful to know it's situated in southern New Hampshire, making it a popular stop for those traveling through the region.
Yes, there is a parking area available at the forest entrance, which is convenient for accessing the main trails and the castle ruins.
Absolutely! Madame Sherri Forest is a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you're exploring southern Vermont or New Hampshire. It's often combined with visits to nearby towns like Brattleboro, VT.
While trails are generally well-maintained, cell service can be unreliable. Downloading an offline map on apps like AllTrails is highly recommended for a smooth hiking experience.
The main ruins are relatively close to the parking area and can be accessed with a short walk. However, some of the deeper trails can be rocky and uneven, so consider your mobility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Madame Sherri Forest is free. It's a public forest managed for recreational use, so no admission fees are required.
Madame Sherri Forest is generally open from dawn until dusk, as it is a public park. There are no specific closing times posted, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no entrance fee to visit Madame Sherri Forest. It's a free public space for hiking and exploring.
The castle ruins are accessible whenever the forest is open, typically from dawn to dusk. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
While there aren't typically scheduled guided tours, local historical societies or nature groups may occasionally host events. It's best to check local listings if you're interested.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attractions include the historic castle ruins, featuring a stone foundation and iconic staircase, as well as several ponds and well-maintained hiking trails that wind through the forest.
While often referred to as 'haunted' in local lore and social media, the ruins are primarily a historical site. The atmosphere can be intriguing, especially with the surrounding woods.
A quick visit to see the ruins and a short walk can take about 30-60 minutes. If you plan to hike longer trails, allow 1-3 hours depending on your pace and chosen route.
You might encounter common forest wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and potentially snakes. Remember to observe from a distance and respect their habitat.
The terrain varies. The path to the ruins is relatively easy, but some of the deeper trails can be rocky and uneven. It's generally considered a moderate hike.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
No, there are no food concessions or restaurants within Madame Sherri Forest itself. It's a natural area focused on hiking and exploration.
The closest dining options are typically found in nearby towns like Brattleboro, Vermont, or Keene, New Hampshire. Many visitors pack picnics to enjoy in the forest.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity. There are no designated picnic areas, but you can find scenic spots along the trails or near the ruins to enjoy your meal.
If you're coming from Vermont, the Vermont Country Deli in Brattleboro is a popular spot for sandwiches. Otherwise, explore local eateries in Chesterfield or Keene for diverse options.
While there are no strict restrictions, it's always best practice to consume food and drinks responsibly and avoid leaving any litter behind.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic castle ruins, especially the stone staircase, are a prime photo opportunity. The forest itself, particularly during autumn foliage, offers beautiful scenic shots.
Absolutely! Madame Sherri Forest is stunning in the fall. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves create a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management regarding any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset often provide the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the ruins offer shade.
Don't miss capturing the scale of the ruins against the natural forest backdrop, and look for unique angles of the staircase. The pond also offers reflective photo opportunities.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit