Chesterfield, New Hampshire: Stairway to Nowhere
Now surrounded by forest, the rock staircase was once part of a castle built by an eccentric widow. The castle burned to the ground in 1962.
Madame Sherri Forest
- Address:
- Castle Rd, Chesterfield, NH
- Directions:
- Madame Sherri Forest. Just east of CT River on Hwy 9/Franklin Pierce Hwy turn south at post office onto Gulf Rd. Drive 2.3 miles, parking lot on right. Short walk to wooden bridge across an old artificial pond. A few yards up the path are ruins.
- Admission:
- Free
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Visitor Tips and News About Stairway to Nowhere
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The left arch (the largest) collapsed the week of July 5th due to age and neglect.
[Cole Mills, 07/18/2021]The top arch of it collapsed last week. The second one is well on its way to collapsing next.
[Carrie Ann Gray, 07/18/2021]It is easy to miss the first turn that is described as turning at the post office. Cross the bridge on #9 and take the first right turn. This is only about one block after crossing the river. Go about 100 yards and turn left at the first possible turn. Then travel on Gulf Road about two miles until the parking lot. The parking lot on the right is closest. There is a secondary lot to the left and up the hill about 50 yards. The stairway is a short walk across the wood bridge and to the right trail. Arrive early or late to avoid crowds.
[Bruce Johnson, 10/13/2020]
A little ways off the beaten path, but such a cool history and interesting story behind this spot. Other walking trails, too, for a longer nature experience.
[Christine, 07/26/2017]
The parking lot is located on Gulf Road -- just follow the road until you get to the cornerish part.
As we were driving down the road an officer pulled up beside us and asked what we were looking for. He was extremely helpful and nice. I guess they get quite a few people looking for it.
Great stop. There is more to the house left than I originally thought. The parking lot has an informative sign about Madame Sherri and the place itself.
[Jennifer Avery, 07/27/2015]Page of 2 [Next 2 items]
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