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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.
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Visitor Tips and News About Stairway to Nowhere

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Stairway to Nowhere

A portion of the stairs recently collapsed, and people are no longer permitted to climb them.

[Jeff, 07/14/2022]
Staircase to Nowhere

The left arch (the largest) collapsed the week of July 5th due to age and neglect.

[Cole Mills, 07/18/2021]
Stairway to Nowhere

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]
Stairway to Nowhere

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]

Stairway.

Stairway to Nowhere

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]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Sea SerpentSea Serpent, Brattleboro, VT - 2 mi.
Oldest Continuously Operating U.S. Post Office BuildingOldest Continuously Operating U.S. Post Office Building, Hinsdale, NH - 6 mi.
Santa's Land USASanta's Land USA, Putney, VT - 10 mi.
In the region:
Huge Yellow Chair, Gardner, MA - 35 mi.

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