There’s A Hike In New Hampshire That Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Castle
New Hampshire may be small, but it’s full of surprises. Few people would guess, for instance, that an easy hike in West Chesterfield would lead you to the ruins of an abandoned castle, but take this walk and that’s exactly what you’ll find! Take the time to explore this mysterious spot – we promise, it’s more than worth the effort.
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The Ann Stokes Loop Trail in West Chesterfield is about 2.3 miles altogether, and it takes you right into the Madame Sherri Forest, home to the castle that's our destination.
When the path splits, take a right, and you'll arrive at the castle ruins. Rumors abound about the origins of the castle, but as far as we know the castle dates back to the 1920s, when it was built for an eccentric costume designer named Antoinette Sherri.
The ostentatious property soon became a gathering place for the New York City theater elite, who escaped to the Granite State forest in the summers for the wild parties Madame Sherri threw (think "The Great Gatsby," but in a castle in the woods).
All things come to an end, though, and for Madame Sherri that end came when her money ran out. She was forced to abandon her lavish summer home, and it burned to the ground in 1962, leaving only pieces of stonework behind. The most famous, and most notable, is the staircase to nowhere that still rises out of the woods. It's a great spot for photos!
When you've had your fill of the castle ruins, head back to your car with a camera roll full of photos and a mind full of wild imagined parties. Don't forget to stop along the way and admire the lovely pond on the trail, too!
