Madame Sherri's Forest

If you’re into hiking and all things old, Madame Sherri’s Forest is a beautiful site to visit and hike, especially in the middle of leaf peeping season. Located on Gulf Road, off Route 9 in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, is the wonderful and breathtaking sights of Madame Sherri’s castle, along with hiking trails that surround the grounds. Even the turning of the leaves cannot take away the beauty and mystery of what remains of the Madame’s castle.

The Parties

Madame Sherri soon became (in)famously known for the parties that she held for her theater friends and clothing models in her beautiful castle.

The Remains

Unfortunately, in 1962 poverty struck, the generosity she gave vanished, the parties came to an end, and the castle was no longer of any use. However that bad string of luck didn’t end there; in 1959 her beautiful castle was vandalized, broken into, and defaced. On October 18, 1962, her beloved castle was destroyed in a fire; reducing it to nothing but ashes —leaving behind only the incredible stone work and her swimming pond.

R.I.P.

October 21, 1965, Madame Sherri had passed on, leaving only remains of a once glorious life.

The Land

Today the land belongs to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forest, donated by Ann Stokes. If you were to take some time to visit this once beautiful place full of life and parties, you can still see what remains of the magnificent castle that once was. The beautiful constructed arch stone staircase is one of the most iconic pieces left of this amazing structure. Most people come to see the staircase, but if you continue to wander around the grounds, you will come across remains of fireplaces and chimneys, along with parts of the foundation that once belonged in the most extravagant summer home one could ever imagine. Some hikers have even reported sensing, seeing, and hearing strange figures and even being able to hear music among the ruins of the castle. Almost like Madame Sherri is still there, inviting us all to have a dance with her.

The castle is definitely worth a trip, between the magnificent forest trails and being able to roam where a once amazing woman once lived.

Surrounding Trails

Other beautiful hiking trails to check out on the surrounding property include:

The Indian Pond Trail, The Ann Stokes Loop, The Daniels Mountain Loop, and The Daniels Mt. Trail.