Southern Vermont is gorgeous in the summer and filled with excellent opportunities to get outside and explore. There are plenty of fantastic hiking trails near Brattleboro, including the Retreat Trails, which you can access from our back yard. There are also some unique hiking opportunities nearby, including the popular Madame Sherri Forest just across the river in New Hampshire.
The Madame Sherri Forest is approximately 10 minutes from our Brattleboro Bed and Breakfast in Vermont, on one side of the popular Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area. The summit trail to the top of Wantastiquet Mountain is another popular trail, and it starts just across the river from downtown Brattleboro and offers commanding views of the stunning river valley. For even more hiking, head to the popular Mount Snow area!
As you can see, there are plenty of fantastic hiking opportunities in this part of southern Vermont, and it’s all easily accessible from our Brattleboro Bed and Breakfast in Vermont. When you’re done exploring the trails, whether at Madame Sherri Forest or beyond, return to our luxurious Inn and relax in the tranquil garden setting of our back yard. Our Bed and Breakfast in Vermont is the top-rated place to stay in Brattleboro. Book your room with us today for an unforgettable summer adventure!
Who Was Madame Sherri?
The Madame Sherri Forest is an interesting bit of history in the Brattleboro area. It’s named after Madame Antionette Sherri, who was born in France in the late 1800s. She later married and moved to New York City, working as a costume designer. In 1924, after the death of her husband, Madame Sherri moved to the West Chesterfield area of New Hampshire, just across the river from Brattleboro, Vermont.
In 1929, Madame Sherri purchased 600 acres of land and built her dream home, a castle that was eccentric as she was. The Castle, the ruins of which you can now find in the Madame Sherri Forest, was built with a mix of Roman and French Chalet styles. Madame Sherri was notorious for hosting boisterous parties and gatherings.
Eventually, though, the parties came to an end, and Madame Sherry abandoned her dream home, which later burned down in 1962. The property was purchased and is now maintained by the New Hampshire Society for the Preservation of Forests. Today, the Madame Sherri Forest provides an unusual and interesting place to explore, filled with remnants of this interesting life.
Hiking Through the Madame Sherri Forest
Hiking through the Madame Sherri Forest, part of the Wantastiquet Mountain Natural Area, is a lovely way to spend an afternoon in Brattleboro. The Ann Stoke Loop Trail is a great 2-mile loop trail that takes you through the best of the Madame Sherri Forest. It’s rated as easy and takes hikers through a beautiful hemlock forest as you make your way to the ruins of Madame Sherri’s famed Castle. There’s not much left of the Castle, but a highlight in the area is a massive stone staircase that seemingly climbs into the sky.
Once you’ve explored Madame Sherri’s Castle and taken photos of the staircase, there are other trails throughout the Madame Sherri Forest worth exploring, including those to Indian Pond and Wantastiquet Peak.
More Great Hiking at Mount Snow, Vermont
The Madame Sherri Forest is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon and take a casual stroll, but if you’re looking for more hiking and big mountain views, head to Mount Snow, Vermont. Though popular in the winter with skiers, Mount Snow, Vermont, is also a fantastic place to enjoy hiking during summer.
Mount Snow is the biggest mountain in southern Vermont and is a big draw to the area for all varieties of outdoor enthusiasts. There are seven different hiking trails on Mount Snow, Vermont, ranging in difficulty and length. From many of them, though, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Vermont area.
In addition to great hiking at Mount Snow, Vermont, there’s also lift-served mountain biking here and scenic chairlift rides for those who want the views without all the sweaty exertion. There’s also golf at Mount Snow, Vermont, one of southern Vermont’s best 18-hole courses.
Whether taking a casual stroll through the Madame Sherri Forest or hiking to the peaks of Mount Snow, Vermont, there are plenty of things to do in southern Vermont this summer, and we’d love to be your home base for all of it. Book your room at our Brattleboro Bed and Breakfast in Vermont today!
