Chesterfield

Photo Credit: Nicolas Raymond (Wikimedia Commons)

Outdoor Recreation and Natural Beauty

With thousands of acres of protected forests, pristine lakes, and scenic trails, Chesterfield, NH is one of southwestern New Hampshire’s premier outdoor destinations. Popular recreation areas include:

• Spofford Lake: Known for its exceptionally clear water, Spofford Lake is a favorite destination for swimming, boating, fishing, and relaxing at Wares Grove Beach or Pierce Island State Park.
• Madame Sherri Forest: Famous for the dramatic stone staircase that remains from the legendary “Madame Sherri’s Castle,” this beloved forest offers miles of hiking trails, beautiful woodland scenery, and a fascinating local story.
• Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area: A short, family-friendly trail follows Wilde Brook through a picturesque gorge featuring waterfalls, cascades, and impressive rock formations.
• Pisgah State Park: As the largest property in the New Hampshire State Park system, Pisgah offers year-round opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, fishing, wildlife watching, and backcountry exploration.
• Mount Wantastiquet: Hike to panoramic views overlooking Brattleboro, Vermont, the Connecticut River Valley, and the surrounding mountains from one of the region’s most recognizable summits.

Beyond these destinations, Chesterfield’s town forests, conservation lands, and extensive trail network provide endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty that defines the community.

Community Life

Chesterfield blends historic New England charm with an active, close-knit community. Throughout the year, residents and visitors enjoy seasonal events, farmers markets, community celebrations, and the long-running Chesterfield Fair, bringing neighbors together while celebrating the town’s agricultural roots.

The villages of Spofford and West Chesterfield each contribute to the town’s unique character. Summer days on Spofford Lake, performances at Actors Theatre Playhouse, and local landmarks like the Chesterfield Inn give residents and visitors plenty of reasons to slow down and enjoy the community.

Local businesses help define the character of Chesterfield and contribute to the town’s welcoming, close-knit community. Combined with its convenient location between Brattleboro and Keene, Chesterfield provides businesses with access to customers, talent, and regional opportunities while maintaining the quality of life that makes small-town New England so appealing.

A Brief History

Established in 1735, Chesterfield is one of New Hampshire’s oldest communities and was originally the site of Fort Number 1, the first in a series of protective trading forts along the Connecticut River. The town was incorporated in 1752 and named for Philip Stanhope, the Fourth Earl of Chesterfield.

Chesterfield has long played an important role in New Hampshire’s educational and religious history. The town was home to Chesterfield Academy, one of the state’s earliest and most respected schools, and hosted the first Methodist church service in New Hampshire in 1772. Today, the historic Asbury Church—recognized as the oldest Methodist church in the state—stands as an important landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors can also explore the Chesterfield Historical Society’s Stone House Tavern Museum and discover the hometown of Harlan Fiske Stone, who served as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1941 to 1946.

Photo Credit: John Phelan (Wikimedia Commons)

Experience Chesterfield

Whether you’re hiking through the Madame Sherri Forest, spending a summer day on Spofford Lake, exploring centuries of New England history, or growing a business in a welcoming community, Chesterfield, New Hampshire offers something for everyone. Discover why the Town of Chesterfield, NH remains one of the most scenic and vibrant communities in the Connecticut River Valley and an important part of the greater Brattleboro region.