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Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 351 Google reviews · Running trail in Chesterfield, New Hampshire · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
State park featuring a kid-friendly, 0.7-mi. hiking trail along a gorge with waterfalls.
What runners say about Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
“The loop trail is well kept and gentle, ideal for Padawans or masters seeking calm rather than challenge.”
“It’s a beautiful gorge but don’t expect much good info from the grumpy Gus at the visitor center.”
“Very peaceful and picturesque.”
A hidden sanctuary strong with the Force of nature! The Chesterfield Gorge of New Hampshire is a breathtaking rift carved by time itself — towering rock walls, whispering waterfalls, and the steady song of the Wilde River guiding travelers along its peaceful path.
The trail loops around but going back up is a little steep. The gorge flows for a mile or two and has plenty the running spots so the water is very clean. This spot has beautiful vegetation and is very well kept.
Had a lot of fun walking the trail. The actual trail isn't very long but offers plenty of excitement and variability. Often, I found myself straying from the path and enjoying the quiet serenity nature offers, as well as diving deep into the gorge to sit by the water and listen to it trickle down in placid tranquility.
The hiking trail around the gorge and the surrounding woods are super nice. The trail is very short and covers a decent elevation decent and accent. There are fences to stop you from falling. There are bridges over the course of the trail.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a beautiful gorge but don’t expect much good info from the grumpy Gus at the visitor center.”
“If you wanna see both ends of the waterfall, you have to do some elevation, a really pleasant way to spend an afternoon”
“The loop trail is well kept and gentle, ideal for Padawans or masters seeking calm rather than challenge.”
“Very accessible trail, but be careful for those who have severe difficulty locomotion.”
“Happened to stop driving home after a week at OOB to use the restroom actually.”
Plan your run at Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenhstateparks.org
- Phone(603) 363-8373
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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