Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site includes the home, gardens, and studios of one of America’s greatest sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848–1907). Located in Cornish, New Hampshire, the 190-acre unit of the National Park Service also features two hiking trails that explore the park’s natural areas, featuring a variety of wildlife habitats.
The Ravine Trail is 0.25 mile walk that follows an old cart path that was used by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Though the trail is short in length, it is steep at its beginning and end. Several species of ferns and wildflowers are found along the trail, which is well shaded by the eastern hemlocks growing along Blow-Me-Down Brook. Along the trail you will also find a historic swimming hole that was the built by the sculptor; the fieldstone dam forming the pool was recently restored by a New Hampshire Conservation Corps crew.
The 1.5 mile (round trip) Blow-Me-Down Trail, which includes the Sycamore and Return trails, explores a variety of habitat types including uplands comprised of mature, mixed forest and a pond and its surrounding wetlands. Diverse wildlife species are frequently observed from the trail and at the boardwalk overlooking Blow-Me-Down Pond. Birds are particularly plentiful, often providing hikers with good viewing opportunities. The trail leads to a wetland boardwalk and the historic Blow-Me-Down Mill.
Note: Due to the uneven and sometimes steep terrain on both trails, sturdy footwear is recommended.
Park Admission: The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from late May until the end of October. There is a fee for admission; children fifteen and younger are admitted free. As a National Fee area, Federal Golden Passports are honored. The trails and grounds are also available for visitors to enjoy in the off-season during daylight hours.
Visit Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site online for more information and a printable map or contact:
Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site is located off NH Route 12A just 1.5 miles north of the Cornish-Windsor covered bridge.
Alternatively, from I-89 Exit 20, head south on Route 12A for 11.4 miles to Saint-Gaudens Road. Turn left and proceed upslope for 0.3 miles to parking lot on right.
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