When I'm not hiking mountains, I can often be found visiting bodies of water like rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps, and bogs. Not quite sure what it is but I just love being near water! It's no wonder then that Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary is a favorite spot. It's got it all — beautiful views, watery scenery, and the chance to catch an abundance of wildlife. If you are looking for that special something to do that's not only a feast for the senses but will also provide calmness for your soul, look no further than this New Hampshire wildlife sanctuary for a fun day trip.
Pondicherry Wildlife Sanctuary, which lies in the towns of Jefferson, Whitefield, and Carroll, spans 166 acres and is one of the most spectacular destinations in northern New Hampshire.
The sanctuary is part of the larger Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge, established in 1997 to help protect the diverse plant, fish, and wildlife species that thrive in this ecosystem.
From a trailhead on Airport Rd. in Jefferson, an easy 1.5-mile walk along the Pondicherry Rail Trail leads into the sanctuary.
If you time your visit right, you'll find the sanctuary teeming with wildlife, which is supported by the ponds, wetlands, and forests here.
For birders, the sanctuary is a haven for bird watching. Pondicherry has the distinction of being the first Important Bird Area in all of New Hampshire.
At the end of the rail trail walk, you'll find an observation deck overlooking Cherry Pond, the centerpiece of the sanctuary. The Pliny Range rises in the distance beyond the pond.
Looking off to the east, the high peaks of the Presidential Range stand tall beyond the nearby Cherry Mountain, presumably named for the pond.
A visit to this New Hampshire wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful and relaxing way to spend the day. For more information and to download a trail map, visit New Hampshire Audubon.
Looking for even more road trip ideas? Get your road snacks packed up and head out on 11 of the best in the state, 10 quick weekend trips, or a 22-mile scenic drive along the seacoast.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/new-hampshire/waterfront-scenic-drive-nh/
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