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.
Ken MacGray/Flickr
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.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
From a trailhead on Airport Rd. in Jefferson, an easy 1.5-mile walk along the Pondicherry Rail Trail leads into the sanctuary.
Ken MacGray/Flickr

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If you time your visit right, you'll find the sanctuary teeming with wildlife, which is supported by the ponds, wetlands, and forests here.
Ken MacGray/Flickr
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.
Ken MacGray/Google Photos
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.
harriett polymeros/All Trails
Looking off to the east, the high peaks of the Presidential Range stand tall beyond the nearby Cherry Mountain, presumably named for the pond.
David Blazejewski/All Trails

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.

Follow The Coast Along This Scenic Drive Through New Hampshire

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Featured Addresses
Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, 289 Airport Rd, Whitefield, NH 03598, USA