Autumn Color at Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge
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1Do I need to get out of the car to find good fall foliage?
I constantly tell you to get out of the car, well, to see this scenic location, you are going to stretch your legs. I have a theory and to test it, I joined the Audubon Society. (been a member ever since)
You see, I think birders know where all the really great spots are because they are constantly chasing things with wings into wild areas. Well, I heard from one of my bird connections that Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see birds, moose, and bears, but on the morning I went there, I heard birds, saw no moose (darn it), and damn glad I saw no bears!
It’s also got a great view of the Presidential Range, and autumn color, climbing high above Cherry Pond.
Best suggested dates
I got there at 9 AM on 2 Oct and I feel that up to a week earlier would have shown better color but I did see an impressive Autumn color palette. So I would say this might be nice from 27 Sept to 5 October (depending on the year we are having…)
If there are no storms, then the colors will be all on the trees by these dates. But as I always say… Every Year Is Different!
Links to their website
- https://www.nhaudubon.org/venue/pondicherry-wildlife-sanctuary/
- https://www.americantrails.org/resources/mud-pond-trail-pondicherry-national-wildlife-refuge-new-hampshire
Getting there
First, you head waaay north, up Route 93. (The earlier in the season the further north you have to travel). You get off in Littleton NH and head NE towards Whitefield.
When you get into Whitefield you will travel through the town and out the other side on Jefferson Road. Take this until you hit Hazen Road which should be a lat/long (44.37583, -71.5808). Now you head to the airport on Airport Road and be careful to NOT take Colby Road. (a nice road but not what you want.) You are going to be passing various outbuildings for the airport, but don’t worry, you are getting close.
You will start climbing up a hill, and you will see a gate on your left, Stop! You have arrived. I got there too early and parked outside the parking lot in the weeds but around 9ish they open the gate to allow you to park in the small parking lot. (pictured) Don’t go too fast up the hill or you could miss it, even though it’s right on the road. The entryway was missed, and I had to turn around.
The Walk Into the Ponds
This is a good walk for those who are not professional hikers. It’s flat and level terrain, and the gravel trail has been graded. It is around 1.4 miles in, so be ready for a 25+ minute walk in, and maybe longer if you are slow like me. (I thought it was hours) Check the rules, as I think you can bicycle in, but nothing motorized until winter. (last time in a few people had electric pedal bikes)
Arriving at Cherry Pond
Once you get to the lookout point (Raised Wooden Viewing Platform) you can sit down and catch your breath as you gaze out at the surrounding mountains. I hope you’ll take the time to walk in, as it’s a beautiful location.
Exploring around Cherry Pond
I fell in love with a set of train tracks that come in and out the other side of the refuge.
Plan on spending two and a half to three hours here with the 40-minute walk in and out and 1-2 hours exploring the ponds.
Jeff Foliage Folger
Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage
- Visit my Fine Art America Gallery
- Visit my Amazon store to pick up New England-related materials
- Visit my Pictorem Gallery (Free shipping in the US and Canada)
- My Facebook foliage page
- Threads.net/@Jeff_Foliage
- Follow our new Fall Foliage FB Group!
- You can visit Lisa’s Artist Facebook Page by clicking here
Jeff you are spot on about an easy, level walk to a beautiful pond. Discovered this trail years ago and actually saw a moose on the opposite side of the platform. drinking on the edge. We also saw a deer swim across.
The last time we were there we rode our bikes which was very enjoyable.