Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge, New Hampshire – Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974 by the National Park Service, Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is located in the towns of Jefferson and Whitefield, New Hampshire. The main attraction is Cherry Pond, which can be reached by hiking the Pondicherry Rail Trail for 1.5 miles from the designated parking lot on Airport Road (Hazen Road) in Whitefield.

Pondicherry has a little something for everyone to enjoy. You will find interesting forest scenes and wetlands that can be easily explored and photographed. And the area is a major hang out for bird watchers. As a photographer, I find something interesting to photograph every visit.

A handicap accessible boardwalk along Mud Pond Trail was completed in 2011. And it takes visitors through an interesting forest (above) and ends at a viewing platform on Mud Pond. I find the Mud Pond Trail excellent during the autumn season.

The viewing platform (above) at Mud Pond is great spot to take in nature. And if you are lucky you will see some wildlife at the pond. I usually see ducks and song birds early in the morning.

There are places in New England that leave me speechless, and Pondicherry is one of these places. No matter how hard I try I can not put into words how beautiful, and peaceful this refuge is. Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is one of New England’s hidden gems.

If you ever have wondered why conservationists are so vocal about protecting New Hampshire’s wild places, visit Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge. Spending a day a Pondicherry should help you realize and understand the importance of land conservation. Add it to your bucket list!

The ponds in the refuge are beautiful, but my favorite spot is along the Presidential Range Rail Trail (above). The view of the Presidential Range at sunrise and sunset is mesmerizing. And I find this spot in particular to be an interesting interaction between humans and nature. We have the old railroad bed at our feet, wetlands on both sides, an unforgettable view, and a bench to take it all in. Humans and nature can coexist.

All of the above images can be licensed for publications by clicking on the image you are interested in. And you can view more images of Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge here. 

Happy image making..

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Erin Paul Donovan

Owner at ScenicNH Photography LLC

Erin Paul is a professional photographer who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and credits include; Backpacker Magazine, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and The Wilderness Society.

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