The Small Town Pond In New Hampshire That’s An Idyllic Summer Day Trip

Everyone's idea of a day trip is different. Some prefer to see the historic sights, while others love to visit the seacoast, or perhaps go on a scenic drive. Hiking is kind of my thing, so a good day trip for me always involves some quality trail time. Water features are always interesting destinations. There's one picturesque pond in Antrim that I visit frequently, and it makes for an excellent New Hampshire day trip.

Willard Pond in Antrim is part of NH Audubon's 1,793-acre dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary. It is home to nesting loons among other wildlife.

The 100-acre pond is fully protected from development now and in the future, ensuring that its wild state endures forever.

Willard Pond is part of the Merrimack River watershed. While the pond is fully within Antrim, road access is through the neighboring town of Hancock.

In addition to views of the pond, Tudor Trail also passes large glacial erratics left behind from the last ice age.

Much of the land here was gifted to National Audubon in 1962 by Elsa Tudor dePierrefeu Leland and her successors.

From the end of Tudor Trail at a location known as Pine Point, there is a stunning view of Bald Mountain rising over Willard Pond.

Also within the dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is Bald Mountain, whose trails provide excellent views over Willard Pond.

For more information on this New Hampshire day trip destination and the rest of the dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, and to download a trail map, visit NH Audubon.

Do you love hiking to water features? I know I do and it's one of my favorite things to experience. Here's another beautiful backcountry pond to visit and ten easily-accessible waterfalls around the state.