New Hampshire is full of glorious natural places – sometimes it seems every way you turn you stumble into a beautiful forest or upon a lovely lake. Even so, there are some incredibly gorgeous places that are often overlooked in favor of the more famous spots. We have one particular favorite – this wildlife refuge in Jefferson has some of the best views in the state, and it’s the perfect place to go for a refreshing dose of nature.

Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is a Coos County gem, a remote escape tucked into the surrounding mountains.

Flickr/Mark Nenadov

Comprised of ponds, wetlands, and forests, this refuge has magnificent views of the Presidential Range.

whitemountains_12

An old train track is now a perfect rail through the refuge, from which you can stroll among the firs and gaze across the wetlands.

Flickr/Mark Nenadov

Cherry Pond is the focal point of the refuge, and it’s easy to see why. From a viewing platform overlooking the pond you have an amazing vantage point on the whole area – and it’s especially amazing at sunset.

Flickr/Mark Nenadov

Remember, this is a wildlife refuge – so there’s no telling what kind of animals you might come across!

Flickr/Brian Henderson

Don’t let the changing seasons deter you from visiting – this place is especially beautiful when snow caps the mountains in the distance and frosts the wetlands.

TripAdvisor/12diana2016

Love New Hampshire nature? Check out this list of New Hampshire’s most incredible hiking trails.

Flickr/Mark Nenadov

whitemountains_12

Flickr/Brian Henderson

TripAdvisor/12diana2016

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.