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.