dePierrefeu-Willard Pond (Willard Pond)

At over 1,000 acres, the dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is the New Hampshire Audubon's largest property. Much of the land owned by NHA has come about through the foresight, generosity, and environmental concerns of Elsa dePierrefeu Leland and her family. Additional gifts, easements, and adjacent protected lands bring the entire protected area to well over 2,000 acres.

There are several outstanding features of this sanctuary which make it a particularly enjoyable visit. Willard Pond, a beautiful, essentially natural body of water, is about 100 acres in size. Surrounding the pond are large hills, including Bald Mountain and Goodhue Hill which have trails to their summits. Huge boulders deposited by receding glaciers, an unusual mixture of trees and plants, and an abundance of wildlife make this sanctuary a unique and attractive area.

The Mill Pond Trail (yellow blazes):
The Mill Pond Trail circles the Hatch Mill Pond, which was originally dammed to provide water power for the Hatch Sawmill. White Ash, Paper Birch, Red Maples and bog-loving shrubs can be found along this trail. Half-way around the mill pond is the start of the Goodhue Hill Trail (blazed in red).

Goodhue Hill Trail (red blazes):
This wooded trail crosses several stone walls, which once separated sheep pastures, before opening up atop Goodhue Hill. As you come back down, bear left when you meet up again with the Mill Pond Trail. Look for the remains of the Mill Pond dam, and the old stone sluice-way which runs parallel to the brook that flows out of the pond.

The Tudor Trail (yellow blazes):
The Tudor Trail affords several wonderful opportunities to observe the pond life. Look closely for Hooded Mergansers, Wood Ducks and Common Loons. At the second fork of the trail, bear left to continue on the Tudor Trail and continue around the pond shore. Bearing right starts the Bald Mountain Trail.

The Bald Mountain Trail (red blazes):
The Bald Mountain Trail will allow you to climb Bald Mountain. An impressive ledge of boulders deposited by receding glaciers can be seen to the left of the trail. After the boulders, the trail veers sharply to the left, away from the pond, to begin the steep climb to the summit. The hike up this trail is well worthwhile for its spectacular view of the Monadnock Region.

Visitor Guidelines

1. Please do not collect or in any way disturb plants or animals.
2. Please keep to marked trails.
3. Please respect private property.
4. Only foot travel is permitted
   (No horses, bicycles, or motor vehicles).
5. Motor boats are prohibited.
6. Pets must be on a short leash and controlled at all times.
7. Hunting, firearms, camping, fires, and swimming are prohibited.
8. Please carry out all trash and litter.
9. Be prepared for country walking.

Driving Directions to Sanctuary

1. From Hancock Village go west 3.7 miles on Route 123, and take dirt road on right.
2. Go 1.6 miles along dirt road, bearing left at fork, to parking lot.

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