Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge

US National Park – NH’s Pondicherry – Hiking – Wildlife Viewing

Discover New Hampshire’s Pondicherry – a National Wildlife Refuge in the White Mountains. The sights, sounds and wildlife of this unique area attract visitors from across the globe. Hikers, naturalists, photographers and visitors will enjoy the groomed walking trails, boardwalks and free parking areas. There is a nice selection of nearby inns, hotels and restaurants. Ask us about Pondicherry or share your comments. To feature your business, contact us.

NH Hikes: Pondicherry US National Park

According to Wiki, Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India. Pondicherry ( or Ponducherry) was formed out of four enclaves of former French India and named for the largest, Pondicherry. The name means “New Town” in Tamil and Pondichéry in French.

In the New Hampshire White Mountain Region our “Pondicherry” is also a special place.

The NH area called Pondicherry is located at the base of the mountains north of the Presidential Range. Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge – the “crown jewel” of New Hampshire’s landscape is a region of ponds, wetlands, and forests.

Pondicherry offers wildlife viewing opportunities and sweeping views. The hiking trails are magnificent and the viewing platform provides a glimpse of the Presidential Range in the distance.

The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974 by the US National Park Service. The Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge is owned and managed by New Hampshire Audubon, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game.

The New Hampshire Bureau of Trails and a local Friends group also play a role in the management of the refuge.

Pondicherry Wildlife

Some of the recently spotted wildlife at Pondicherry include: White-winged scoters, black scoters, bufflehead, ring-necked ducks, greater yellowlegs, spruce grouse, and red squirrel.

Getting to Pondicherry

Directions: Access from Rte. 115 between the towns of Twin Mountain and Jefferson Highlands, the refuge is northwest of the road.

There is a parking area with a new kiosk along Airport Road. A wide dirt trail (a former rail grade, soon to be made universally accessible) leads from here north about a mile and a half to the new viewing platform at the edge of Cherry Pond.

The Little Cherry Pond hiking trail skirts the western edge of the pond and then leads west to a viewing platform at Little Cherry Pond.

Landowners: New Hampshire Audubon, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NH Department of Fish & Game. Pondicherry is located primarily in the New Hampshire town of Whitefield.

Inn at Ellis River House B&B Inn, 17 Harriman Road, Jackson, NH 03846 | 603-383-9339
Enchanting Country Inn offering "Romance & Rejuvenation" on the river in the heart of the White Mountains. 20 rooms and cottage are beautifully appointed with period and modern amenities. Many have Jacuzzis for two and/or balconies, most have fireplaces. Gourmet country breakfast and afternoon refreshments included. Enjoy the cozy game room/pub, hot tub, sauna, and outdoor heated pool. Relax, re-discover lifes simple pleasures, hike, fish, golf nearby, cross country or downhill ski, outlet shop and more. Let the Inn at Ellis River rejuvenate your spirits!
Visit Inn at Ellis River - Jackson. NH

Sugar Hill Inn, 116 Scenic Route 117, Sugar Hill Road, Sugar Hill, NH 03586 | 603-823-5621
Nestled into the hillside on 16 acres of woodlands, rolling lawns and well-tended gardens, you will find the beauty and tranquility of New Hampshire's White Mountains. The Sugar Hill Inn is a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and re-discover lifes simple pleasures. A place where romance is virtually guaranteed. 5- star dining.
Visit Sugar Hill Inn - Sugar Hill, NH

Franconia Inn, 1300 Easton Rd., Franconia, NH 03580 | 603-823-5542
"In the Land of Big Mountains and Small Villages." Nestled in the heart of the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, The Franconia Inn is a full service country inn, where casual elegance and exquisite cuisine are just waiting to welcome you. Please visit our website for more information.
Visit Franconia Inn - Franconia, NH

Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery, Rt. 3, No. Main, No. Woodstock, NH 03262 | 603-745-3951
Located in the quaint village of North Woodstock, the Inn's gracious and relaxed setting centers around 40 uniquely styled and cozy rooms and suites, located across 6 buildings on the property. All of our lodging options offer the comforts of home, including cable, free Wi-Fi access, air-conditioning and more. Many offer Whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces. Includes free use of off-property indoor pool and health club. Voted a White Mountains favorite by NH Magazine, Hidden Gem award and "Worth a Journey" says Phantom Gourmet. Our famous country breakfast is included with your stay.
Visit Woodstock Inn Station & Brewery - No. Woodstock, NH

Wildcat Inn & Tavern, Rte 16A, Jackson Village NH 03846 | 603-383-4245
Through the Jackson covered bridge is a place that just might be perfect... a place where candle light dances and the love and laughter of a hundred years of happy travelers is as rich as the wide pine floors. We invite you to take a step back in time. Come prepared to laugh, love, and smile so hard you might just cry. After all, as brilliant stars twinkle in the clear night sky... you just might find that the Wildcat is almost perfect. Lunch, Dinner, Entertainment in the Tavern.
Visit Wildcat Inn & Tavern - Jackson Village, NH

Four Seasons Motor Inn, Route 3, Twin Mountain, NH 03595 | 800-228-5708
New Hampshire White Mountains - we offer spotless, comfortable, relaxing non smoking rooms. We have a generous play area for kids, picnic area, AM coffee, Game Room, 5 golf courses and ski areas, and attractions surround us! Great views! You will be back! Visit our web site for information.
Visit Four Season Motor Inn Website

Best Western White Mountain Resort, 87 Wallace Hill Road, Franconia, NH 03580 | 603-823-7422
A distinct New Hampshire hotel where great accommodations and low discounted hotel rates are always found! Unique and charming, this White Mtn lodging facility is guest friendly, clean, comfortable and affordable. For Leisure, Holiday, Vacation, Business, Conference, or for Tour Bus operators this Franconia - Littleton New Hampshire hotel is the place for you and your family to stay for your White Mountain vacation.
Visit Best Western White Mountain Resort - Franconia, NH

Cabot Inn & Suites, 200 Main Street, Lancaster, NH 03584 | 603-788-3346
A four-season family resort located in the heart of the White Mountains, over-looking the Presidential Range. 60+ acres, breathtaking views of the mountains. Bretton Woods, Cannon, Wildcat, Attitash, Loon, Black Mountain, Cranmore ski areas nearby. Family restaurant and lounge. Indoor heated pool, game room, outdoor playground, video game hook-ups. Santa’s Village, Six Gun City, Story Land, Whale’s Tale Water park a short drive away.
Visit Cabot Inn & Suites Website

Eastern Inn & Suites, Rt 16, 2955 White Mountain Hwy, North Conway NH 03860 | 800-628-3750 or 603-356-5447
Located close to North Conway Village and all valley attractions, and resorts. Offering a variety of rooms and suites. Free Wi-Fi, Indoor Pool/Hot Tub, Game Rooms, and Free Cont. Breakfast. Special Storyland packages available. On site hiking and mountain biking trails. Affordable, Clean, Comfortable.
Visit Eastern Inn & Suites- North Conway, NH

Swiss Chalet Village Inn, 457 Intervale Resort Loop, Intervale, NH 03845 | 800-831-2727
The Swiss Chalet Village Inn offers comfortable lodging at an affordable price. Choose from a wide variety of rooms to meet your needs. Wheather you are here for a family outing, wedding, business or pleasure, you will find clean, comfortable White Mountain lodging. Pet Friendly Rooms available. Please inquire.
Visit Swiss Chalet Village Inn - Intervale, NH

The Mount Washington Hotel, 310 Mount Washington Hotel Road, Bretton Woods, NH 03575-3098
Located in Bretton Woods, 8.6 miles from Mount Washington, Omni Mount Washington Resort offers historic accommodations with a bar and private parking. Featuring a terrace, the 4-star resort has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property has a year-round indoor pool, an outdoor pool, fitness center and garden.
Visit Mt Washington Hotel - Bretton Woods, NH

New Hampshire Pondicherry national park whitefield nh

NH Lodging Guide | Weddings
Products | NH Town Guides

New England Living Magazine

Free World Mall

Country Weddings | New England Recipes
Paradise Coast Living | Boston Red Sox Gifts

Vermont Living | ME Living | MA Living