The dePierrefeu-Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary is often overlooked for the more popular hiking spots in the Monadnock Region, but it provides a peaceful place to hike with beautiful views and an abundance of wildlife.  This is the largest Audubon property in NH and offers a remarkable diversity of features, including Hatch Mill Pond, the 100-acre Willard Pond, Bald Mountain and Goodhue Hill, both summits offering views into the surrounding Monadnock area.  This hike will encircle the Hatch Mill Pond with a side trip up to Goodhue Hill and then continue along the western shore of Willard Pond out to Pine Point before finishing up by ascending Bald Mountain (and its sister peaks). 

NOTE:  Dogs are NOT permitted on this hike as it is a restricted wildlife sanctuary. 

Total Distance and Elevation Gain:  6.5-7.0 miles with approximately 1450 feet in accumulative elevation gain. 

Total Time:  6 hours depending on breaks and group's speed. 

Rain or harsh weather may postpone to another date or cancel, as appropriate. 

What to Bring:  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks, a windbreaker/raingear and extra layers (e.g. fleece)...or winter jacket/parka depending on forecasted conditions.  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water (at least 2-L).  Optionally, pack sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Afterwards:  If there is sufficient interest, we will have drinks and/or dinner in the area...there is a pizza place in Antrim.

From Rte 202 in Bennington, go west on Rte 137, take a right on Route 123 at Hancock Center and go about three miles where you will turn right on Willard Pond Rd. Then go 0.7 miles to grouping of mailboxes under a roof, bear left and continue for 0.9 miles to the end.  There is a parking area on the left towards the end of the road.  Look for a gray Toyota Corolla. 

For GPS Users:  Willard Pond Road, Antrim, NH (43.018451,-72.020596).