Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary Hike

After postponing the hike by a day due to the weather, 6 of us met up on Sunday.  The group included Paul, Rick, Woody, Johnny, Eric and myself.  The day started out foggy and overcast when we arrived at the parking area, but luckily it improved splendidly throughout the day.  We got ourselves ready and started out just before 10AM.  The first part of the hike encircled Hatch Mill Pond with a side trip up to the summit of Goodhue Hill.  At the top there is a nice vantage point for a view, but unfortunately it was still foggy and we really couldn't make anything out to the south.  We hung out here for a bit before descending back to the pond.  By the time we got back to Hatch Mill Pond, the skies had cleared and we got a clear view of Bald Mountain, which was just above the opposite shore.  We then continued around the other side, back to the road and proceeded to the boat launch at Willard Pond for a wide open view of the water.  In the water we observed quite a few salamanders swimming around.  We backtracked to the Tudor Trail and took this.  The Tudor Trail follows the western shore of Willard Pond.  At the junction with the Bald Mountain Trail it continues as a spur trail out to Pine Point.  We took the spur to the end and enjoyed our lunches out at the point.  This offered views out on the pond, to Mt. Skatutakee and to Bald Mtn.  After lunch we headed back to the Bald Mtn. Trail and started climbing.  This trail has some moderate steepness to it, but we took our time with several breaks along the way.  At about two-thirds of the way up to the summit, there are a few ledges with wonderful views out across the pond and to the surrounding peaks including Mt. Monadnock to the south.  At the first of these open ledges we enjoyed an extended break.  Afterwards we continued making our way to the summit, which is an open granite area totally enclosed by trees.  From here we finally started heading back to the parking lot along the Tamposi Trail.  Along the way we passed the junction with a spur trail which goes out to a sister peak...it was my original intention to do this as well; however, the sun was starting to go down so we just headed down.  We reached our cars at about 3:45PM.  From here we headed to downtown Antrim to cap the day off at Rick & Diane's Restaurant.

It was a beautiful day to be outside.  Thanks to Paul, Rick, Woody, Johnny and Eric for joining me on this hike.  You all made it a very enjoyable Sunday!

IMPORTANT:  Due to the Weather Forecast for Saturday, this hike is now on SUNDAY.

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 be approximately 6.5-7 miles.  It will encircle the Hatch Mill Pond with a side trip up to Goodhue Hill and will continue along the western shore of Willard Pond before finishing up by ascending Bald Mountain (and its sister peaks).  The ascent up to Bald Mountain is an elevation gain of 850 feet (cumulative gain for the day is about double that).

Trailhead:  From Rte 202, go west on Rte 137, take a right on 123 at Hancock Center and go about three miles where you will turn right on Willard Pond Rd. Then go .7 miles to grouping of mailboxes under a roof, bear left and continue for .9 miles to the end.  There is a parking area on the left towards the end of the road.  Look for a grey Toyota Corolla.

What to Bring:  Typical fall hiking gear should be appropriate:  shorts or convertible hiking pants, good sturdy hiking boots with thick socks and a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  Optionally, sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day hike. 

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 4-5 PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with dinner/drinks in the area afterwards.

NOTE:  No dogs will be permitted on this hike as it is a wildlife sanctuary.  (Sources of information are split on whether or not dogs are actually allowed, but to be on the safe side, I'm not allowing dogs on this trip.)