Pondicherry, NH

[vegematic]

I'm hoping to visit this Audubon refuge next week to do some paddling and walking. Would love to be there around sunrise. I can't find anything about access on their website, though. Does anyone know if it is 24-hour or if there are gates that are closed at certain times? Their site doesn't even say you *can* put a kayak in there but I'm pretty sure I've heard folks talk about it. Where is boat access to the ponds?
Thanks,
-veg

 

[MtnMagic]

I saw a canoe in Big Cherry Pond for the first time Saturday. There are two ponds, the other is Little Cherry. Pondicherry is the old name for Cherry Mtn (Mts Martha, Owl's Head, the Hump) and the two Ponds. The area is a Wildlife Refuge and has grown to more than 5,300 acres. Over 230 different species of birds have been documented there as well as all the wildlife found in the North Country. The Cohos Trail passes thru via Waumbek Junction (a railroad junction) as follows about a half mile of the big pond's shore before continuing in the wilderness. I'll post a few links in a minute.

 

[Puck]

From the trailhead to the pond is a long flat portage. ~1 mile. I do not know of a formal boat launch. A canoe or kayak can be launched very easily, however.

let us know how the loons are doing

 

[MtnMagic]

This link will give you some info on the refuge and a map.

This is from the Audubohn site.

Here's some more informationon birds viewed there.

The Big Cherry pond is about 2 miles from the parking area so 'wheels' would be most helpful if you wish to transport a 'yak or canoe. There are viewing platforms at each pond and Big Cherry is handicapped accessible with a ramp leading to it. This entire area was formally Lake Israel 1000's of years ago. There are also some wonderful botany finds in the wilderness. Access is courtesy of the rails-to-trails program. Big Cherry has spectacular views of the Northern Presis, Mts Randolph and Crescent, all of Cherry Mtn and some of the Pilot Range (Starr King et al).

An idea is to hike up Cherry Mtn in morning, catch the magnificent views of the entire Presis and visit Pondicherry in the afternoon. It makes a very rewarding and delightful day. If you wish some company I would be pleased to join you point out a few features.

 

[MtnMagic]

Pondicherry is one of the few cooperations from many agencies,the Audubon Society of New Hampshire, 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.

The public is invited to participate in a Pondicherry open house to be held at the conference room of Presby Environmenal, Inc on Airport Road off of Rte 115 in Whitefield from 7-9 pm on Wednesday August 23.The discussion will be about the acomplishments at the refuge, share plans for the future, and answer questions. Light refreshments will be served.

 

[Waumbek]

Does anyone know if it is 24-hour or if there are gates that are closed at certain times? Their site doesn't even say you *can* put a kayak in there but I'm pretty sure I've heard folks talk about it. Where is boat access to the ponds?
Thanks,
-veg

It's a wonderful place. I've never seen the gate closed. Follow the main trail
(an old rail bed) across the power line straight into Waumbek junction, train tracks with some old box cars stranded there. This used to be the stop for Jefferson and the Waumbek Hotel, a very posh lodge. Cross the tracks (no longer active) and you'll see Big Cherry pond on your right. There are some beaten paths down to Big Cherry where you can probably launch a kayak from. After you cross the tracks, another set of tracks continues north (I think it's north). If you follow these, you'll see a trail off to your left that leads to Little Cherry pond; that would be harder to take a kayak down.