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Thursday, May 8, 2008

Put Willard Pond on Your List


Peaceful and protected. Two words that come to mind when I think about Willard Pond in Antrim. The pond is protected as part of the NH Audubon Society's largest sanctuary.

The entire property, including Bald Mountain and Goodhue Hill, is well over 1,000 acres. If you paddle to unwind and get in a zone, you're going to love it here!

Willard is about 100 acres, so it's a couple of hours of paddling pleasure. The water is crystal clear and the shoreline is dotted by boulders. While there aren't many places to go ashore, there are hiking opportunities to be explored in the surrounding sanctuary.

As you paddle, you'll see rocks that look to be just below the surface, but then you'll glide right over them. It's all part of the optical illusion created by the clear water. Other highlights? We saw a pair of nesting loons and their baby chick when we were here last year.

Gas-powered motorboats are not allowed and fishing is restricted to fly fishing only. When I think of Willard, I'm reminded of a mantra one of my yoga instructors says at the end of class: " Peace Above...Peace Below...Peace All Around." That's Willard Pond.

Things to Know Before You Go: This pond is tucked into the southwestern part of New Hampshire, about a 30-minute drive from one of our other favorites, Gilmore Pond. You can drive right to the water to unload your boat, then drive back to park at the large lot.

Directions: In Hancock, at the junction of Routes 123 and 137, take Route 123 northwest for about 3 miles. Turn right, going nearly straight, on Davenport Road. At a little over .7 mile, take Willard Pond Road for one mile.


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