We made our pilgrimage out to Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge and Cherry Pond today. This is the start of hiking season for us and we like to begin with this one. A great warm up hike with amazing views of peaks we hope to summit this season, a great motivator for our summer hikes in the White Mountains.
The first 1/8 mile was ice-covered on the rail trail, the snowmobiles had really packed it down this year. After that the trail was damp, muddy in spots and some areas were dotted with mushy snow.
The best part of the trail it is so not technical you can actually stare up at the blue sky or notice the crazy ice formations on the side, without having to be focused on foot placement.
I always get excited when we come across this trail sign. I just adore the Cohos Trail, because it truly is the trail less traveled.
We hit the railbed, followed it for a bit and this time just sat down, admiring the view, the warmth of the sun and the rat a tat tat of the woodpeckers.
After admiring the view, we headed over the viewing platform. We took the shore trail over to the platform. I was excited to see the little bench had been put back. In October, when we last walked here the bench was gone and I was very sad to think someone might have taken it.
The walk through this section was spring muddy and I can see it getting muddier over the next few weeks. On the way over to the platform, I noticed dried mullins and decided to call them “New England Cacti”.
After a brief snack, we headed back to the car. Along the way we meet two birders and were “interviewed” for an upcoming birding radio show in New Hampshire. Sadly we didn’t have much to offer, as we didn’t see any birds that stood out to us. Oh well, adds to the adventure.
On the way back, Mike captured a few more photos of the stunning mountains.
We spent about 2 hours out in the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge area. The weather was perfect, little wind, no bugs and clear skies. I hope this is a great start to amazing hiking season.
I alway
CTHikergal Travels 
Thanks for the photos! Pondicherry is one of my favorite NH places, and I had to scrap a planned trip there a few weeks ago. The peace and quiet of a springtime trip there is magical. I never get tired of the view of the mountains nearby.
Ellen,
Thanks for your comments, glad you enjoyed the photos. My husband and I adore coming out and just looking at the mountains. It is fun to point out the places/peaks we’ve hiked from this magical spot. I hope you get out there soon!! My next goal is to go out there for sunset.