Hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing. Great for kids, moderate to easy depending on your route. Roots and rocks on trail. Fantastic bird and wildlife watching. Great views.

Thank you to Meade Cadot for encouraging me to explore this magical place.

My fantastic children and I used to swim at Willard Pond over 25 years ago. Back then, the trails had not yet been totally developed and the only other people enjoying the area were locals and the artists in residence at the MacDowell Colony. https://www.macdowell.org/  These days the area is very popular so a weekday trip might be recommended. Please drive slowly, as you head in. 

Please consider donating to the Harris Center.
Alternatives when parking full.

Before you reach the parking lot, look to your left at the erratics. The acoustics are incredible and it is highly recommended that the best singer among you try them out.

We recommend going clockwise on the loop. While the ascent is rockier, part of the incredibleness of this hike is  the huge erratics. The approach from the parking lot is long, slow and literally breath taking. As in huffing and puffing. By going clockwise your walk along the shore of Willard is a great way to end your day.

Your backpack might not fit through here.

There is a trail up to Bald mtn. Which has some interesting rock formations and a windbreak, perfect for a rewarding picnic. It is a loop. You will see the sign for the summit prior to reaching the overlook of Walden Pond. A grand and heart pumping hike awaits you if you wish.

Bald loops back to Tamposi. This southern end up to Bald, going clockwise, is a climb.
Can’t miss me in my orange
A moment of respite for us all.
The view from the Bald Mtn. trail
The trails are well marked. We did not follow the blue trail today.
The blue trail peels off before you reach the Bald summit.
A Bald spot
Many caves.
Rusty hoping someone would bring him a picnic.

The summit of Bald is worth the climb, and a moment to enjoy the view is needed after the great cardio. The view is higher than the Willard Pond view and is a great venue to admire the Harris Center super sanctuary.

Should you choose not to haul yourself up to Bald, and, I do, however, recommend you do, your boots will take you along a ridge to the Willard Pond view.

One trek, we started in the pre-dawn darkness. This I highly recommend.

Sunrise is amazing as the summits face mainly East. Though the views are at least 180 degrees.

Worth it anytime. This day, I saw my first migrating Loon takeoff.

The trip down travels by a ledge that sometimes has ice flows.

The Tamposi was very icy on the North side. Dec, 2023.

And, in warmer weather…

Harmless garter. Do not disturb.

If time and energy allow, do take the spur trail to Pine Point. You can see it from the summit.

Recommend heading to Pine Point on your way back.

When you come down from the mountain bear left at the Tudor trail. You will see where the beavers have made highways and a rock outcrop to your left. Before you cross the bridge, do a bit of exploring and walk up to the little waterfall.

Take the Tudor.
A rainy December 2023 brought icycles to the bridge.

The trail to Pine Point can be wet, but easily navigated. Enjoy the seasonal loons and other waterfowl. Please do not let dogs disturb them.

In winter, look for a stash of nuts.

Wandering along the back side of Willard Pond will lead to a perfect picnic spot.

The deluges of 2023 have wreaked havoc on the shoreline pines. Some agility is required.

Scored for traction.
Limbo anyone?
Enjoy the view back up the peak.

After refreshing yourself, perhaps even taking a dip near the sandy shore, head back down the trail unless it is winter and below freezing. No polar bear I.

Backtracking from Pine Point, you will bear left and head along the shore of Willard Pond to enjoy amazing erratics.

Ruby off leash for perspective.
My friend Scott Hecker, an incredible naturalist.
Spring 2023
Winter 2023

Some very inspired beavers. Who, I believe, this December 2023 may have moved on. We did not see any sign of new activity.

Some incredible trees;

This is most definitely a mother tree.
My amazing artist and hiking buddy, Linda, communing with the Mother Tree.
I took the previous picture a couple of years ago. Amazingly, in 2023, still standing. though the branch to the left has fallen.

Along the shore, you will find some very interesting plants. This trail is not easy to navigate due to rocks and roots.

And, some interesting ice formations.

Relax and enjoy the sound of the lapping waves, watch a kayaker, or listen to the joy of the swimmers. If off-season, just enjoy.

Head back along the shore to the parking lot.

And here is a link to a great blog about the Flora of Willard Pond.

https://nhgardensolutions.wordpress.com/2022/05/28/willard-pond-in-spring/

Please Like, Comment, Subscribe. See you on the trails.

And, as always, my photo dump of interesting sightings.

Perimeter trail, while flat, can be quite treacherous with roots and rocks.

Dec. 2023, trail was quite wet.
Sideways cairn, right before the bridge going toward Pine Point. Look for it.
Against all odds.
Traction treads on downed pines on Pine Point.
Chipmunks and squirrels love metal blazes. Silly critters.
Piliated. The only birds seen Dec. 2023 were chickadees.
Got his face smushed up against that tree.
Hiking up Bald.
One heck of a pheasant track.

As always, please LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, see you on the trails.

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