New Hampshire is home to some breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries, each offering a unique natural experience. Whether you love winter hikes, birdwatching, or springtime blooms, these three sanctuaries provide an excellent escape into nature. Bundle up this winter or dust off your hiking boots for spring and explore what these incredible places have to offer!
1. Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary – Concord, NH
Once the site of a silk farm in the 1800s, this sanctuary is now a thriving habitat managed by NH Audubon. With an extensive trail system winding through forests, fields, and along the shoreline of Great Turkey Pond, it offers great opportunities for wildlife observation year-round.
Things to Do
- Winter: Snowshoeing along well-maintained trails, tracking foxes and deer in fresh snowfall, and spotting Barred Owls perched near feeders or along field edges.
- Spring: Witness the return of phoebes as they nest in old barns and sheds, hear peepers and wood frogs in the vernal pools, watch American Woodcocks perform their dramatic “sky dance,” and enjoy early blooming wildflowers like trillium and bloodroot.
Trail Highlights
- Wendy’s Loop (0.5 mi, easy)
A relaxing stroll through pine and hardwood forests, perfect for wildflower enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
- Great Turkey Pond Loop (1.2 mi, moderate)
A scenic walk leading to the pond, which is a prime spot for spotting waterfowl, including ducks and herons.
- Old Orchard Trail (1 mi, easy)
A lovely loop through an old apple orchard, where bluebirds and butterflies can often be seen fluttering among the trees.
- Field Loop (short, easy)
This mowed path is ideal for observing nesting bluebirds and tree swallows while taking in the peaceful open meadows.
Visitor Info
Foot traffic only, no smoking or pets (except on the bike path). Open for day use only. No collection of plants, rocks, or wildlife.
2. Samuel Myron Chase Wildlife Sanctuary – Hopkinton, NH
Originally a 63-acre donation in 1931, this sanctuary has grown to 550 acres of lush woodlands, wetlands, and protected habitats for New Hampshire’s diverse wildlife. The land was set aside with the intent of preserving the natural ecosystem, making it a haven for both wildlife and those seeking a quiet retreat into nature.
Things to Do
- Winter: Spot fresh animal tracks in the snow from white-tailed deer, moose, and otters. Enjoy quiet hikes through the snow-covered forest.
- Spring: Discover vibrant wildflowers such as Canada mayflower and starflowers, listen to the songs of warblers and thrushes, and visit the marsh to watch waterfowl like ducks and geese returning to their nesting grounds.
Trail Highlights
- Chase Trail (long, moderate)
This is the longest trail in the sanctuary. It takes you through a diverse forest of pine, hemlock, and maple, ending at a scenic marsh where beavers and great blue herons can often be spotted.
- Stack Brook Trail (long, strenuous)
This trail is rocky and has wet terrain. It is perfect for spotting frogs, fungi, and unique plant life thriving in the damp woodland environment.
- Brown Robinson Trail (short, easy)
A short trail that leads to a beaver dam. It is a must-see for those interested in observing beaver activity and the impressive engineering of these industrious animals.
Visitor Info
Foot travel only, no camping, hunting, or fires. Dogs must be leashed. Please respect private property boundaries within the sanctuary.
3. Willard Pond Wildlife Sanctuary – Antrim, NH
At 1,793 acres, this is NH Audubon’s largest sanctuary. Willard Pond itself is a pristine waterbody, home to nesting loons, while the surrounding trails offer dramatic granite outcroppings, diverse habitats, and panoramic views of the Monadnock Region.
Things to Do
- Winter: Snowshoe to the summits of Bald Mountain or Goodhue Hill, look for winter finches feeding on cone-bearing trees, and track bobcat, moose, and snowshoe hares in the fresh snow.
- Spring: Listen to the beautiful melodies of hermit thrushes and winter wrens, witness trilliums bloom in the understory, and participate in the annual trout fishing extravaganza at Willard Pond.
Trail Highlights
- Mill Pond Trail (0.5 mi, easy)
A peaceful loop around Hatch Mill Pond, offering excellent opportunities to spot ducks, geese, and beavers in their natural habitat.
- Goodhue Hill Trail (1 mi, moderate)
A steady climb to a hilltop that provides breathtaking views of the sanctuary’s vast landscape.
- Bald Mountain Trail (0.75 mi, strenuous)
A steep but rewarding ascent leading to a spectacular overlook of Willard Pond and beyond, a perfect spot for hawk watching during migration season.
- Tamposi Trail (1.75 mi, strenuous)
The most popular and scenic hike in the sanctuary, passing through diverse forested areas, boulder formations, and ending at a stunning summit view.
Visitor Info
Open during daylight hours only, foot travel only, and no camping or fires. Dogs must be leashed in designated areas. Fishing and hunting are allowed only in specific zones. Carry out all waste, including pet waste.
Explore All NH Has To Offer
These three sanctuaries offer year-round beauty, from snowy trails to vibrant springtime blooms. Make the most of your time in nature and help support conservation efforts by respecting sanctuary guidelines and considering a donation to NH Audubon. Get outside and explore the wonders of New Hampshire’s natural landscapes! For more details and for an extensive list of additional sanctuaries, please visit NH Audubon’s website.
