The Pondicherry Division, at 6,405 acres, is located in Jefferson, Whitefield, and Carroll, New Hampshire, 5 miles south of Lancaster, New Hampshire, and twelve miles northwest of Mount Washington.

This area, including Cherry and Little Cherry Ponds and the surrounding complex of wetlands and swamps, has long been known for its high quality habitat and rich, diverse assemblage of wildlife species, particularly birds. In 2004, the Pondicherry area was designated the first Important Bird Area in New Hampshire for its rich variety of breeding and migrating birds.

Within the bounds of the division are three ponds (Cherry Pond, Little Cherry Pond, and Mud Pond), and a complex mix of habitats including boreal forests, forested bogs, northern hardwoods/conifers, riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian communities, an abundance of early successional vegetation, and open water. This concentration of diverse, high quality habitats acts as a magnet to wildlife.

There are five trails located within the Pondicherry Division. The Mud Pond Trail is a 0.6 mile wheelchair accessible trail. The Little Cherry Pond Trail, the Shore Path Trail, and the Rampart Path are located in the center of the division and are accessible from the Presidential Recreational Trail managed by the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails. This rail-trail can be accessed from trail heads on Airport Road and Route 115A in Jefferson.

Pondicherry has been recognized for its ecological importance through its designation as National Natural Landmark National Natural Landmark
The National Natural Landmarks Program preserves sites illustrating the geological and ecological character of the United States. The program aims to enhance the scientific and educational value of the preserved sites, strengthen public appreciation of natural history and foster a greater concern for the conservation of the nation’s natural heritage. The program was established in 1962 by administrative action under the authority of the Historic Sites Act of 1935. The first National Natural Landmarks were designated in 1963. Today, there are more than 600 National Natural Landmarks in 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Learn more about National Natural Landmark . Two of the trails (Little Cherry Pond Trail and Mud Pond Trail) are National Recreation Trails.

This division is open to the public for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation.

Blueberry Swamp Rack Card