New Hampshire’s famous 4,000-footers get most of the glory when it comes to hiking around here, but there is also much to be seen within the forests and lowlands. Backcountry ponds often make for appealing destinations due to their remote natural beauty and peaceful solitude. Two of these bodies of water, Nancy Pond and Norcross Pond, make for an excellent day hike.

The hike to both Nancy and Norcross ponds follows Nancy Pond Trail for its entire distance. Hikers should expect steep and rough conditions along the way.
Ken MacGray/Flickr
The remnants of Lucy Mill are located along the trail around 1.8 miles in. This small mill was used by the Lucy family from Conway, New Hampshire to harvest timber after the great hurricane of 1938.
Ken MacGray/Flickr
At the 2.4 mile mark, you'll reach the foot of remote Nancy Cascades. Here, Nancy Brook tumbles over a high ledge into a deep pool.
Ken MacGray/Flickr

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Nancy Pond is the first of the two ponds to be reached at the 3.4 mile mark. This four-acre tarn lies near the boundary of two watersheds.
Robert O'Connor/All Trails
After passing into the Pemigewasset Wilderness, Nancy Pond Trail reaches the seven-acre Norcross Pond and follows the shore, providing views to the surrounding mountains.
Ken MacGray/Flickr
The turnaround point for this hike is a natural granite dam at the west end of Norcross Pond. The ledges here afford an excellent view toward Mt. Bond and the Twin Range.
Ken MacGray/Flickr

The hike to Nancy and Norcross ponds begins at the Nancy Pond trailhead along Route 302 in the Township of Hart’s Location. Parking is in a roadside pullout. While this hike is possible in winter, it becomes more difficult and is therefore suitable for properly-equipped and experienced winter hikers only. Consult the AMC White Mountain Guide for more information. The total round-trip distance to both ponds is 8.6 miles with 2,300 feet of elevation gain.

Here’s another backcountry pond to put on the hiking bucket list, as well as a bog that used to be an ancient pond.

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Nancy Pond Trailhead, Hart's Location, NH 03812, USA