Stoddard

A mortarless twin-arch stone bridge built in the mid-1800s that spans the North Branch River. The arches are held together solely by the expert placement of granite stones - no mortar at all. You can walk across the bridge and down to the river below to see it from different angles. In fall, the surrounding forest explodes with color, making it absolutely magical.

A short quarter-mile walk through mixed forest leads to a 1925 fire tower offering stunning 360-degree views. What makes this special are the expansive wild blueberry fields surrounding the summit - in late summer, you can pick berries while taking in panoramic views of Highland Lake and the Green Mountains. The contrast of sweet berries and sweeping vistas is pure New England magic.

This is where locals go for serious blueberry picking - 50 acres of managed wild highbush blueberry fields accessible by a 2-mile dirt road drive. The fields mark the halfway point of the Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway with a special sign. You pay by the honor system, bringing your own containers and leaving cash in the box. The evening light here at sunset is spectacular.

This unassuming two-story building has lived many lives - originally Nathan Morse's shoe shop in the early 1800s, then a milliner's shop, grocery store, and library before becoming the historical society. Inside you'll find artifacts from Stoddard's glass manufacturing heyday when the town had four glass factories. The building itself tells the story of a New England village's evolution.

A peaceful 179-acre pond with multiple small islands and depths ranging from 1 to 17 feet, fed by Highland Lake's outflow. The many islands create protected coves perfect for quiet paddling, and there's a small beach area off Route 123. Personal watercraft are banned, keeping it tranquil. Wildlife abounds in this protected area where over 60% of surrounding land is conserved.