The bird population is very diverse, including osprey, eagles, great blue herons, plover, kingfishers, Canadian geese, a variety of ducks, and loons.

Goose Pond, in Grafton County, is considered a “great pond” by the State of New Hampshire. It is a 625-acre constructed pond with 6.3 miles of shoreline and is approximately three miles long and one-half mile wide, with the majority of the pond in Canaan and the remainder in Hanover. The average depth of the pond is approximately 10 feet, with the deepest part at approximately 35 feet. The pond is part of the Mascoma River watershed which flows into the Connecticut River.

Goose Pond came to be in 1899 when a small wooden dam was built. The present dam was built in 1917-18 and was repaired in 1952 and 1990. It has served as an energy reserve for the Lebanon mills, and hydroelectric plants. New Hampshire Water Resources currently holds the rights, and still sells water power once a year in a draw-down, generating funds to maintain the dam. The pond continues to serve as an important recreational, scenic, and ecological resource in the Mascoma River Watershed.

There are two islands on the pond, known as “The Big Island” and The Little Island”, and there is one boat launch area, known as “The Acre”, and it is owned by the State. At The Acre, there is a small public beach and another near the dam at the southern tip of the pond. There is no overnight camping and fires are not allowed at The Acre, the dam area, or on The Little or The Big Island. Fires are allowed on private property with a free permit from the Fire Warden.

There are 160 cottages or homes directly on or across the road from the pond, with approximately 35 that are used by year-round residents. The shoreline is primarily owned by the state, with a few privately owned shores.

A variety of wildlife is seen (and heard) near the pond throughout the year, including moose, bears, deer, wild turkeys, and coyotes. Otters, beavers, and mink are often seen near the shoreline, and turtles can often be spotted in the pond.