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Jackson’s location in the foothills of Mount Washington, adjacent to the White Mountain National Forest, provides extensive recreational opportunities, which are attractive to both residents and visitors. In fact, approximately three-quarters of the town’s land are within the White Mountain National Forest. The hills and mountains, rivers, ponds and streams, open fields and dense woods of the town and the surrounding region make a wide variety of recreational activities possible. In addition, golf courses and playing fields provide opportunities for more structured activities.
As one of the major gateways to the 770,000-acre White Mountain National Forest, the town experiences pressures typical of gateway communities in terms of transportation, and commercial and residential development.
Cultural opportunities include evening theatrical productions, art shows, contra dances, and other events, many held in the Town Hall. Some of the clubs in Jackson are the Jackson Historical Society, a tennis club, a women’s sewing club, book clubs, and a men’s breakfast club.
Winter
Historically, the typical winter sports season runs from late December through March, and provides downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, snowshoeing and ice climbing.
Black Mountain, one of New England’s first ski areas, is well known as a family mountain, with trails suitable for all. Novice skiers and riders appreciate open and gentle slopes, while advanced skiers and snowboarders may seek out the Black Forest Glade or other expert trails. The 40 trails cover most of the south face, offering a variety for all abilities. Snowmaking covers the full 1,100 vertical drop – 143 skiable acres in all – providing excellent skiing and riding opportunities on all trails. Jackson Grammar School children ski at Black on most Fridays in winter, as part of the Eastern Slope Ski Association Junior Program.
Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, a 152-kilometer trail network based in the Village of Jackson, offers lessons in both classic and skate skiing, rentals of cross-country skis and snowshoes, waxing clinics, demo ski opportunities and much more. With three snow-grooming vehicles, the trails are well maintained; typically, 96 km are tracked with up to 80 km skate-groomed, and 63 km are backcountry trails suitable for expert skiers. Jackson Grammar School children train and compete on the cross-country trails.
The town maintains a small ice-skating rink in the center of the village for public skating. Ice-skating is also available on the ponds at Nestlenook Farm, which has adopted architectural styles reminiscent of earlier times.
Neighboring areas offer additional skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Ice climbing is gaining popularity, with Mount Washington’s Huntington Ravine being one of the more challenging choices. From mid-winter to late May or even June, skiers hike up Mount Washington to ski in Tuckerman Ravine.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Hiking and biking enthusiasts take center stage when the snow leaves. The White Mountain National Forest has an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from woods walks to strenuous boulder-strewn climbs up the higher peaks in the Presidential Range. Although many of the hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest are open to bikers as well as hikers, many are better suited for foot travel.
In Jackson, frequently used hiking trails include those up Black Mountain, Iron Mountain, North and South Doublehead Mountains, Hall’s Ledge, and the tin mine (off Tin Mine Road). Cabins, each with bunk rooms, at the top of both North Doublehead and Black are maintained by the US Forest Service (Saco Ranger Station) and may be reserved in advance. Jackson Falls, adjacent to the Carter Notch Road, attracts visitors and residents alike. While lesser-traveled trails abound in Jackson, several other popular trails are just beyond the town boundaries. The Appalachian Mountain Club guidebook offers comprehensive descriptions of area trails.
There are two popular golf courses in Jackson, each with excellent views: an 18-hole PGA course at The Wentworth Golf Club on Route 16A, and a 9-hole course at the Eagle Mountain House on Route 16B.
Fly fishing is permitted in Jackson and yields good catches at many locations. Fishing licenses are required in all instances except for children fishing in the Village fire pond.
Jackson’s hilly terrain challenges road bikers: an example is the approximately 10-mile loop beginning at Thorn Hill Road headed south, to Route 16A South in Intervale, to Dundee Road east back to Jackson, to Black Mountain Road to Route 16 A South back to the starting point.
Horseback riders have a choice of trails at Nestlenook Farm. Riding lessons are also available.
Exhibits at the Jackson Historical Society and numerous art galleries in Jackson show local history and art. Nearby attractions include Story Land and Heritage New Hampshire, and the Mount Washington Auto Road.
Fall Foliage Season
The colorful fall foliage season stretches from mid-September through early to mid-October. “Leaf-peepers” arrive in cars, vans, and buses to enjoy the colors. Part of Jackson’s allure is its scenic landscapes, hills, and streams, and its Village scenery.
Hunting season dates, and type of animal allowed to be hunted, vary; check with stores that sell hunting licenses.
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