23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Jackson (NH)

Jackson, a town in Carroll Country, New Hampshire, is one of the best resort areas and a popular tourist destination in the United States.

In 2020, the small town had a population of 1,028, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

There are quite some fun things to do in Jackson, NH. Tourists and locals get to experience various outdoor and indoor activities with magnificent views from this landscape, especially from the mountain tops.

Since Jackson is located in the center of the White Mountains, visitors will enjoy the unique experience the elevations offer.

Some of the most popular attractions in Jackson include Iron Mountain Trail, Black Mountain, Jackson Art Studio & Gallery, Honeymoon Covered Bridge, Nestle nook Farm, etc.

Are you planning to explore Jackson? Here are the best things to do in Jackson, NH

Things to Do in Jackson, NH

1. Jackson Falls

As the name implies, Jackson Falls is a 100-foot-tall waterfall with a lovely view. On a hot summer day, one of the top things to do in Jackson, NH, is to cool off at Jackson Falls.

Although it is not as large as some other falls in the United States, you can still have a memorable time in the woods taking a walk.

Some impressive, naturally occurring things at the Jackson fall include smooth rocks with rounded edges and rare stones due to their deep cracks.

When you visit the Falls, ensure to take photographs of all the beautiful views, including yourself, when you are having an exciting time.

Enjoy the current of the water as it drops to the base and the natural scent of the water. 

Jackson Falls is perfect for romantic dates, sightseeing, and picnics. Newlyweds and weds-to-be usually frequent this location and use it for their proposals, photo shoots, exchange of vows, etc.

The environment’s serene nature with ample space allows for an intimate gathering like a wedding. 

Take a stroll along the trails at the other half of Jackson Falls and enjoy a solo time while sipping plunges. 

Address: 1 Carter Notch Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

2. Black Mountain

If you’re looking for a place to snowboard or ski while in Jackson, no place beats the Black Mountain. Exploring this attraction is one of the fun things to do in Jackson, NH.

An element of attraction for tourists at the Black Mountain is the height that challenges its visitors.

This facility was designed for beginners and experts in skiing or snowboarding to have a swirling time. So if you’re still a learner, feel free, as professionals will guide you. 

Only the experts usually run the black diamond. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, this facility is also a great spot to camp or go for horseback riding.

Black Mountain features 53 hectares of terrain, 40 trails, a 716-meter vertical drop, and four lifts.

On reaching the top of the Black Mountain, you will be opportune to experience the incredible view of Mount Washington.

While at Black Mountain, you can enroll in snowboard training as a beginner or for an advanced class. In addition, you can rent equipment that will aid you in snowboarding.

Address: 373 Black Mountain Rd. Jackson, NH 03846, USA

3. Jackson Art Studio & Gallery

A great place to learn and see visual arts while in Jackson, NH, is Jackson Art Studio & Gallery.

This facility has a gallery where art is displayed and a walk-in working studio for art and training sessions.

Quirky illustrations are promoted and presented here, which include oil paintings of small towns, New England countryside, and various local cities.

The gallery features art like “North Country Pasture,” “Through the Stillness,” and “Chocorua Reflection,” which were painted by the talented artist Melanie Barash Levittand.

Expert artists are in charge of the adult training sessions. David Lussier will train you in color mixing with a chromatic palette; Melanie Barash Levittand covers Beginner Landscape Painting, while Cynthia Rosen teaches big landscape painting.

Children are included in this entire stack of knowledge of art and fun because the services provide an exciting way to learn the skill. 

Address: 155 Ridge Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

4. Iron Mountain Trail

Newbies to the city usually need help to spot the Trail, which may result from its flat name. Hiking the Iron Mountain Trail is one of the best things to do in Jackson, NH.

Hiking the Iron Mountain Trail can be challenging, but it is also rewarding because of the magnificent view you will see at the top. 

Directly next to the beginning of the Trail is a road leading to the white farmhouse.

The white farmhouse, which is located opposite Mount Washington, is a great site to behold.

In 1895, a famous illustration by the artist John Joseph Enneking showed the fundamental geographical points that are seen from this mountain. They include Ellis River, Carter Dome, and Wildcat Range.

Address: Iron Mountain Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, United States 

5. Shannon Door Pub & Restaurant

Shannon Door Pub & Restaurant is an old, but popular Irish restaurant at Jackson established in 1953. Their meals have consistently attracted tourists and locals of the community.

The restaurant is a family-owned business that has been operating for over five decades. It is located on the Jackson Village loop.

They are highly affordable and offer only the best special dinners, crust pizza, and Irish lunches.

Children are included in these mouthwatering meals because a special menu is prepared for them, offering kids-friendly food.

In addition to the delicious meals being served, you can also order some craft beer which you can sip while being entertained by live performances. 

Address: 9 Spancil Hill Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

6. Glen Ellis Falls

The 64-foot waterfall is a famous waterfall that has attracted tourists worldwide. Glen Ellis Falls, located in the Pinkham Notch area, always has visitors and is easy to access regardless of the season.

However, its best visit is during summer when the drop will be warm. The waterfall is an exciting and unique place to visit and enjoy a bit of nature while at Jackson.

It is also a White Mountain National Forest attraction and is close to other famous attractions in Jackson.

The waterfall has deep green pools, which would have been an excellent place for visitors to swim, but these pools are off-limits for swimming due to the nature of the river.

Nevertheless, the waterfall is unique, and you will enjoy your time here.

Address: White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Jackson, NH 03846, USA 

7. Nestlenook Farm

A perfect place for you and your loved ones to spend the winter holiday is Nestlenook Farm.

Nestlenook Farm, situated at the peak of the White Mountains, is packed with loads of fun activities that promise to fill your day with exciting adventures.

They hold Fridays and Saturdays Smokin J’s Wicked BBQ, where visitors can enjoy mouthwatering cuisines, sit out at the pavilion, or play at the ice skating rink. Enjoy the sleigh ride with your family and friends. 

Nestlenook Farm, popularly known for its customized sleigh and snow trail well-lit with lanterns, has attracted locals and tourists worldwide.

A ride through the snow-padded ground leading to the ice-frozen floor on the snow trail is an exciting trip you’d never forget. 

Snowshoeing is an additional recreational adventure you can try with your friends while on the Nestlenook Farm.

Chilling by the bonfires with others and zigzagging across snow trails are relaxing activities you can do at the end of your adventure.

The weather at the facility will be chilly, so hot chocolate, s’more, or any warm drink are available for kids to keep them warmed up.

Prepare your mind to have the best time at Nestlenook Farm, as it’s one of the best places to visit in Jackson, NH.

Address: 66 Dinsmore Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

8. Wildcat Mountain

This attraction is a large mountain whose summit can be seen across the valley from Mount Washington.

Due to the height of the mountain, skiers can have a magnificent view of the White Mountain landscape.

Wildcat Mountain features about 50 trails of different difficulty levels. One of the trails is the longest beginner trail in New Hampshire.

Wildcats Mountain has the second-largest vertical drop in the state and New England’s ninth-largest drop. Visitors can also participate in alpine skiing on this mountain, as Wildcat Mountain has some of the best resorts in New England.

 Address: 542 NH-16, Gorham, NH 03581, USA

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9. Double Head Trailhead

Another place to experience a beautiful view at Jackson is the 6.4 kilometers Double Head Trailhead. Beautiful natural trees and flowers are lined up along the trail. 

This tranquil yet gorgeous natural area has side trails across various forests. It is also a befitting habitat for certain animals, like bears, deer, and moose.

It is quite a challenge to hike to the top with an obstacle on the way, but steadfast hikers achieve this hard work. Taking charming pictures from the top is worth it.

Make sure to hold your dog firmly by the leash if you bring them along for the hike.

Address: Dundee Rd, Jackson, NH 03223, USA

10. Autumn Nomad Cafe 

You can try out the unique and mouthwatering baked goods at the Autumn Nomad Cafe with family and friends.

The 4-12 minutes drive bake store has attracted locals and tourists worldwide with its beautiful and hand-crafted cakes, salads, sandwiches, and artisan wraps.

Aside from being a picturesque cake studio, they also have a cafe where various drinks are sold, both hot and cold.

Drinks ranging from teas to espresso, all kinds of lattes, and an array of irresistible beverages that are served to your preference are available at the Cafe.

Not only do they make cakes that look unique and presentable, but they also make them taste as good as they look.

They produce unique designs of wedding cakes and birthday cakes, and special desserts that are only found in their Cafe.

The brains behind this work of art are no other than the extraordinary team of cake artists here, who work hand in hand to bring out the best quality.

Address: 18 Black Mountain Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA 

11. Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Nordic Ski Area

This collaborative Foundation aims to preserve snowshoes and cross-country ski trails. By making great trails, they have accomplished quite a lot in their service that sets them apart from other towns.

Various amenities set aside make the snowboarding experience more comfortable for snowboarders. They include snowshoeing on multiple trails and a hut for warming up.

Equipment such as snowboards, boots, and skis are placed for rental at the facility’s main lodge.

Aside from their primary assignment, the Foundation hosts many other exciting events. 

Events include wax demonstrations, snowshoe tours, children’s ski camps, ski lessons, and lots more. So, don’t hesitate to check it out!

Address: 153 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

12. Jackson Public Library

This community library was first established and started operating in August 1901. It was later relocated in November 2010,

The Library was designed by prominent Boston architect William Ralph Emerson.

Jackson Public Library is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Due to this, the facility started hosting other fun and engaging activities for the community, such as art shows, concerts, and festivals.

The facility is owned by the locals but properly maintained and operated by the Protestant Chapel Association, as it is still their property.

The Library, encompassing over 700 square feet, can comfortably house 15-20 people at once.

The Library, however, not ADA-compliant, is now refurbished. Modern facilities such as a house heater have been incorporated to keep the Library and the patrons warm during cold weather.

Address: 52 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

13. Christmas Farm Inn

Another very comfortable accommodation in Jackson is the Christmas Farm Inn. This facility offers only the best services, including a complete spa treatment and award-winning cuisine.

The Inn tries to celebrate little things like well-being, inspiration, family, friends, and adventures. 

The restaurant at this facility is known to serve only high-quality products on its menu, ranging from authentic cuisines of all flavors to craft cocktails and homemade desserts.

Meals are prepared to perfection to satisfy visitors. Kids are included in this enjoyment because they also provide kids friendly menu.

Address: 3 Blitzen Way, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

14. Honeymoon Covered Bridge

Honeymoon Covered Bridge is a tall bridge of about 121-foot long and 12-foot-high, created in 1876. It crosses over the Ellis River at route 16 and 16A junction on Jackson Village Street.

Honeymoon Covered Bridge is a legendary bridge in New Hampshire compared to other bridges constructed by a third-generation renowned Paddleford-truss bridge builder named Charles Austin Broughton.

The one-lane Covered Bridge, painted with red and white, is truly iconic and one of the last of its kind, still standing firm in the United States.

From the Bridge, beautiful views, including the scenery of leaves changing their color to red or orange during autumn, are seen. It is indeed an enchanting view from the Bridge.

Another view you would love to see from the Bridge is when snow covers the trees during winter. Honeymoon Covered Bridge is one of the best places to visit in Jackson, NH.

Address: Rt. 03860, 16 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846, USA 

15. Living Shores Aquarium

Situated at Glen, Living Shores Aquarium is a well-known Aquarium that has attracted tourists worldwide. What even makes it more exciting is that it is the very first aquarium in New Hampshire.

This facility houses various fun aquarium animal exhibits. It was designed to allow up-close interactive sessions with the animals.

Interactions with the marine exhibits include feeding tropical birds, touching a shark, patting stingrays, etc.

Children can form their underwater ecosystem and identify creatures found in marine habitats through a digital sandbox exhibit in the aquarium.

An area is provided for artists where they use picture books to paint pictures of their best marine life.

Alien but warm axolotls are displayed on the critter wall, and kids would love this eye-catching element. 

Visit the aviary session in the aquarium to see different kinds of birds, such as lorikeets and many others, with other habitats housing amphibians and reptiles.

At the clownfish exhibit, the famous “Nemo” in the show finding Nemo is the principal marine life on display in this session; you will find them swimming around the tank. 

Visiting the aquarium is worth every penny so take advantage of the opportunity to experience the beauty of the underwater world.

Address: 850 Pinkham Notch Road, NH-16, Glen, NH 03838, USA

16. Flossie’s Emporium

Flossie’s General Store and Emporium got its name from a loved, dedicated, hardworking resident of Jackson named Flossie Thurston.

While visiting Jackson, you can stop by Flossie’s General Store and Emporium, close to the legendary covered bridge, and purchase gifts for your loved ones that may not be opportune to be in the city. So ensure to add gift shopping to your list of what to do in Jackson, NH.

You will find carefully crafted and unique gifts made by talented crafters and artists that are part of the local community. The local artist can also customize gifts of your choice to your taste.

Flossie’s General Store and Emporium is also a walk-in store to purchase other things aside from gifts, such as children’s books and games, preserves and bottled pickles, wine, candies, and maple syrup.

Address: 21 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

17. Eagle Mountain House Golf Club 

A pub, an old-fashioned hotel, a restaurant, and the golf course are all at the Eagle Mountain House property. A visit to Eagle Mountain House is one of the top things to do in Jackson, NH.

The Hotel is among the few grand hotels still standing today in the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Eagle Mountain House’s features, such as its excellent meals at the Highfields Restaurant, the fantastic view from the White Mountains, and the nine-hole golf course, make it a top-notch tourist attraction.

The par 32 golf course is open between May and October each year. The course has elevated tees and beautiful mountain views. It meanders along the Wildcat River. Golf experts can exercise their skills at this spectacular location.

Address: 179 Carter Notch Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

18. Story Land

Established in 1954, Story Land now takes pride in the variety of rides, shows, play areas, dining options, and many characters the amusement Park has built. Story Land is located 2.6 miles away south of Jackson.

This is by far the best place to bring your kids. They have over 30 varieties of kids’ attractions that will make children feel like they are in a story. These attractions include roller coasters, live shows, interactive adventures, and water slides.

In northern New England, Story Land has one of the most desired wooden roller coasters called Roar-O-Saurus. In addition, their Bamboo Chutes, which offer intensive fun, is the only one of its kind in the state.

You and the kids can opt for a spin in the Crazy Clock Circus barrel. It would interest you to know that it is the only Spinning Barn in the U.S.

At Story Land, your kids will meet their favorite book characters like Humpty Dumpty, Cinderella, Mother Goose, and many more.

 Address: 850 NH-16, Glen, NH 03838, United States

19. Thompson House Eatery

Wondering what to do in Jackson, NH, with your significant other? Then, check out Thompson House Eatery.

It is known to prepare delicious meals with local ingredients. The local ingredients are either purchased from farmers or grown in the restaurant.

Summer is a productive season at the restaurant because it is during this period that its in-house garden harvests more than half of the herbs, ingredients, and flowers used in the eatery.

The meals prepared are healthy, as you can tell, as it comprises only naturally made ingredients. The menu at this Fournier family-owned business changes every day.

Also, the restaurant is guided by values to provide hospitality to its guests, which is driven by its passion for cooking. 

Address: 193 Main St, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

20. Red Fox Bar and Grille 

Red Fox Bar and Grille is a beautiful place to enjoy dining with family and friends at Jackson.

The facility is beautiful and has a large kitchen area and a space for the sports bar. It is situated on Route 16 in Jackson village.

The hub of North Conway and the heart of the New Hampshire White Mountains is close to the Red Fox Bar.

They offer only tasty and exceptional mouthwatering meals from the WoodFire Pizzas, Josper Oven, and lots more.

Other services include draft beers prepared onsite, private dining, nine flat-screen T.V.s, rehearsal dinners, and event hosting.

Address: 49 NH-16, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

21. White Mountain Puzzles 

Do you love to solve problems? The White Mountain puzzles are the perfect games to keep you on your toes.

The locals of the community have been involved with playing and selling only the best White Mountain puzzles for more than 30 years.

A large number of different jigsaw puzzles are found in the store, where locals and tourists can visit to purchase their preferred choice.

All the puzzles have different levels ranging from easy to complex and for kids to adults, depending on what you want.

Address: 18 Black Mountain Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, United States

22. Whitney’s Inn at Jackson

Whitney’s Inn is a 12-acre establishment sharing boundaries with beautiful farmland. It provides an excellent lodging experience to family, friends, or couples who want a peaceful place that is close to the ski resort or other attractions.

The 3-star Inn is a short distance from Black Mountain Ski Resort. It provides couples with an intimate setting, different from the hotel’s standard rooms.

At the hotel, you can choose to order room service, where meals and drinks will be brought to you in the comfort of your room, or rather chill and have your best shots at the pub.

This Inn offers some of the fun things to do in Jackson, NH. You and your guests or partner can engage in outdoor activities, such as fishing in their pond while at the Inn.

An alternative to picking up a fishing line is to get some suntan and relax in their heated swimming pool from where you can see a breathtaking mountain.

Engage yourself with hiking trips where you’ll be opportune to tour one of the highest mountains in New Hampshire or kayaking trips where you will be surrounded by rising brook trouts.

Skiing from the Inn to the Jackson Ski Tour trails is an activity you shouldn’t miss during the winter season. 

Sleigh rides and onsite skating rinks are facilities that are also available for guests visiting Whitney’s Inn, but they are performed in Nestlenook, a nearby region.

Address: 357 Black Mountain Rd, Jackson, NH 03846, USA

23. Wentworth Golf Club

Stunning and captivating views surround the golf course that one can easily see while playing. Landscapes such as Ellis River and the presidential range will leave you breathless.

This club’s facility offers one of the best services in relaxing golf games, new gear, group outings, and assistance in learning golf.

The great and competent team at this facility will help and ensure you have a splendid time at the golf course.

Address: 23 Golf Dr, Newport, NH 03773, USA

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Plan Your Trip to Jackson

Jackson, NH, packed with fun activities, is a fantastic place to escape and have some relaxing time with loved ones all year.

Various activities, from games to food, are available for you, and they promise to keep you engaged throughout your stay in the town.

To experience all fun activities, let this article guide you when you visit Jackson, NH.