Favorite Things to Do in Jackson, New Hampshire

Jackson, New Hampshire, a quiet resort town in the heart of the White Mountains, is the perfect spot for a leisurely summer vacation or winter weekend getaway. The town is home to an admirable variety of places to stay — from quiet, romantic inns to busy, skier-packed hotels — all of which feature classic New England charm, of course. For the outdoorsy type, Jackson’s location can’t be beat: Skiing and snowshoeing are an everyday option in winter, while hiking is the activity of choice in the summer. With all that in mind, here are a few of our favorite things to do in Jackson, NH.

Things to Do in Jackson, NH

Jackson Ski Touring Foundation

The Jackson Ski Touring Foundation maintains nearly 100 miles of trails throughout Jackson and the White Mountain National Forest. It keeps most of the trails — which range in difficulty from beginner to expert — well-groomed and ready for snowshoeing, classic track skiing, or skate skiing. Feel free to bring your own equipment or rent it from the foundation’s base lodge, where day passes are also available for purchase. And for beginners, skiing lessons are readily available.  

SEE MORE: Best Cross-Country Skiing in New England | Where to Go

Nestlenook Farm

With a huge Victorian skating pond and 65 acres of trails for horse-drawn sleighs, Nestlenook Farm is the perfect place to spend a winter’s day outdoors. The Victorian estate is a favorite among families and couples, who may enjoy a cheery afternoon skate, a romantic evening sleigh ride, or a peaceful snowshoe through the woods.  

Mount Washington Auto Road

A drive up Mount Washington is an experience that sticks with you for life (as does the complimentary “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper sticker). For passengers, it’s the breathtaking views that will never be forgotten; for drivers, it’s the sheer terror of driving nearly 8 miles up a narrow, guardrail-free mountain road. Needless to say, the Mount Washington Auto Road is not for the faint of heart — but it’s nevertheless an experience worth every hair-raising minute. The road is open from May to October, weather permitting, though you also can ascend the mountain by way of SnowCoach in winter. Alternatively, you can summit via the Cog Railway in Bretton Woods, which offers a slightly less nerve-racking experience and fantastic views during peak fall foliage.  

Wildcat Mountain

Wildcat Mountain’s enormous peak is located directly across the valley from the even more enormous Mount Washington — a location that presents skiers with unrivaled views of lovely White Mountain vistas. The mountain boasts 48 trails of varying difficulty, as well as New Hampshire’s longest novice trail (2.75 miles). Another feature of Wildcat is its partnership with nearby Attitash Mountain Resort, which lets visitors ski two mountains for the price of one!

SEE MORE: Ski New England | Unique Ski Mountain Experiences

Restaurants in Jackson, NH

J-Town Deli

Located right down the road from the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation, this classic country store is a favorite pit stop for locals and tourists alike. Visitors flock to the deli for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which can be eaten in the store or taken to go. The country store also sells a variety of gifts, trinkets, and local souvenirs.  

SEE MORE: J-Town Deli | Local Flavor

The Shannon Door

This Irish pub and restaurant has been a part of Jackson since 1953. Here you’ll find all your favorite Irish pub food, as well as a few Italian classics. Live entertainment usually is on the menu, too.  

Yesterdays

Located right on Jackson’s main drag, Yesterdays is a breakfast and lunch restaurant that provides its patrons with classic, hearty meals at fair prices. Indulge yourself in fluffy blueberry pancakes for breakfast or a maple syrup–glazed Monte Cristo for lunch.  

Red Fox Bar & Grille

Red Fox Bar & Grille is a large, all-American restaurant that specializes in authentic wood-fire grilling. The menu features everything from seafood to burgers, meaning almost everyone will be satisfied. It’s great for families or groups after a long day of skiing — and don’t miss the award-winning breakfast buffet on Sundays!  

Hotels in Jackson, NH

Inn at Ellis River

The Inn at Ellis River’s decor is tastefully old-fashioned, with many of the rooms featuring fireplaces, hot tubs, and balconies. The inn is known for its great breakfast, heated outdoor pool, and friendly staff.  

The Snowflake Inn

If a couple’s retreat is what you desire, the Snowflake Inn might just be your best bet. The inn’s decadent rooms and suites are the epitome of romance, and the no-children policy means you’ll have all the peace and quiet you could ever want. Many of the suites also feature a Jacuzzi and fireplace — perfect for warming up after a long day on the slopes.  

The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa

The Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa boasts a restaurant, too, so spending a whole afternoon just unwinding at the inn isn’t out of the question! The spa is staffed by licensed massage therapists who are guaranteed to make your visit a relaxing one. In addition to the rooms in the main inn, there are also several cottages for rent.  

Eagle Mountain House

The Eagle Mountain House is a huge, old-fashioned hotel featuring a pub, a restaurant, and a golf course just across the road. The rooms are embellished with classic wooden furnishings, giving the hotel an elegantly rustic air. 

What are your favorite things to do in Jackson, NH? Let us know in the comments!

This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE:
Top 3 New England Winter Getaways
Winter in the White Mountains | Photographs
The Mount Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods, NH | Historic Hotel Tour

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