Overview
Jackson is a village in the White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington Valley region in New Hampshire.
13 things to do · 2 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 7 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Jackson
Black Mountain
The oldest ski resort in New Hampshire.
Wildcat Mountain
Wildcat Mountain was voted #1 Scenery in North America, and Top 10 in the East for Terrain.
Jackson Historical Society
The Jackson Historical Society was formed in April of 1977 by a group of townspeople whose interest was to preserve the history of Jackson. Don't forget to attend the society's annual fall art show!
Conway Scenic Railroad
Whether you choose one of the Valley routes to Conway or Bartlett, or the legendary Crawford Notch excursion, you'll experience the excitement of rail travel.
Mount Washington Observatory
An exciting hands-on museum dedicated to the manned weather station atop Mt. Washington and our environment.
Mt. Washington Auto Road
The oldest manmade attraction-drive the road to the sky to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak or take a guided tour.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Jul–Aug. Summer highs reach about 55°F; winter lows dip to about -3°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Oct and Jul. (climate data from nearby Mount Washington State Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PWM Portland International Jetport, Portland — 55 mi away (major hub). Directions
- LEB Lebanon Municipal Airport, Lebanon — 66 mi away. Directions
There are four major airports within 140 miles of Jackson. Logan Airport in Boston is an international airport with the greatest selection of carriers and service. Check fares and service to each airport to find the best to suit your schedule and budget.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $169–$169 a night (typical $304), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$210, mid-range ~$380, comfortable ~$340.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Wildcat Mountain, Jackson Historical Society, Mt. Washington Auto Road
- Lunch Highfields Tavern
- Afternoon Mt. Washington Cog Railway, Eagle Mountain Golf Course
- Dinner The Red Fox Bar and Grille
- Evening The Tavern
Day 2
- Morning Conway Scenic Railroad, Great Glen Trails
- Afternoon Nestlenook Estate and Resort, Jackson Ski Touring
Day 3
- Morning Black Mountain, Mount Washington Observatory
- Afternoon Wildcat Mountain Gondola Skyride, Great Glen Trails
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By plane
There are four major airports within 140 miles of Jackson. Logan Airport in Boston is an international airport with the greatest selection of carriers and service. Check fares and service to each airport to find the best to suit your schedule and budget.
- Boston, MA (BOS) (140 miles) Aer Lingus, Air Canada/Air Canada Express, Air France, Alaska Airlines, American, American Eagle, British Airways, Cape Air, Cayman Airways, Delta Air Lines, Delta Connection, Delta Connection/Com Air, Delta Shuttle, Finnair, flyGlobespan, ITA Airways, JetBlue Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, SATA, Southwest, Spirit, Swiss, United, United Express, Virgin Atlantic Airways.
- Portland (Maine) (PWM) (70 miles) American, Delta, JetBlue, United.
- Manchester (New Hampshire) (MHT) (115 miles) Air Canada, American, Comair, Delta, JetBlue, Soutwest, United.
- Burlington (Vermont) (BTV) (140 miles) American, Delta, JetBlue, United.
By bus
Concord Trailways offers service from Logan Airport and South Station in Boston to the Covered Bridge in Jackson.
By car
Public transportation is limited in this area so you should have a car to get around. Beware of moose and deer when driving particularly around dawn and dusk. Here are some approximate mileages from major cities:
- Portland, ME - 70 miles
- Portsmouth, NH - 85 miles
- Manchester, NH - 115 miles
- Canadian Border - 115 miles
- Boston, MA - 140 miles
- Burlington, VT - 140 miles
- Providence, RI - 200 miles
- Montreal, PQ - 235 miles
- Hartford, CT - 245 miles
- Ottawa, ON - 325 miles
- New York City - 350 miles
- Washington, DC - 550 miles
Directions from three major cities:
From Boston, MA: (approx. 3 hours - 140 miles) Take interstate 95 North to the Spaulding Turnpike/Route 16 North. From Portsmouth, NH travel approximately 80 miles on Rte. 16 North to Conway. Continue on Rte. 16 through North Conway, Intervale and Glen. In Glen, turn right and remain on Rte. 16 North and travel 2 miles to Jackson Village Rte 16A. Turn right and follow through the RED COVERED BRIDGE and into Jackson village.
From Portland, ME: (approx. 1.5 hours - 70 miles) Take US Route 302 West to Glen, NH. In Glen turn right to remain on Rte. 16 North and travel 2 miles to Jackson Village Rte 16A. Turn right and follow through the RED COVERED BRIDGE and into Jackson village.
From New York City, NY: (approx. 6 hours - 347 miles) Take interstate 95 North to I-91 North to I-84 East to I-90 (Mass Pike). Take I-90 East to I-495 North to I-95 North. Follow I-95 North to the Spaulding Turnpike/Rte 16 North. From Portsmouth, NH travel approximately 80 miles on Rte. 16 North to Conway. Continue on Rte. 16 through North Conway, Intervale and Glen. In Glen, turn right and remain on Rte. 16 North and travel 2 miles to Jackson Village Rte 16A. Turn right and follow through the red covered bridge and into Jackson village.
Get around
Public transportation is limited in this area so you should have a car to get around. Beware of moose and deer when driving particularly around dawn and dusk.
- Car rental agencies are available at all airports and in major city center locations. The only local car rental agency is Enterprise Rent-A-Car located in North Conway, NH.
- Local taxi service is available; however, it must be scheduled in advance and may be somewhat expensive.
See
In winter be sure to make plans to get outdoors and downhill ski one of 250 trails in the area; cross country ski from our door on the #1 touring center in the East; take a guided snowshoe nature walk; snow tube; ice skate indoors or out; go dashing through the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh ride then end your day relaxing in front of a warm fireplace! Numerous winter events are held in the village each year.
In summer explore the endless miles of trails in the White Mountain National Forest by foot or mountain bike; kayak or canoe area rivers and lakes; cycle the country roads; take scenic drives to visit local covered bridges, farmers' market in the village square, cascades and waterfalls; attend a summer theatre performance at one of three theatre companies; enjoy a free concert outdoors under the stars; fly fish or just relax in one of the cool mountain streams. Be sure to take the kids to Story Land, a popular children's theme park for over 50 years and just a few miles away!
In Fall enjoy the classic white-steepled New England villages painted every shade of red, yellow and orange. Shuffle through the fallen leaves as you stroll through Jackson stopping at shops and galleries along the way.
Anytime of the year, you can visit over 200 name brand outlets, specialty stores, antique shops and art galleries. Shopping everywhere in New Hampshire is tax-free! Plan an escape to just getaway and enjoy a massage, find time to read your next book, or simply just enjoy the view!
Do
Do Jackson Historical Society
The Jackson Historical Society was formed in April of 1977 by a group of townspeople whose interest was to preserve the history of Jackson. Don't forget to attend the society's annual fall art show!
Do Nestlenook Estate and Resort
Nestlenook is located in a small, secluded area with many recreation activities including: fly fishing on the Ellis River, sleigh rides and snow shoeing around the park as well as ice skating on the pond. It is a beautiful setting, both during the day and at night, with fires located all around the skating pond at night to keep warm, along with freshly popped popcorn, hot chocolate, hot cider and a warming house.
Ski Areas
Golf
Buy
Village of Jackson offers a collection of small shops, art galleries, and boutiques.
Near by:
Eat
Eat Highfields Tavern
Here you'll dine in the tradition of true New England hospitality. Period chandaliers, rich woodwork and panoramic views create an environment of casual dining. Classic New England cuising is prepared with fresh and local ingredients. Menus are varied according to season and freshness. Their famous Sunday Champagne Brunch, just $17.95, is accompanied by live soft music and is a grand feast for guests and locals alike.
Eat The Red Fox Bar and Grille
The Red Fox Bar and Grille is a great restaurant for both kids and adults to enjoy. There is a movie room and play room for children to benefit from, along with a bar and sports room for adults. On the menu, you can find anything from soups and salads, to specialties on the grill, to pizza and burgers. Aside from their known delicious brick oven pizza, they are also known for their Sunday morning all you can eat breakfast buffet from 7:30AM-1PM. The Red Fox is open 7 days a week, serving full menu dinner starting at 4PM.
Drink
Drink The Tavern
This popular tavern is embellished with antique photographs and vintage appointments, and features create libations and lighter dining fare. This is a favorite meeting spot and hosts lively gatherings each aftrnoon and evening.
Sleep
Stay The Wentworth Elegant Country Inn
A country inn offering unique lodging accommodations and fine dining year round. Accommodations range from standard lodging to deluxe rooms and charming suites. All deluxe rooms have king sleigh or four poster beds and each are equipped with a gas fireplace. Oversized jacuzzi tubs and private outdoor hot tubs are also available for guests to enjoy. Fully-equipped condominiums with two and three bedrooms are also available for rent.
Stay Whitney Inn at Black Mountain
Nearby
Glen
City / town · 5 listings · 2 mi away
North Conway
City / town · 76 listings · 7 mi away
Mount Washington State Park
Park · 10 listings · 11 mi away
White Mountain National Forest
Park · 26 listings · 11 mi away
Conway
City / town · 2 listings · 12 mi away
Fryeburg
City / town · 4 listings · 13 mi away
Bretton Woods
City / town · 7 listings · 15 mi away
Gorham
City / town · 5 listings · 17 mi away
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