A weekend getaway in Jackson, New Hampshire is the perfect way to experience New England’s vibrant fall foliage and seasonal activities. This small quintessential town is set against the stunning backdrop of the White Mountains and offers lots of natural beauty, local charm and plenty of outdoor adventure.
While Jackson is a great place to visit any time of year, it really comes alive in the fall. During October, the iconic Pumpkin People take over the town, adding a festive touch to the already stunning autumn backdrop.
Everywhere you go, you’ll find Pumpkin People creations which locals put so much effort into making. You won’t be able to miss these whimsical pumpkin displays which are creatively arranged throughout Jackson and the surrounding towns.
Grab a map from the visitor center or one of the local stores and go on a self-guided driving tour to see these pumpkin displays. You’ll be impressed at how creative and humorous these displays can be.
Thinking of visiting Jackson? Here’s a great 2-day itinerary that will help you make the most of your visit!
Day 1: Arrival & Explore Jackson Village
Once you arrive in Jackson, take a drive around the Jackson Village Loop to see the highlights of this adorable little town.
Drive Through the Jackson Covered Bridge
The Jackson Covered Bridge is the town’s most popular landmark and serves as a gateway to the village of Jackson. Built in 1876, this iconic red covered bridge spans the Ellis River and is a favorite photo spot for visitors. The bridge earned its nickname as the “Honeymoon” Bridge from the tradition of kissing under it for good luck.
In the fall, the bridge is particularly magical when it is framed by the colorful hues of the autumn foliage.
Stop by Flossie’s General Store & Emporium
You won’t be able to miss Flossie’s General Store & Emporium which is just a stone’s throw from the bridge. This quirky country store is so inviting with all the colorful wind spinners in the yard and on the porch.
Step inside and you’ll find all sorts of fun and unique items. From vintage candy and local made goods to home decor and souvenirs, you could spend hours browsing in here. Just be aware – No photography is allowed in the store and it is strictly enforced.
Experience the Ravenwood Curio Shoppe
Ravenwood Curio Shoppe is another local shop you don’t want to miss. This whimsical store is known for its enchanting, eclectic collection of oddities on display. You’ll find everything from fairy garden accessories and crystals to folk art and rustic antiques. This cozy, fairytale-like shop makes it feel like you’ve just stepped into a magical woodland hideaway.
Explore Jackson Falls
Just off the main village loop, on Carter Notch Road, is Jackson Falls. This series of cascading waterfalls has some beautiful views of the mountains in the distance. Best of all, the falls are very close to the road so no hiking is required!
Jackson Falls is a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery. While the falls are especially popular in the summertime, when you can enjoy the water, they are even more beautiful when surrounded by the fall colors.
Snap a Photo of the Cutest Library
When you head back to the village from Jackson Falls, the Old Jackson Library will be across the street on the loop. This charming historic building looks like it’s right out of a storybook. Built in 1901, this was once the town’s public library. Today, the building is still a notable landmark and is often used for community events and gatherings.
Grab Some Lunch
Now that you made your way around the loop, you will likely be ready for some refueling. There are several great restaurants right on the Jackson Loop so you don’t have to go very far. If you’re up for some classic American fare, Yesterday’s is the place to go with their wide selection of Mac & Cheese bowls, specialty hot dogs and a good selection of salads, burgers and sandwiches.
Nestlenook Farm
If you have time, definitely stop by Nestlenook Farm. This beautiful estate is known for its Victorian charm and story-book setting.
In the fall, you can enjoy the stunning autumn scenery while paddling on the pond or by taking a vintage-style horse-drawn carriage ride through the woods. Once snow falls and the pond freezes over, this cozy farm turns into a magical winter wonderland offering old fashion ice skating and sleigh rides through the trails illuminated with lanterns.
Check-In Time at the Nordic Village
Once you’re done exploring the village, it should be just about time to check-in to your accommodations and relax. We stayed at the Nordic Village which is located just down the road from the Jackson Loop.
The Nordic Village is one of my favorite places to stay when I’m in this area. The resort is set on a hillside with incredible mountain views and is especially beautiful during peak foliage.
The property has 15 “Nordic Villages” with over 100 units. These condo-style units have various room styles which can accommodate up to 10 travelers.
We stayed in Hallsberg which was set high on the hill and the views from the window did not disappoint. The unit was very spacious with a bedroom, living area with pull-out sofa, fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom.
The 165 acre property has a network of trails and loads of year-round amenities. Be sure to bring a bathing suit to enjoy the indoor and four-season heated outdoor pool and hot tubs. There is also a fitness center, game room, and a small lake with rowboats you can use.
Insider Tip: The check-in office is located across the street from the entrance.
Dinner at the Red Fox Bar & Grille
One of the best restaurants in Jackson is the Red Fox Bar & Grille, located just outside of Jackson Village. This restaurant is known for its wood-fired dishes like steaks, seafood and pizza and delicious comfort favorites. We started out with the Maple Bacon & Sausage pizza and it was so good, I didn’t have a chance to take a photo before it was done! For dinner, the chicken stir-fry was definitely a great choice.
Live Entertainment at the Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub
If you’re up for some fun there are several places close by that have live entertainment. Just 2 miles down the road in Glen, is a NH staple – the Red Parka Steakhouse & Pub. This place has been serving customers for over 50 years and is great place to eat, grab a drink and listen to some live music.
We loved the low-key vibe, ski themed decor and all the interesting memorabilia and licenses plates hanging on the walls and ceilings. Live bands play each weekend and it’s a popular place for the locals as well as visitors looking for a fun night out.
Day 2: Explore Crawford Notch State Park
Crawford Notch State Park is about a 30 minute drive north of Jackson on U.S. 302. The park has over 5000 acres of protected land with stunning view of the Crawford Notch passage way through the White Mountains.
Get a Sweet Start at Autumn Nomad Café
Start the day with a morning treat from Autumn Nomad. This adorable little bakery has freshly baked pastries, amazing breakfast sandwiches, and a variety of coffee options and seasonal specials to get you going. I opted for a Cafe Latte and the blueberry muffin which was bursting with flavor and devoured in seconds.
Grab & Go at J-Town Deli
Before heading out to Crawford Notch, stop in at J-Town Deli & Country Store to take a look around and grab some sandwiches and snacks to bring along. This country store is stocked with anything you need including all sorts or grocery items, local crafts, spirits and gifts.
Deli sandwiches are their specialty so it’s the perfect place to grab a to-go lunch to have on our hike.
Take a Scenic Drive to Crawford Notch
The 30 minute drive to Crawford Notch from Jackson is very scenic, especially when you drive through the notch. There are several popular hiking trails in the area, including Arethusa Falls, the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire. This is also home to the historic Crawford Notch Depot, which served as a railway station in the 1800s and is now part of the Conway Scenic Railroad.
Stop at the AMC Highland Center
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Highland Center is a great place to stop if you will be doing any hiking as it offers maps, supplies and advice for those looking to explore the beautiful trails.
The AMC also hosts guided hikes and operates several lodges and huts in the region, providing accommodations for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Take a Short Hike
When hiking in Crawford Notch, you’ll experience some of the most scenic and rewarding trails in the White Mountains. The area is filled with trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging summit climbs.
We were short on time so opted for the Elephant Head trail, a short 0.6-mile trail ideal for beginners or anyone looking for rewarding views without spending the day hiking.
This hike is named for its unique rock formation that resembles the head of an elephant when viewed from a distance. You can pick up the trail across from the Crawford Notch Depot where you will also find the Webster-Jackson trailhead. The path is moderately steep in places and you’ll need to walk over lots of “bridges” as it seems to get pretty muddy.
At the summit, there’s a rocky outcrop that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It took us about 15-20 minutes to reach the summit where we took in the beautiful views and enjoyed our Grab-and-Go picnic lunch we got from J-Town Deli.
Pop into the Crawford Notch Depot Station
Stop into the Crawford Notch Depot Station if you want to visit the gift shop, grab a snack or use the restrooms. This historic Queen Anne train station was built in 1891 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The station is located across from the Saco Lake and is run by the Appalachian Mountain Club. If you time it right, you may even catch the Conway Scenic Railroad train pulling in as the Mountaineer excursion goes between Crawford Notch and North Conway.
Visit a Historic Site
After your hike, head back to visit the Willey Historic Site, where you’ll find remnants of the Willey family home. This historic site dates back to the 19th century and commemorates the tragic event which happened in 1826 when a massive landslide roared down Mount Willey, destroying everything in its path.
The site has a visitor area where you can walk around and enjoy the views of Willey Pond and the surrounding mountains. The area is especially scenic in the fall when the foliage is at peak and in the winter when snow blankets the valley, adding a peaceful ambiance to the site.
Stop in North Conway
After our visit to Crawford Notch, it was time to head back home. On our way, we drove through North Conway so had to make a stop at Zeb’s!
We love North Conway and could easily spend another couple days exploring that area as well. Zeb’s is a quirky general store with all sorts of nostalgic items, store-made products, gifts and souvenirs that is a must to visit if you are in North Conway.
Check out my 21 Reasons Why North Conway New Hampshire is Worth a Visit to see why you should visit this amazing area.
The Bottom Line
Jackson, NH is one of the best places in the White Mountains to visit, with its quaint village, iconic covered bridge and unique shopping options. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends or as a couple, this area is an ideal base for those who love skiing, hiking, and year-round mountain activities.
Jackson Village’s Loop Drive is the perfect way to get a taste of the town’s highlights. You’ll drive through the heart of Jackson where you’ll pass by Honeymoon Bridge, Historic Inns and all sorts of local shops and restaurants.
With its close proximity to Crawford Notch, Mount Washington, and North Conway, you will have plenty of options to explore and take in the natural beauty of the White Mountains.
While fall is one of the most popular seasons for its colorful foliage and festive activities, Jackson is really a year-round destination with its array of hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic drives, like the nearby Kancamagus Highway. In winter, Jackson transforms into a hub for skiing, with nearby cross-country and downhill options like Black Mountain and the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation.
So, pack those cozy sweaters, get your camera ready, and get ready to soak in the beauty of Jackson and the White Mountains for an unforgettable trip.
Getting to Jackson, NH
Jackson, NH is located on Route 16, in the heart of the White Mountains region, just north of North Conway. The closest major airport to Jackson, NH, is Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland, Maine, about 1.5 hours away by car (about 65 miles). Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston, MA, is around 2.5 hours away (about 135 miles).
As with most New England small towns, a car is necessary if you plan to explore, unless you are traveling with a tour group. Public transportation is limited, and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are often scarce and unreliable in rural areas.
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