A strolling
overview of Jackson Village.
See village
map
Jackson is well-known throughout the northeastern United States and beyond for it's natural beauty and four season recreation opportunities, as well as for the fine lodging, dining and shopping experiences that are also available. The village of Jackson is looking forward to your visit!
For nearly 200 years Jackson and the Mt. Washington Valley region of New Hampshire has held a special attraction for visitors from around the globe. The area's landscape, complete with covered bridges, white steepled churches, high mountains and rolling farmland, has been deemed "sublime" by artists of international renown as well as both downhill and cross country skiers.
The grand hotels and comfortable, authentic "New England" inns have long been known for their warm hospitality. Jackson is home to some of the Mount Washington Valley's finest restaurants, shops and galleries.
A wonderful way to take in the sights of Jackson, while enjoying the fresh New Hampshire air and getting some exercise, is to walk around the one mile "Village Loop" on Main Street/Rt. 16 A and Rt.16. For over a century visitors have been "Strolling the Mile". From the Jackson X-C Touring Center, stroll past the white steeple of the Jackson Community Church and the Jackson Town Library. Directly across the road from the church is Rt. 16B that leads to the Eagle Mountain House and the Junior Olympic Race Courses. On the corner is the Wentworth Resort Hotel. As you continue your stroll, pause on the stone bridge spanning the Wildcat River. The Wildcat is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River, and a gaze upstream will provide a view of Jackson Falls.
After crossing the bridge, you will pass the junction of Rt. 16A and Rt. 16B, also known as 5 Mile Circuit Road. 5 Mile Circuit (actually 5 miles around State Route 16B) goes past Christmas Farm Inn, Whitney's and Black Mountain Ski Area and is the back (long) way to the Eagle Mountain House. The Jackson Grammar School is located at this junction. Next to the Grammar School is the Jackson Falls Market Place, home of the Jackson Post Office, As You Like It Deli, the State of the Art Gallery, and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce. Across 5 Mile Circuit Road from the Post Office is the Jackson Town Hall, which is being used as a Jackson 2000 Waxing Center. Just past the school is the Badger Real Estate office, and adjacent to the office is Yesterday's Restaurant (reasonable hearty breakfasts and lunches!), a regular stop for skiers before and between ski outings.
Across the street from Yesterday's is the Snowflake Inn and the Jack Frost Shop, specializing in gift items, ski apparel and alpine equipment. The building attached to the old Jack Frost Shop was the former home of Jackson Ski Touring before it moved to its present location in December 1998. In the center of the village, just 1/2 mile from the Touring Center, is the Wildcat Tavern, with excellent food for dinner. On Tuesday nights the Wildcat Tavern hosts the famous Hoot Night open mike. It is one of the best nights of music in the Mount Washington Valley. Down the road from the tavern is the Jackson Fire Department. Across from the firehouse are views to the northwest looking back across the Town Park and pond (stocked for fishing for children under the age of 10 during the summer months!) towards the church and the southern ridgelines of the Presidential Range.
As your walk continues, you will pass the Peter Kelly Municipal Building. This building is located on the site of Gray's Inn, one of the grand hotels that served many visitors to the area until it was destroyed by fire in 1983. On the opposite side of the street is the Village House Bed and Breakfast and just up the road adjacent to Jackson's famous Honeymoon Covered Bridge is Myke Morton's Art Gallery. At this point you can enjoy a great view of Jackson's 130-year-old wooden covered bridge. As you cross the bridge, stop to look down over the Ellis River, which is a favorite among fly-fishing enthusiasts during the warmer months.
Your stroll will now lead you along Rt. 16 , which bisects the Wentworth Fields, boasting excellent ski trails for novices during the winter months. Turning counter clockwise starting from the south, the surrounding mountains are - Thorn, Middle (where Martha Rockwell trained in the 1960's for her Olympic and international cross country ski races), Tin, South and North Doublehead, Black, Carter Dome, Wildcat, Spruce, Eagle, Washington, Popple, Maple, and Iron Mountains.Take note of the covered bridge that skiers pass through on their way to the Ellis River Trail, Jackson X-C's favorite trail for those skiers looking for a gentle ski through the forests bordering the banks of the Ellis River. As you bear right back onto Rt. 16A, you will pass the Jackson Historical Society. Across Rte 16 from the village loop is the Lodge at Jackson Village, the Wildcat Service gas station, the Inn at Ellis River and the Shannon Door Pub. Walking back along Rt. 16A, you will pass Thompson House Eatery (known locally as THE) which serves both lunch and dinner. Down the road is the Jackson Bistro and Madeline's coffee shop. These three restaurants are all easy access to the ski trails and great options for hearty, energizing lunches! At this point you will find yourself back at the Touring Center, where you can come in out of the weather, relax by the stone fireplace and pick up any additional information you may need for the rest of your visit in the area.
We look forward to welcoming you to our "spot of gold" in the heart of the White Mountain National Forest!