Mount Jackson Trail is a 5.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Bretton Woods, New Hampshire that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Beautiful winter hike with spectacular views from the summit. 4/3/21. Parked the Jeep at trailhead lot just after 8am. 21 degrees and crystal clear. The trail conditions were ideal. Hard packed. With a fresh 2-3 inches of snow coating the hemlock / pine forest making for a winter wonderland. The first mile is relatively easy. A trail junction to the left at that point is unmarked but there is a blue blaze that confirms: go left and go straight up. Another half mike across a number of streams to the Webster-Jackson loop juncture. Note The stream/ water runoff I could see being a problem later in Spring, when warmer temps melt the hard pack. From junction, it’s 1.2 miles straight up to the summit of Jackson. This entire trail is below tree line until 100-150 yards of the peak. The last section was tricky/ icy with some scrambling. Very windy. Rewarding views. Not another sole :)) Was planning to do the loop but the ridge trail to Webster was not travelled, and the wind was howling. Saw lots of snowshoe hare tracks and bobcat tracks. And the boreal chickadees we’re friendly. The descent was relaxing though ran into crowds. Extended the hike over to Elephant Head, nice little overlook to the notch. Spikes needed. 5.8 miles 3.5 hours RT. Go for it.
Spikes still needed today 3/27. Went out and back on Jackson as we were worried about the water crossing on Webster. The melt was really coming down and there was one tricky water crossing on Jackson Trail. Summit was completely socked in so there was no view. Sun came out during the descent and boy was everything melting, it was almost like it was raining with the sun shining bright. Slush on top of snow super slippery on descent. Beautiful hike
Hiked on 3/20. Trails were icy/slushy until above treeline when it turned into softer snow. Final 0.4 km to the summit was a bit precarious - some scrambling. Couldn’t stay too long at the top due to wind conditions but 360 degree views were worth it. Make sure to bring a sled so you can slide down the mountain! Microspikes definitely required, snowshoes not necessary.
Wife and I hiked Mount Jackson yesterday (22 March 2021). WOW!! What a wonderful day!! Weather was perfect. Temp at the summit was 54 degrees. Experienced no wind at all while hiking. Reached the summit in 2 hours 32 minutes. Wife and I are in our mid 50's and avid hikers. Trail was well packed. Packed so well that there are a few icy spots. No need to fret, just don't forget your micro-spikes, they are a "must have" on this hike. Trail is a steady incline from the start. Trail is listed as difficult in alltrails.com. I'd call it more of a moderately-difficult hike. Our descent took us just under two hours. Amazing views at the summit!! Definitely add Mount Jackson to your winter hike list!!
Well maintained! Definitely requires microspikes - trail is snowy and icy the entire way. Beautiful day with very little wind at the top.
So fun!! For sure still need spikes but all in all, an incredible hike/day!
Temp. 8 degrees at trailhead and breezy. Beautiful inside the Forrest but still chilly. Below zero at the top, sustained winds at 30 with consistent strong gusts. Get in, get out.
Decent packed snow most of the way. It got a bit soft near the summit, but only for a hundred yards or so. If you plan on continuing to Webster from this summit be sure to bring snow shoes. I was sinking past my knees, so I turned back. Spikes are enough to summit Jackson, but snow shoes may have made some parts easier. Almost no wind, and pretty clear at the summit with great views.