Hike Mount Jackson
Last summer, after a week in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, we found ourselves trying to decide how to spend the last 24 hours of our trip. We were looking for a short, rewarding hike to cap off our vacation. Wanting an overnight option as well, we ultimately settled on Mt. Jackson. Just 2.5 trail miles from route 302, Mt. Jackson offers spectacular views and easy access to other peaks, campsites, and even an AMC high hut.
Need a map?
Mt. Jackson – New Hampshire 4000 Footer
If you are a peak bagger looking to check Mt. Jackson off of your NH 4000 footer list, the most direct route to the top is via the Webster-Jackson Trail. The trailhead is located on the east side of route 302, just outside the boundary of Crawford Notch State Park and just south of the AMC Highland Center. Parking is along the west side of the road.
Within the first half mile or so of the blue-blazed Webster-Jackson Trail are two opportunities for impressive views. The first is Elephant Head, just one tenth of a mile from the trailhead. We skipped this .2 mile side trip but did make a stop at the highly recommended Bugle Cliff. Hikers who venture to this ledge just 60 yards off the main trail are rewarded with views of Crawford Notch including Saco Lake and the Highland Center.
The Webster-Jackson Trail climbs steadily over rooted and rocky terrain. After 1.3 miles, hikers headed for Mt. Jackson should keep left on the Jackson Branch. Be prepared to use your hands in the final scramble to the summit.
We climbed Jackson on a gorgeous day and were treated to some of my favorite White Mountain views so far. A flat, southern-facing rocky area is a great spot for lunch but don’t forget to turn around and take in Mt. Washington as well.
The Webster Cliff Trail (also the Appalachian Trail) meets the Webster-Jackson Trail at the summit. Hikers have the option of returning the way they came or continuing on the AT.
Make it a Loop Hike
A very popular lollipop-shaped loop also visits the top of nearby Mt. Webster. From the summit of Jackson, head south on the AT (Webster Cliff Trail) 1.3 miles to the summit of Webster. Then, the Webster Branch of the Webster-Jackson Trail will return hikers to the route 302 trailhead.
Make it an Overnight
Looking to spend one more night in the tent before heading home the next morning, we planned to camp at Nauman Tentsite. From the summit of Jackson, we took the AT north 1.6 miles to the campsite located right next to Mizpah Spring Hut.
After an initial steep descent, the trail between Mt. Jackson and Mizpah Spring is fairly flat and makes for fast hiking. The area has some wet and swampy areas with wooden boardwalks over the muddiest sections.
From Nauman Tentsite, hikers can return to route 302 via the Mizpah Cutoff and Crawford Path. Then, the Webster-Jackson Trail parking area is a short road walk south.
We opted to take the road walk on day one of our hike and parked in the White Mountain National Forest lot on Mt. Clinton Road. This parking area is connected to the Crawford Path by the Crawford Connector. There is a fee to park in the lot but I would rather not end a hike on the road and felt better leaving the car in the lot overnight rather than on the side of the road. Part of the road walk on route 302 can also be bypassed by taking the .3 mile Saco Lake Trail.
