How to Climb Mt. Jackson in New Hampshire

The Mt Jackson trail can be rough in places, but is hikable by almost anyone of moderate fitness

Mount Jackson is often climbed together with Mount Webster, as part of a loop trail. Mt Jackson stands at 4,052 feet and is the southernmost 4,000-footer on Mount Washington's southern ridge, and part of the Presidential Ridge. The mountain was named after Charles Thomas Jackson, a nineteenth century New Hampshire state geologist. While the round trip is only around 5.2 miles, some rough walking over roots and rocks, and a steep trail, makes this hike a bit arduous.

Things You'll Need

• Hiking shoes
• Water
• Warm clothing

Instructions

Hiking Mt Jackson

1. Park in the parking lot at the Crawford Notch Visitor Center. This is located on the south side of US route 302. Find it by setting your GPS to 44.2151°N, 71.4081°W. From I-93, take exit 35 and follow US Route 3 about 11 miles north. Turn right onto US Route 302 and go east about 8.9 miles to the visitor center.

2. Start the hike by crossing over Route 302 and joining the Webster-Jackson trail head, which is clearly marked with a signpost about .2 miles south of the of the Visitor Center. The trail is well marked with blue blazes and is easy to follow.

3. Head southeast along the Webster-Jackson Trail, climbing immediately into the woods. After around 0.1 miles, you will see a trail intersection. To the right is a turn-off for a short side path that leads to the Elephant Head Spur. This is a ledge that forms the east side of the Gate of the Notch and offer lovely views.

4. Return to the main trail. The Webster-Jackson Trail crosses Little Mossy Brook at 0.3 miles. At around 0.6 miles another short side path leads to the right to another viewpoint at the top of Bugle Cliff. Return to the main trail and continue walking uphill over rocks and roots, watching out for loose rocks and scree. At 0.9 miles, the trail crosses Flume Cascade Brook.

   At the 1.4 mile mark you will reach the junction that splits the trail between Mt Jackson and Mt Webster. To climb Mt Jackson, take the left fork. The summit is a further 1.2 miles uphill, at 4,052 feet. From the summit, there are spectacular views in all directions.

Hiking the loop trail

1. To climb both Mt Jackson and Mt Webster on a loop trail, begin as before but at the junction (at 1.4 miles) take the right fork towards Mt Webster.

2. Continue hiking for 1 mile, which will bring you to a junction with the Webster Cliff Trail. Take the right fork at the junction and follow the Webster Cliff Trail for 0.1 miles to the rocky summit of Mount Webster.

3. Retrace your steps for 0.1 mile and return to the junction of the Webster Cliff Trail and Webster-Jackson Trail. Take the right fork along the Webster Cliff Trail for 1.4 miles to the summit of Mount Jackson.

4. Descend by going down the Webster-Jackson Trail. You will return to the fork in Webster-Jackson Trail after 1.2 miles. Keep hiking straight down (at the junction, take the right fork). You will reach the parking area after around 1.4 miles.

Tips & Warnings

• The trail can get slippery with ice in winter. Always check the weather before setting out.

References

• Hike New Hampshire
• Hike New England