Jackson: Skiing, Sleigh Rides and Trails

Black Mountain in Jackson is the oldest continuously operating ski area in New Hampshire. It offers skiing and snowboarding for all ages and ability levels. When searching, compare the location of a ski hotel with the places that matter for your plans.

Skiing and Lift History at Black Mountain

Black Mountain offers skiing and snowboarding across more than 140 acres, with five lifts and 45 trails.

The area’s lift history is also part of its character. The Shovel Handle, now a J-bar, was the first overhead cable lift in the United States. This historical connection adds a technical distinction to the information about the area, lifts, and trails. If you’re interested in the development of skiing, Black Mountain offers a tangible point of historical interest alongside its current skiing and snowboarding.

Seasonal Activities at Nestlenook Farm

Nestlenook Farm offers seasonal sleigh rides along a 1.5-mile trail. Lights and kerosene lanterns decorate the route, and rides take place in a custom-built Austrian sleigh. This is a different kind of winter experience from a run at Black Mountain: the ride and its illuminated trail setting are the main attractions.

Ice skating is available on the 3-acre Emerald Lake; whether conditions are suitable on a particular date depends on the weather. More than 3 miles of trails wind through a scenic forest on the 65-acre property. Exploring the snow-covered terrain is seasonal and weather-dependent. Conditions therefore vary for your planning: the weather explicitly affects ice skating, and you should also check the seasonal activities for your preferred dates.

Hiking Trails, Forest and Getting Oriented

The Jackson Falls/Historic District offers a one-mile hiking route rated easy to moderate. The Library/Mystery Trail is also one mile long and forms a loop. The two trails can be distinguished by different criteria: the difficulty is specified for the Jackson Falls/Historic District, while the Library/Mystery Trail is identified as a loop. So the same length does not answer the same planning question. If you prefer a loop, the trail format is a useful guide; if the difficulty rating matters to you, the Jackson Falls/Historic District provides that information.

Jackson Field Station has an extensive trail network across 228 acres. The property is also home to one of the earliest known tin mines in North America. This named location brings together trails and a historical connection to mining, though those two features may appeal to different interests.

For getting oriented in town, you can also note the location of Jackson Art Studio and Gallery: it is one mile north of Jackson Village at 155 Ridge Road, off Route 16.

Consider the Winter Program When Looking for Accommodation

First, consider whether skiing and snowboarding, a seasonal activity such as sleigh riding or ice skating, or the trails will be the focus of your trip. You can then check the location and availability of a specific ski hotel and compare your travel dates with the seasonal conditions for your planned activities. This helps you tailor your search for ski-trip accommodation to your travel group’s interests rather than relying on a single activity.

Discover more destinations: Conway, North Conway, Bartlett.

View the broader travel overview: Carroll.