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There’s a natural swimming hole with built-in water slides in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (a Samantha Brown-recommended spot to beat the summer heat) that’s worlds away from the noisy and crowded conditions you’re apt to find at a commercial water park. There’s nary a whiff of chlorine in the air. Just the fresh scent of a mountain forest. We’re talking about Jackson Falls in New Hampshire. Located a stone’s throw from Jackson Village, the falls are relatively gentle. It’s common to see families with young children frolicking in the chilly mountain water. Another family-friendly natural phenomenon, Jackson Falls comprises a series of three separate tiers for a total height of about 100 feet. The breaks between tiers form pools ideal for dipping and splashing. The relatively gentle flow over a longer stretch of terrain creates cascades and slides that may otherwise be inaccessible. Don’t overlook the flat rock surfaces in the middle of the stream. When the water level is just right, they make excellent natural sundecks.
As is the case with many of America’s most beautiful waterfalls you can swim in — this New Hampshire gem requires a bit of a hike. Jackson Falls is located right off the main drag along Route 16B (aka Carter Notch Road), where there’s a small parking lot near the entrance to the upper falls. If you snag a spot, keep an eye on the time, because there’s a two-hour limit. A second access point is within walking distance of Jackson Village. Access leads to the lower falls, which can be more challenging to navigate. Look for a path that starts at a site across from The Wentworth Hotel.
The setting is like something out of a Hallmark movie
Jackson Village is the kind of a quintessential New England town you’d expect to see in a Hallmark movie. Getting from the village to the falls is a pretty easy task. Pick up the necessities at J-Town Deli — this go-to spot in Jackson Village offers a full-service deli along with an array of fresh-baked goodies. The earliest recorded settlement in Jackson Falls dates back to 1778, and the National Registry of Historic Places recognized the Jackson Falls Historic District in 2003. Significant sites include Wentworth Castle, Pratt House and The Parsonage, and Jackson Public Library. Another site of interest, Jackson Covered Bridge (aka Honeymoon Bridge) dates to 1876 and is listed in the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges World Guide of Covered Bridges.
If time permits, consider checking out a few more New Hampshire waterfalls. Located just north of Jackson, Glen Ellis Falls will take you to the heart of Pinkham Notch State Park. Thompson Falls, in Gorham, is a short in-and-out hike of about a mile with stellar views of wildflower fields (wildflower fans may want to check out some of the most beautiful spring flowers around the world) en route. Ripley Falls in Hart’s Location is one of the state’s most dramatic waterfalls, but drama can occasionally equate with danger. Swimming is allowed, but diligence is advised. Whether you’re planning to swim or explore, it’s worth donning a good pair of water shoes to ensure safe footing. While New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway can become a logjam during peak fall foliage season, it’s also the site of one of the state’s most popular waterfalls. At less than ¾-mile in-and-out, Sabbaday Falls is a family-friendly hike that’s just far enough off the beaten path to make it worthy of a detour.
