Jackson Falls
Swimming hole in Jackson, New Hampshire · Waterfall
Jackson Falls is a waterfall swimming hole. It is near Jackson, New Hampshire. Access is free. Best season: July–August for swimming.
Typical season: July–August for swimming
About Jackson Falls
**Jackson Falls** (often searched as **Jackson Falls NH** or **Jackson Falls New Hampshire**) is a classic White Mountains swimming hole on **Wildcat Brook** in Jackson. Stepped granite creates a string of cold pools a short hop from North Conway lodging and Pinkham Notch trailheads. It is free and unofficial. no lifeguards, limited parking, and a reputation for weekend crowds. Read access notes, then browse more NH swimming holes or sort by distance on near me.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Waterfall
- Water body
- Wildcat Brook
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Jackson
- State
- New Hampshire
- Coordinates
- 44.15110, -71.18000
- Best season
- July–August for swimming; after moderate rain for fuller cascades. Avoid peak holiday weekends if you want space.
- Access difficulty
- Easy — short walk from Carter Notch Road / Jackson Falls access to the ledges.
- Parking
- Roadside / pull-off
- Restrooms
- None on site
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- Nearby White Mountain National Forest campgrounds and private lodging in Jackson / North Conway.
- Activities
- Swimming, sunning on granite, photography
- Facilities
- None at the falls — no restrooms. Use town facilities in Jackson or North Conway.
- Listing last updated
- October 6, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitJuly, August for swimming; after moderate rain for fuller cascades. Avoid peak holiday weekends if you want space.
- AccessEasy. short walk from Carter Notch Road / Jackson Falls access to the ledges.
- FacilitiesNone at the falls. no restrooms. Use town facilities in Jackson or North Conway.
- Camping nearbyNearby White Mountain National Forest campgrounds and private lodging in Jackson / North Conway.
Highlights & features
- Wildcat Brook cascade pools
- North Conway day trip
- Free village swimming hole
- Multi-tier granite slides and pools
- Close to Pinkham Notch hiking corridor
- High weekend popularity — arrive early
How to get there
From North Conway / Route 16, follow signs into **Jackson**. Use the established Jackson Falls access off **Carter Notch Road** (local trip reports also reference Jackson Falls Road pull-offs).
Park only where posted legal; do not block private drives. Walk a short path to the brook ledges.
Plan your visit
Bring water shoes and a small pack. Midweek mornings are quieter. Pair with Pinkham Notch swimming spots or a Kancamagus stop. do not try to “do every falls” in one hot afternoon.
Access & fees
Informal public brook access; no fee. No facilities. Confirm you are not on posted private land. Carry out all trash.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Jackson Falls New Hampshire?
On Wildcat Brook in the village of Jackson, a short drive from North Conway and Pinkham Notch. Access is via Carter Notch Road / Jackson Falls Road approaches used by locals — park legally and do not block driveways.
Is Jackson Falls NH free?
Yes — no gate fee. Parking is informal and limited; tow-away zones apply on busy days.
Can you swim at Jackson Falls?
Yes in the stepped granite pools when flow is moderate. Depth varies by ledge; never dive without checking the same day. After heavy rain the brook runs fast.
Jackson Falls vs Glen Ellis Falls?
Jackson Falls is the swim-friendly village cascade. Glen Ellis Falls (Pinkham Notch) is a scenic White Mountain waterfall where swimming at the falls is typically discouraged or restricted — see our Glen Ellis listing.
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