Jackson Falls
Swimming pool
4.8 (715)
1 Carter Notch Rd, Jackson, NH 03846
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Regional Waterfall Group With Distinct Access RulesNH
Pinkham Notch Swimming Spots In New Hampshire
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan three named Pinkham-region waterfall visits with Jackson's parking rules, current access checks and no transferred visitor-center swimming permission.
Swimming restriction
Jackson three marked spaces require qualifying stickers, with two-hour falls parking. No waterfall jumping, downstream scrambling or clothing-optional permission endorsed; verify individual manager rules.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Regional Waterfall Group With Distinct Access Rules
Access
Informal
Fee
No universal three-falls admission established. Jackson's three reserved parking spaces require qualifying stickers; separate operator/Forest Service arrangements must be checked.
Best season
Check current named-site trail/parking notices and actual flow. Historic swimming use and July rescue dates are not a safe-water season or current closure
Nearby towns
Jackson, Glen, Pinkham Notch
Water body
Wildcat River, Ellis River And Thompson Brook
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Jackson, Glen, Pinkham Notch
Access location not verified
PINKHAM NOTCH, NH
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Pinkham Notch Waterfalls
The actual three archived stops are Jackson Falls, Glen Ellis Falls and Thompson Falls. The saved AMC Pinkham Notch Visitor Center is not any of those water entrances. The town-hosted 2005 Wildcat River plan recognizes Jackson Falls swimming use, but that historical management context does not establish unrestricted parking or bathing permission at all three falls.
Read Jackson's parking rules before a village visit
The town's currently linked parking document, revised May 2022, reserves three marked falls spaces for qualifying property owners and long-term renters with valid stickers. It also limits falls parking to two hours. Use current public-access signs and lawful alternative parking rather than treating every roadside space as visitor parking. Contact the Conservation Commission about current bank work or restrictions; a stabilization plan is not proof the falls are closed.
Do not turn Glen Ellis scenery into a downstream swim route
The archive itself excludes swimming at Glen Ellis Falls, then suggests unverified downstream water entries. Do not repeat that shortcut or its clothing-optional claim. Current Forest Service access information was not reliably recovered in this bounded check, so verify the intended trail and notices with the district before travel. NH Fish and Game's July 2026 rescue report documents a severe jumping incident here; it is not a depth survey or an endorsement of any jumping spot.
Check Wildcat's hiking access independently
The operator describes its Main Base and overflow parking, but that does not authorize the archived pool at Thompson Falls or guarantee a thirty-minute approach. Confirm the current hiking route, operating arrangements and water restrictions. AMC visitor-center toilets, services or photographs do not become facilities at the three waterfalls.
Check the specific destination before travel
Getting There
Choose Jackson Falls, Glen Ellis Falls or Thompson Falls explicitly and use current town/Forest Service/operator instructions. Respect Jackson sticker-only spaces and do not use an AMC center pin as the water entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Choose Jackson Falls, Glen Ellis Falls or Thompson Falls explicitly and use current town/Forest Service/operator instructions. Respect Jackson sticker-only spaces and do not use an AMC center pin as the water entry.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Jackson three marked spaces require qualifying stickers, with two-hour falls parking. No waterfall jumping, downstream scrambling or clothing-optional permission endorsed; verify individual manager rules. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Green Meadow Camping Area
Campground
4.1 (192)
44 Green Meadow Campground Rd, Glen, NH 03838
Jellystone Park™ Glen Ellis
Campground
4.4 (1208)
83 Glen Ellis Campground Rd, Glen, NH 03838
Glen Ellis Camground
Campground
4.6 (85)
83 Glen Ellis Campground Rd, Glen, NH 03838
Public restroomRestroomRunning waterTent sites
Diana's Baths
Tourist attraction
4.7 (3910)
Bartlett, NH 03812
Flat, 0.6-mi. hike to a scenic group of small waterfalls, rock ledges & pools along Lucy Brook.
Restroom
Glen Ellis Falls Trailhead
Hiking area
4.9 (434)
White Mountain National Forest, Appalachian Trl, Jackson, NH 03846
Saco Ranger Station
Visitor center
4.8 (337)
33 Kancamagus Hwy, Conway, NH 03818
Restroom
Androscoggin Ranger Station
Visitor center
4.8 (138)
300 Glen Rd, Gorham, NH 03581
Restroom
Frequently Asked Questions About Pinkham Notch Swimming Spots In New Hampshire
Which three waterfalls does the archive name?
Jackson Falls, Glen Ellis Falls and Thompson Falls. The AMC visitor center is a separate place, not a replacement for those entrances.
Does a manager source recognize Jackson Falls swimming?
The town-hosted 2005 Wildcat River management plan recognizes it. That dated evidence is not today's water-quality result or unrestricted permission at every bank.
Can visitors use all marked Jackson Falls parking spaces?
No. The three designated spaces in the town's linked rules require qualifying property-owner or long-term-renter stickers. Falls parking is limited to two hours.
Can we follow the old Glen Ellis downstream swimming route?
No current lawful bathing route is established by that account. Check current Forest Service access and stay off waterfall edges; do not jump or rely on the clothing-optional anecdote.
Does Wildcat's parking page guarantee a Thompson Falls pool visit?
No. It describes resort parking, not current water-entry permission, an exact hike time or safe basin conditions.
Are AMC services or photos part of all three falls?
No. The visitor center is separate. Its toilets, food, photographs or general recreation information must not be assigned to waterfall entries.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Avoid jumping, diving, natural slides and high or rising flow
- A recreation listing or clear appearance is not a water-quality or depth guarantee
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Historical directions are retained separately; use current manager instructions for travel.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from currently lawful viewpoints; no exact water-entry photograph is approved here.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Follow current manager routes and fire restrictions, respect private parcels and pack out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check current named-site trail/parking notices and actual flow. Historic swimming use and July rescue dates are not a safe-water season or current closure.
Difficulty Level
Confirm the precise current lawful approach and your party's abilities; no surveyed accessible bathing entrance established.
Fee
No universal three-falls admission established. Jackson's three reserved parking spaces require qualifying stickers; separate operator/Forest Service arrangements must be checked.
Facilities
No current common waterfall restroom, changing room, potable-water or lifeguard service established. AMC visitor-center amenities are not facilities at these falls.
Activities
Jackson Falls swimming recognized in the town-hosted 2005 river plan, subject to current access checks; scenic waterfall visits. No current general swimming permission at Glen Ellis or Thompson established.
Phone
603-383-4223
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No camping permission at these falls or their parking areas established; reserve separate authorized accommodation.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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