Jackman Falls, North Woodstock – Jackman Falls are a series of beautiful cascades on Jackman Brook in North Woodstock, New Hampshire. Considered to be a forgotten waterfall these cascades are visited mostly by locals and waterfall enthusiasts. And though we refer to all of the cascades on the brook as Jackman Falls, old documentation indicates that possibly only one of them was the named waterfall.
Like many of the waterfalls in the White Mountains, these cascades were visited in the 1800s. However, the brook was known as Shirt Brook, not Jackman Brook. Sometime in the early 1900s, the name of the brook was changed to Jackman Brook on maps.
During the mid-1800s the Jackman Farm was located in the area. And they operated a mill on this brook. Little remains of the mill site today, but the pile of rocks in the above photo could have been part of the old dam that was linked to the mill.
History books indicate that Jackman Falls is the cascade about 300 feet below the old Jackman mill dam, on the west side of the brook. And I believe the cascades in the above photo are about 300 feet below the old dam site. This south facing view shows the cascades during high water.
Exploring Jackman Falls is only part of the adventure. This area is rich with history and has lots of interesting features. You can also visit the old North Woodstock Civilian Conservation Corps Camp (1935-1939), and the Mt. Cilley Settlement (Peeling), which was abandoned by the 1860s. These areas are connected by abandoned trails and offer excellent photo opportunities.
The last few times I have visited Jackman Falls they have been unimpressive because of low water levels, but in 2014 heavy rains and the spring snow melt transformed these tiny cascades into an impressive scene. After shooting the cascades, I put my camera down and sat on the side of Jackman Brook for an extended length of time to enjoy the moment.
It is funny how an area I have visited before never interested me until this day. I walked away from these falls at peace and was reminded why I chose the path of an environmental photographer. We have to protect and preserve these amazing places for future generations.
All of the above images can be licensed for publications by clicking on the image you are interested in. And you can view more photos of Jackman Falls here.
Happy image making..
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Bibliography:
Carpenter, Frank Oliver. Guide Book to the Franconia Notch and the Pemigewasset Valley. Boston, MA: The Stillings Press, 1898.
Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.