Founded in 1800, this historic village in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire looks just like an old-time postcard, with a covered bridge, white-steepled church, and a river that splashes over waterfalls in town.

But the action scene is definitely contemporary, as hardy outdoors enthusiasts head into the surrounding national forest to hike, climb, and camp in rugged granite hills and canoe the cold, clear streams that run through them.

All prices in U.S. dollars
 

Access
Major airlines serve Portland, Maine, 75 miles [121 kilometers] southeast.

Canoeing
Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center (+1 603 466 2333; www.mt-washington.com/ggt) runs daylong Androscoggin River trips into the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge for $80.

Hiking
Trails head into the hills in every direction. Just outside town the 6.3-mile [10-kilometer] Imp Trail winds up a series of ledges, passes waterfalls, and reaches Imp Face, where expansive views take in the Presidential Range.

For reservations at the eight European-style huts scattered along trails in the White Mountain National Forest, contact the Appalachian Mountain Club (+1 603 466 2727; www.outdoors.org).

Fishing
The Ellis River runs through town in a rocky string of pocket water full of brook, brown, and rainbow trout. For guides, tackle, and fishing maps, contact North Country Angler (+1 603 356 6000).

Climbing
South of Jackson, more than 300 routes line the Cathedral and White Horse Ledges, which are 500 and 800 vertical feet [150 and 240 meters], respectively, of solid granite face.

Daylong lessons with the EMS Climbing School (800 310 4504 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.emsclimb.com) start at $135.

Biking
The Lower Nanamocomuck Trail sets out from the Albany Bridge and winds into the national forest, with lots of swimming holes and climbing crags en route.

Rentals at Joe Jones Ski & Sport (+1 603 356 9411; www.joejonessports.com) are $25 per day.

Room and Board
Eagle Mountain House (doubles from $109; 800 966 5779 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.eaglemt.com), last of the area's grand hotels, has drawn outdoorsy types since 1879.

Resources
Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce (800 866 3334 [U.S. and Canada only]; www.jacksonnh.com)

White Mountain National Forest (+1 603 528 8721; www.fs.fed.us/r9/white)