Gorgeous weather and stunning views greeted our 4th Annual Summit Mt. Washington hikers on August 22 in New Hampshire. More than 50 hikers of all ages made the 5.2 mile ascent on the Jewell Trail to the summit of the highest peak in the northeastern US.

Over the past four years, this hike has grown from a dozen hikers raising about $2,600 in 2012 to this year’s event in which more than 50 participants raised more than $11,000. We thank all the hikers and their many sponsors!

HIKE for Mental Health is an all-volunteer organization, and 100% of funds raised from the hike go mental health research and trail conservancy.

The hikers were met at the summit by hike founder Sue Twombley. She planned the first Summit Mt. Washington in 2012 and envisioned it as an annual event right from the beginning. We still give all hikers bright orange HIKE for Mental Health bandanas, another tradition which Sue originated. Thank you, Sue, for your vision and your openness in helping to overcome the stigma that too-often still accompanies mental illness.

We were also honored on this year’s hike to witness the engagement of HIKE for Mental Health Director of Hike Development Diana Pease and Paul Huffman on the sixth anniversary of their first date. Congratulations, Diana and Paul, and thank you for letting us be a part of the special moment!

..it really was a tough hike. Took me 4 1/2 hours and it was hard work the whole way. Legs were cramping. Pouring sweat. Elevated heart rate the whole way. Huffing and puffing. ….

But the experience was wonderful. Made some good friends. Saw magnificent views. And yes, we were above the clouds. Mt. Washington is an incredible place.

– Mt. Washington hiker Pat Zinna

Check out other great photos from the hike…

Group picture of hikers at the start of the hike in front of the cog railway station.

And one more time, with enthusiasm!

Thanks to Lightheart Gear, Leki, Vasque, Kelty, Point6, Princeton Tec, and ZPacks for their donations to our 2015 top hiker prize package, a collection of brand-new gear worth more than $1,000 for the hiker who raises the most from all our hikes in 2015!