Every year as Summit Mt Washington approaches we think, “How can we possibly top last year; it was so amazing.” And this year, in 2022, as in every prior year, the new set of hikers, volunteers and sponsors found a way to make our 11th annual Summit Mt Washington even more memorable, more beautiful and more amazing.

Special thanks to the hike organizers, leaders, sweeps and volunteers who make the hike possible and help keep everyone safe.

The weather again cooperated, creating a mystical ascent through fog-shrouded forest at the start and opening up for expansive views into the clouds as hikers rose higher and higher on the mountain.

This year more than 90 hikers checked in for our 5.2 mile trek up the Jewell Trail to summit of the highest peak in the Northeast.

We thank all the hike leads, sweeps and other volunteers who helped organize the event and keep everyone safe, including Staci Formaggia, Suzanne Gould, Dana Kedziora, Mark Langdon, Donna Chapman, Brandon Parenteau, John Henry, Christina Urbanski, and Diana and Paul Huffman (there in spirit).

Special thanks go to the hike’s original founder, Sue Twombley, and to the Mount Washington Cog Railway Assistant GM Ryan Presby and to the entire Presby family for accommodating and supporting our annual hike!

Thanks also to all the hikers who encouraged each other and kept on going until the summit was reached!

After mini-celebrations when breaking through treeline, the real exhilaration comes on the summit.

Many more summit and scenic photos from this year’s amazing hike are in the gallery below.

And now our prize announcement

Our hikes are meant to be awesome experiences that hikers will remember for lifetime. They are also important fundraisers that enable us to advance the state of science regarding brain & behavior and to conserve wilderness trails.

This year, 83 hikers raised $100 or more, receiving quick-dry HIKE for Mental Health hiking shirt. Seven of those hikers raised between $1,000 and $3,000 – thank you to Elizabeth Poulin, Laurie Lawrence, Mark Langdon, Brian Hinnebusch, Jennifer Hoffer, Paula Uhrin, and Conor O’Grady.

And finally, two hikers raised more than $3,000 each. Lauren Hoffer reached $3,341 and Eric Hoffer reached $3,836! As you might be able to tell from the names, they were part of team, hiking in memory and honor of Greg Hoffer. The team also included Elizabeth, Alyssa and Jen. And Eric wanted to make sure it was clear that it was Elizabeth who organized their group and spread the hashtag #GregHofferLove. Check out their hike pages:

• Eric’s page: https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/erics-missthatgreg-hike-for-greghofferlove/
• Girlfriend/Elizabeth’s page: https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/elizabeths-hike-for-mental-health-in-remembrance-of-greg-hoffer/
• Mom/Lauren’s page: https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/greghofferlove/
• Friend/Alyssa’s page: Alyssa’s Hike for Mental Health/
• Sister/Jen’s page: https://www.hikeformentalhealth.org/hikers/jens-hike-for-greghofferlove/

An amazing tribute

Altogether, the Greg Hoffer team raised $10,797! What an amazing tribute to Greg! You can read more about Greg’s life here.

As the top fundraiser, Eric will receive a brand new Asym Classic backpacking hammock generously donated by Hennessey Hammock. Thank you, Hennessey Hammock and congratulations to Eric and the entire Greg Hoffer team.

And the grand total is…

Summit Mt Washington is not only a tremendous experience with memories for a lifetime; it is also an important fundraiser for HIKE for Mental Health. 100% of the funds raised by the hikers will go to our mission. 80% funds brain & behavior research to drive better understanding of and treatments for mental illnesses. And 20% is a “give-back” to conserve wilderness trails.

The 11th Annual Summit Mt Washington hike reached a new record: $40,292.01! a twenty five percent leap from the previous record!! Thank you to all the hikers and their sponsors! As Staci would say, You all rock!

We hope to see you all back next year for Summit Mt Washington 2023!

Photo Gallery