Still Time for Hikers to Unite for 25th Anniversary of “Seek the Peak” Hike-a-thon to Support Mount Washington Observatory

Generous donor will match all fundraising 1:1 in July up to $25,000

North Conway, NH– Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to support Mount Washington Observatory’s (MWOBS) weather science and education programs by joining the nonprofit organization’s 25th anniversary of its Seek the Peak hike-a-thon. Celebrating a quarter of a century of impact, the fundraising event invites family, friends and adventurers to raise funds to support MWOBS operations, forecasting, research and educational programs. Following the hike-a-thon, participants will have the chance to celebrate on Saturday, July 19, at the Après Hike Expo at Great Glen Trails. Hikers can also maximize their fundraising impact, as all donations up to $25,000 will be matched 1:1 from now until July 19.

“This event is more than just a hike; it is a celebration where the community comes together to support the Observatory and the beauty of the White Mountains. All our accomplishments and successes are possible due to the generosity of our supporters,” said Drew Bush, MWOBS Executive Director. “We are constantly striving to show our state’s millions of visitors how great the New Hampshire outdoors are and inspire them through our robust educational programs and services, which is all achievable because of the support of the hundreds of enthusiastic Seek the Peak participants each year.”

Seek the Peak Participants

Last year, more than 360 hikers raised more than $228,000 to support MWOBS. To continue generating crucial funding for its programs and services, MWOBS is aiming to raise $250,000 during this year’s 25th anniversary event, with nearly $145,000 raised so far by more than 400 hikers and supporters.

Chris Nichols is among the many hikers who have been participating in the Seek the Peak Hike-a-Thon for years and has historically been a top fundraiser for the event. Through this fundraiser, Chris has summited Mount Washington 17 times and has made it a goal to climb New Hampshire’s highest peak 17 more times before this year’s event on July 19.

“This is my 18th year participating in this great event for a great cause! Each year I try to come up with something different, whether it’s a different trail, a different time of day (I’ve climbed to see the sunrise twice over the years, though I only saw it once), or some other challenge,” Nichols said.

The Middleton family has also been longtime Seek the Peak participants. Three generations of the family have been hiking Mount Washington every year for the past few decades as part of Seek the Peak, including 95-year-old Jack Middleton and his son Peter Middleton. Though Jack will be cheering from the valley this year, Peter and his son, Ben Middleton, will once again hike Mount Washington.

Nimbus, the resident summit cat on Mount Washington, has also raised thousands of dollars for MWOBS each year. Adopted from the Conway Area Humane Society and named after a type of large gray cloud that brings precipitation, Nimbus has raised more than $30,000 over the past few years.

Hike-a-Thon

While Mount Washington tends to be the most popular hike each year, hiking Mount Washington is not required, nor is it required to hike on July 19. Participants may choose to hike any trail, any day, as long as the hike is completed by July 19. This year, MWOBS is also partnering with the Forest Service to educate hikers on how to adventure safely while keeping the trails clean and unharmed.

Hikers of all abilities can sign up individually or as part of a team at seekthepeak.org, with the sign-up fee counting toward their fundraising total. The “Hike and Make Friends” option helps participants find fellow hikers who match their hiking abilities and preferences. There is a myriad of prizes for participating, such as 2025 Seek the Peak t-shirts, backpacks, patches, entry to gear raffles and a barbecue feast at the Après Hike Expo.

Après Hike Expo

Following the Seek the Peak Hike-a-Thon, MWOBS will be hosting its Après Hike Expo on Saturday, July 19, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Great Glen Trails. This family-friendly event is open to the public and includes live music, giveaways, a BBQ-style feast provided by Chef Joe’s Catering, Tuckerman Brewing Company’s beer garden, industry-leading gear brands, and activities for kids, including a rock-climbing wall and New Hampshire Scouting’s “Mobile Base Camp” with archery range. This year, MWOBS is also partnering with the Granite Outdoor Alliance to introduce local gear brands to the expo, as well as support their mission to protect and preserve nature in New Hampshire. All participants will have the opportunity to tour MWOBS’ mountaintop weather station and enjoy summit cookies provided by Big Dave’s Bagels during the Seek the Peak weekend. Interactive weather-themed games will also be included for kids to learn and play at the event. Registration fees are waived for all students and youth 15 years of age and younger.

Seek the Peak is supported by Presenting Sponsors Arc’Teryx, Eastern Mountain Sports, Helly Hansen, Martini Northern and Great Glen Trails, with additional support from Event Sponsors Tuckerman Brewing Company, Minus33, Oboz Footwear, Garmin, Mountainsmith, NEMO Equipment, L.L.Bean, The Soaking Pot, Vail Resorts, Wildly Responsible, White Mountain Oil & Propane, Burgeon Outdoor, Granite Outdoor Alliance, the Appalachian Mountain Club, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Northeast Delta Dental, NHPR, Good To-Go, Conway Broadcasting (93.5 WMWV, Magic 104.5, and Easy 95.3), Peter Limmer & Sons, Mt. Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Terracea and New Hampshire State Parks.

To learn more and to register, visit: seekthepeak.org. MWOBS reminds hikers to hikeSafe and Leave No Trace.

Photo Caption: Now celebrating 25 years of impact, the Seek the Peak fundraising event invites family, friends and adventurers to raise funds to support Mount Washington Observatory’s operations, forecasting, research and educational programs. Hikers of all abilities can register at seekthepeak.org and start fundraising.

About Mount Washington Observatory:

Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. Our summit facility is located within Mount Washington State Park. For more information, call 603-356-2137 or visit mountwashington.org.

Contact:
Ellen Estabrook, Communications Manager
(603) 356-2137, ext. 223
eestabrook@mountwashington.org

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