Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS SEEK THE PEAK?
Seek the Peak is not just about summiting Mount Washington—it’s about finding the hike that’s right for you! Choose any trail, anywhere, and hike anytime between now and July 18 in support of Mount Washington Observatory.
As the annual peer-to-peer fundraiser for the nonprofit Mount Washington Observatory, hikers from across the region and beyond hit the trails to support weather research, forecasting, and education. Participants raise funds from friends, family, and coworkers, then complete their hike on their chosen trail.
On July 18, all are invited to celebrate at our Après Hike Celebration, featuring great food, live music, fun, and prizes! Can’t make it that day? No problem—hike on a different date and a trail of your choice, anywhere in the world. However you participate, you’re helping us reach new heights!
DO YOU HAVE TO BE AN OBSERVATORY MEMBER TO PARTICIPATE?
No, anyone interested in supporting MWOBS can participate, and all participants are encouraged to select a hike based on their own ability.
IS IT A GUIDED ACTIVITY?
No, Seek the Peak participants hike on their own, choosing any trail, any time, and finding their own peak—wherever that may be. Whether it’s a challenging summit or a scenic nature walk, the journey is yours to define. Many participants gather friends or family to hike together, making it a shared adventure. If you're looking for inspiration, explore New Hampshire State Park hiking trails for a variety of routes suited to all levels. Remember, there’s no requirement to summit Mount Washington—your peak is wherever you choose to seek it!.
FOR HIKERS OF MOUNT WASHINGTON - IS THERE A SHUTTLE DOWN FROM THE SUMMIT?
The Mt. Washington Auto Road (a separate entity from Mount Washington Observatory) offers a hiker shuttle to the public. The shuttle travels the Auto Road on the east side of the mountain, and will drop hikers at Pinkham Notch or Great Glen Trails (the base of the Auto Road). Shuttle seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Summit Stage Office for $55 per person. You can decide for your friends/family to pick you up on the summit by vehicle, but please understand that they will be subject to fees the Auto Road charges for use of their toll road and opening/closing time constraints. For more information, contact the Mt. Washington Auto Road.
CAN CHILDREN PARTICIPATE?
Yes, we love inspiring young outdoor enthusiasts and encourage you to select a hike geared toward their ability level. We recommend reviewing the Hike Safe page, consulting the Appalachian Mountain Club and educating yourself about the weather conditions using our Higher Summits Forecast. If you think a hike will be too much for your little one, opt for a different activity like a nature walk at Great Glen Trails. Lastly, for participants under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must agree to the waiver on the registration site giving consent to participate.
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
Seek the Peak is held rain or shine. The Après Hike Celebration can be adapted to take place indoors at Wildcat Mountain if needed. Please note that the chairlift may not operate in cases of heavy rain or high winds. Check our Higher Summits Forecast to know what to expect before your hike.
CAN I BRING A GUEST TO THE AFTER PARTY?
Absolutely! If you meet certain fundraising thresholds, you can win entry for additional guest-entry tickets to the Après Hike Celebration. See our Prize Page for details. Après Hike Celebration tickets and Meal Vouchers are also available IN ADVANCE ONLY through our registration page. Beer may be purchased inside the event. Hikers who have paid the hiker registration fee receive a food voucher as a part of their registration.
WHAT DO I DO WITH CASH AND CHECKS?
Enter the donations on your personal fundraising page and mail or deliver all offline donations (ie., cash or checks) to the Observatory's administrative offices by Friday, July 17, 2026. Please do not send cash through the mail; we recommend depositing cash gifts and donating the amount through your Seek the Peak donation page. You can also write us a check for the total, with the donor's names. Our mailing address is:
Mount Washington Observatory
Attn: Seek the Peak
PO Box 2310
North Conway, NH 03860
WHO SHOULD THE CHECKS BE MADE OUT TO?
Please make checks payable to Mount Washington Observatory.
CAN MY PARTNER AND I SIGN UP UNDER A SINGLE REGISTRATION?
You can, but we don't recommend it. One registration = one t-shirt, one set of fundraising incentives, one ticket to the Celebration, one food voucher etc.
HOW DO I GET SEEK THE PEAK GEAR?
Exclusive Seek the Peak gear is available to participants only. And with participant fundraising there are many more amazing gear to win. Check out our Prize Page to learn more.
CAN I JUST TURN IN ALL OF MY DONATIONS ON SEEK THE PEAK SATURDAY?
You can, but we don't recommend it. There might not be t-shirts or backpacks left on Saturday, and prize raffle eligibility is determined on Friday, so donations turned in on Saturday will not be counted towards your prize raffle eligibility.
ARE YOU STILL DOING THE HIKE AND MAKE FRIENDS PROGRAM?
We are continuing our Hike and Make Friends program this year! Simply opt in on your registration form, and we'll follow up to help connect you with fellow hikers at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on July 18 (unguided). Or, connect with member-led hikes through the Hiking Buddies Facebook Group (these hikes are not professionally guided).
IF I WANT TO HIKE - WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO SUMMIT MOUNT WASHINGTON? WHAT'S THE BEST TRAIL FOR A BEGINNER?
There are many trails ascending Mount Washington, each offering a slightly different experience. If you are new to the area, we recommend purchasing a quality guidebook like the Appalachian Mountain Club's White Mountain Guide, and using its maps and trail descriptions to devise a route that fits your group's abilities and ambitions. Total novices may also find it helpful to call the Appalachian Mountain Club directly at their Pinkham Notch Visitor Center (located at major trailheads on the east side of Mount Washington) or their Highland Center (located at major trailheads on the west side of Mount Washington) to ask for their expert advice.
Remember: While there is no "easy" way up Mount Washington, there are many trail options in the area for those who are not ready to summit. If you are unsure of your ability to make it to the top, choose a shorter route or simply go halfway. Seek the Peak isn't a race – it's all about enjoying this place we call home, and making it down in time for the after party!
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE SUMMIT?
Shhh. We won't tell! Kidding aside, always hike within your own limits and abilities. Hiking Mount Washington is a formidable challenge, even for seasoned hikers. However, with the right trail selection and the proper gear, it can be a great day for everyone.
WHEN CAN I START COLLECTING PLEDGE MONEY?
Ready... set... go! You can start collecting donations right now!
WHAT ARE SOME ALTERNATIVE HIKES IF I DON'T WANT TO HIKE MOUNT WASHINGTON?
Mount Willard: This 2,864-foot summit in Crawford Notch is a relatively short hike for an incredible vantage point. The easy-to-moderate 3-mile round-trip along an old carriage road starts on US Rte. 302 near AMC’s Highland Center.
Lonesome Lake: This well traveled loop begins at Lafayette Place Campground off Rte. I-93 South in Franconia Notch. At 3-miles round trip, the trail is rated as moderate, with one section of steeper switchbacks. Highlights include views of Franconia Ridge and Lonesome Lake, where you can visit the AMC hut. Bring money for a snack and say hello to the AMC caretakers!
Mount Chocura: Enjoy 360-degree views from this rugged summit. Moderate-level paths to the top include Piper Trail (4.2 miles each way from Route 16) and Champney Falls Trail (7.6 miles from the Kancamagus Highway).
Mount Kearsarge North: Reaching this 3,268-foot peak includes a 6.2-mile moderately difficult round trip from Hurricane Mountain Road. The Popular Pequawket Fire Tower offers a grand 360-degree view.
Baldface Loop: Near vertical rock faces offer a rewarding ridge walk and stunning views from the 3,570-foot South Baldface and 3,610-foot North Baldface peaks. The 10-mile loop begins on Route 113 in North Chatham.
Great Glen Trails: 45K of trails open for running and walking, no trail pass required!
ARE THERE PLACES TO STAY NEARBY?
Fairfield Inn & Suites North Conway is offering special pricing for Seek the Peak participants until June 2, 2025. You can also stay at AMC's Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch Visitor Center on Seek the Peak weekend so you won't miss a minute of Seek the Peak fun! Located at the base of the Tuckerman Ravine Trail, MWOBS staff will be onsite from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday July 18, 2026 to greet hikers who select this popular route up Mount Washington as their Seek the Peak hike of choice!
WHO CAN I SPEAK TO IF I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS?
We're here to help. Call Mount Washington Observatory at (603) 356-2137 x235 or email events@mountwashington.org.