New Hampshire’s popular Seek the Peak hike-a-thon will culminate this year with a return to its roots: an après hike celebration at Wildcat Mountain.
For the first time since 2007, the hike-a-thon’s culminating event will be hosted at Wildcat Mountain on July 18. Wildcat is where the event first began 26 years ago.
Seek the Peak is Mount Washington Observatory’s largest fundraiser, directly supporting the observatory’s mountain forecasting, research, and educational programs. During last year’s event, nearly 600 hikers raised more than $300,000.
Participants may hike any trail at any point during the summer leading up to the celebration on July 18. Organizers said that while Mount Washington is often the most popular goal for participants, hikers are encouraged to choose an adventure that fits their own experience and comfort level.
While there will be an organized hike up Mount Washington on July 18, those who do not wish to summit Mount Washington that day and are looking to join a group may select the “Hike and Make Friends” option, which pairs hikers of similar ability levels.
New this year, participants will have the opportunity to take the Wildcat Express chairlift to the summit of Wildcat Mountain and hike down as part of the event on Saturday, July 18. Participants can also opt to ride back down the lift.
Participating hikers can win prizes, including an official Eastern Mountain Sports/Seek the Peak 2026 T-shirt, Minus33/Seek the Peak merino socks, and more, as well as the chance to enter exclusive gear raffles at the Après Hike Celebration.
The Après Hike Celebration at Wildcat Mountain will include a beer garden by Tuckerman Brewing Company, live music, a barbecue feast, gear prizes, a rock-climbing wall, new sponsor activity zones, and fun games for kids and families. Additionally, participants may tour the Mount Washington Observatory’s world-famous mountaintop weather station during Seek the Peak weekend.
Learn more about Seek the Peak.
