Climbing Mount Washington: Lessons in Resilience, Mindset, and Mental Health
What if the biggest obstacle standing in your way isn’t your body—but your mind?
This is what I discovered during my attempts to climb Mount Washington, one of the most challenging and dangerous mountains in the U.S. It’s not just a hike—it’s a battle with self-doubt, preparation, and mental endurance.
Before I even considered Mount Washington, I completed the Fire Tower Challenge in the Catskills. Those steep climbs were my training ground, helping me build strength for what I knew would be a grueling 5-mile continuous uphill trek on the Jewell Trail, followed by a decision: hike down, take the Cog, or get a ride. My only goal? Reach the summit.
Prior to my attempt in 2023, I never thought I could do this. When I visited New Hampshire in 2021 and took the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington, I was in awe of its beauty—but also intimidated. I knew this mountain had a deadly reputation, claiming lives of hikers who were just steps from the summit because the weather turned without warning. It was beautiful but scary. At the time, I thought, There’s no way I could ever attempt this.
But something changed. I started working through those self-doubts by preparing—physically and mentally—because courage is built through consistent steps forward.
To prepare, I relied on Orangetheory Fitness—high-intensity workouts mixing cardio and strength training—and back-to-back hikes. The weekend before my first attempt in 2023, I pushed myself hard: three mountains, 6,000 ft of elevation gain. I felt amazing, confident… unstoppable.
But confidence isn’t immunity to setbacks.
On event day, organized by HIKE for Mental Health (an incredible nonprofit that combines hiking with raising funds for mental health research and trail preservation), the excitement was palpable. HIKE for Mental Health hosts this Mount Washington climb every year on the fourth Saturday of August, and the community and purpose behind it make it unforgettable.
The weather forecast called for rain, meaning most hikers wouldn’t attempt the summit. My plan was simple: make it to tree line and see what happens. At 6 AM, we registered; by 7 AM, boots hit the trail. The Jewell Trail was beautiful—dense, wet forest, rushing streams, a hazy mist that made it feel otherworldly.
Then came the pain. A sharp pull in my left knee turned into something I couldn’t ignore. After a few miles, I made the tough call to turn back. And you know what? I wasn’t sad. I wasn’t disappointed. I was proud—proud that I listened to my body, proud of what I had accomplished up to that point.
I spent the rest of the day volunteering, cheering for others, and sharing my story. The orthopedic later confirmed I had overworked my body. My knees were healthy, but I needed more strength training and rest. So, I vowed: Next year, I’ll try again—but smarter.
Fast forward to August 2024.
This time, I approached with balance—same training, but no overkill. The day was perfect: sunshine, clear skies, no storms. My heart swelled as I climbed higher than the year before. Tears came when I reached tree line—a magical place where the forest ends and the world opens. I could see the Presidential Range and miles of rugged beauty.
Was it easy? No. My knees were swollen, my body tired, but there was no pain like before. This was progress. This was victory.
At that moment, I made my decision: tree line was my summit.
And that was enough.
I danced. I cried. I celebrated. And I learned something profound: our bodies can do so much more than our minds often allow. It’s the mental roadblocks—fear, doubt, perfectionism—that hold us back. When we challenge those thoughts, amazing things happen.
Hiking Mount Washington: What You Should Know
Location: White Mountains, New Hampshire
Height: 6,288 ft – the highest peak in the Northeast
Why it’s dangerous: Unpredictable, extreme weather; the mountain has claimed over 150 lives
Trail Info: Jewell Trail – about 5 miles up, 10 miles round-trip
Preparation: Layered clothing (for all weather), nutrition (snacks every 2 hours), hydration, strength and cardio training, and a strong mental game
HIKE for Mental Health: Learn more about this amazing nonprofit
Why HIKE for Mental Health Matters
This cause means the world to me because it combines two things I care deeply about: mental health awareness and nature conservation. HIKE for Mental Health’s mission is to raise funds for mental health research and maintain the trails we love.
Their goal this year is $40,000, and they are only 33% away from reaching it. Although I’m not attending the climb this year (I completed my Scotland Trek earlier this summer), I still want to help them hit that goal.
Please consider donating here: HIKE for Mental Health Donation Page
Every dollar counts—all proceeds go to mental health research and trail conservation.
What This Taught Me About Therapy
Climbing Mount Washington isn’t just about reaching a summit—it’s about overcoming mental obstacles, pacing yourself, and practicing mindfulness when things get hard. Therapy works the same way:
It’s a journey, not a race
There are setbacks, and that’s okay
Small wins matter
Self-compassion is everything
Your tree line moment counts just as much as the summit.
Work With Me
If you’re ready to work through your own mountains—whether it’s anxiety, self-doubt, or life transitions—I’d love to support you on that journey. I offer Walk & Talk Therapy in New Jersey and virtual therapy for adults in NJ, FL, and SC.
Let’s climb your mountain together.
Book a free consultation here