About Mt. Kearsarge
Hill Climb
The 2nd most famous hill climb in NH!
The Mt. Kearsarge Hill Climb features a challenging climb up one of the tallest peaks in NH. Initially held in 2013, this was an annual event through 2019. After a pandemic-induced hiatus we brought the event back under new direction in 2023.
We are thrille dto continue this venerable event and we look forward to welcoming cyclists to test their mettle on Mount Kearsarge for years to come!
General Event Info
Situated near the quaint New England Village of Warner NH, the event offers cyclists an incredible climb to the summit of iconic Mt. Kearsarge and a fun after-party!
RACe Headquarters
Park
Plenty of parking will be available at the nearby Simonds Elementary School
REGISTRATION:
Packet pick up opens at 7 AM on ride day at HQ.
How
The race may be conducted on a properly prepared bicycle. Bring your climbing gears (and legs:)
Start
Start rolls off at 8:15 AM
Course
Riders roll off behind a lead vehicle onto Kearsarge Mountain Road (KMR). The rolling start is then about 1/2 mile up KMR. Cyclists race to the Rollins State Park entrance and continue up the access road to the summit lot. Course map here.
Party
After the uphill racers have reached the summit finish they must wait until all riders have arrived and a controlled group descent is announced, Riders will then descend to Ride HQ. We’ll have refreshments waiting for you there. We will have a bag drop at the Start if you'd like a change of clothes at the Finish area.
Field Size
For 2025 we are limiting registration to 125 riders. There will be no waitlist beyond that cap.
Time Limit
Riders must reach the Finish within 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Start rolloff time or their results may not be recorded and they may be turned around before the Finish line.
Beneficiary
Warner Connects NH Food Pantry - is a local non-profit corporation that operates a food pantry and thrift boutique. The mission of WCNH is to improve the health and well being of area residents in need by providing access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and clothing.
2025 ONLINE REGISTRATION INFO
Online Registration opens March 29th!
Adult Registration $75 until midnight June 29th, then $85
$45 Junior (<19 yrs) Registration
Entry fees above until online closes (August 8th 5pm OR when rider cap reached, whichever sooner):
Day of Event Registration: $100 Adult, $60 Juniors
NO REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS
NO DAY OF EVENT TRANSFERS
You can transfer your registration to another online, through BikeReg only, until online registration closes.
All will be revealed….
Still have questions? Check out our FAQ’s here
The COURSE
The Mt. Kearsarge Hill Climb is an approx 8 mile climb up Kearsarge Mountain Rd. onto the Mt. Kearsarge access road with a finish at the summit parking lot (elev. 2,937 ft). The first 4.5 miles is on a public road and includes some uphill, level, and downhill sections! The access road is 3.5 miles with an average grade of 8.7% and 1,738 feet in elevation gain. When you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a bare rock summit where, on a clear day, you can see as far as Boston and to the mountains in southern Vermont.
Course map here.
Our Supporters
FAQs
When is the Hill Climb?
The event takes place Sunday August 10, 2025 with the Start rolling off at 8:15AM. Packet (rider bib & instructions) pick-up opens at 7AM.
Where is the Hill Climb?
Race Headquarters is located at Cafe One East in Warner NH.Is the Hill Climb a race?
Yes, the event will be timed! We will have some awards for top finishers.How old must I be to participate?
You must be at least 14 years of age to ride.What kind of bike do I need to participate?
A properly prepared bike is the key to your enjoyment, anytime! Check the elevation profile of the course, you will need climbing gears!How do I get ready for the ride?
The most important element to your enjoyment of the ride is your preparation, so make sure your bike is in tune and you train properly. Also, practice suffering!When do I roll off?
The staged Start sends the field off at 8:15AMDo I have to wear a helmet?
Yes, all participants are required to wear a US DOT approved or CPSC standard helmet during the entire ride.Do we follow rules of the road while we are cycling?
Yes, riders must follow the rules of the road. All traffic signs and operations must be acknowledged and center-line violations may result in ejection from the event.
What about route safety?
It is up to you to ride safely! Please observe "rules of the road" and use caution while you are out there.
Is the route marked? The route won’t be marked but you just have to pedal uphill to the finish! We do provide a route file so you can download the route to your GPS unit or phone.
How do I get my dry change of clothes to the top?
We will have a Bag Drop available at the Start area and will bring your bag to the summit for you!Is there a time limit? Yes, riders must reach the Finish within 1 hour and 15 minutes from the Start rolloff time or their results may not be recorded and they may be turned around before the Finish line.
How do I get down from the top? You must ride back down to the Start area after the last uphill rider arrives at the Finish. We will have a managed release from the summit; as a safety precaution, you will not be allowed to begin your descent until we say so! Thanks for your understanding.
What about the weather?
We’re hearty New Englanders and roll rain or shine!What if I decide not to ride? We will miss you but Registration fees are non-refundable and non-deferrrable. However, you may transfer your registration to another rider as long as online registration is open on BikeReg. Transfer tips here.
Still have a question? Contact arlon@grvl.net
GRVL Cycling Insta
