At HIKE for Mental Health, we are fortunate to work alongside volunteers who bring not only their time and talents, but also a deeply personal commitment to our mission. Mark Langdon is one of those remarkable volunteers. A husband, father, hiker, leader, and mental health advocate, Mark has become an important part of our community through his leadership of Summit Mt. Washington, his work strengthening our social media presence, and his willingness to speak openly about mental health, resilience, and the healing power of the outdoors. Mark’s connection to HIKE for Mental Health began in 2019, when he signed up for Summit Mt. Washington because he loved hiking and believed in the cause. What began as participation in a single event soon became something much more personal.
Having experienced anxiety himself, Mark understands how difficult it can be to struggle internally while appearing fine to the outside world. He found in HIKE for Mental Health a community willing to talk honestly about those struggles and to transform pain into purpose. Over the past several years, Mark has helped lead Summit Mt. Washington, welcoming participants, supporting fellow volunteers, and helping create an experience centered on hope, connection, and shared purpose. Since 2019, he has personally raised more than $15,000 for mental health research and trail conservation. He also helped introduce Paint the Cog Orange, expanding the Summit experience to family members, friends, supporters, and others who may not be able to complete the strenuous climb but still want to stand with those hiking for mental health.
Mark’s leadership extends from the trail to the online community. Through his work on our Facebook presence, he has helped HIKE for Mental Health communicate with greater consistency, warmth, and purpose—sharing stories, celebrating participants, promoting events, and keeping our mission visible throughout the year. That approach reflects Mark’s broader philosophy about social media: each of us can choose to use our voice to encourage, educate, support, and connect. On his Substack, Back to What Matters, Mark explores mental health, resilience, leadership, family, the outdoors, and the search for meaning in a noisy world. His writing is thoughtful and candid, reminding readers that small acts, honest conversations, and simply showing up can make a meaningful difference.
What makes Mark’s contribution so special is the heart behind everything he does. He understands that Summit Mt. Washington is about far more than reaching a mountaintop. It is about people carrying grief, anxiety, addiction, loss, and hope—and choosing to keep moving forward together. As Mark wrote in his reflection on HIKE for Mental Health, “As long as I’m able to climb, I’ll keep climbing for this cause.” On behalf of everyone at HIKE for Mental Health, thank you, Mark, for your leadership, generosity, creativity, and steadfast belief in our mission. Whether you are guiding people on the mountain, connecting with them online, or sharing words of encouragement, you continue to make a lasting difference—one step, one story, and one connection at a time.
A great article….and a wonderful volunteer. Thank you Mark!