Maine’s ‘Summit Project’ Looking For Hikers To Honor Heroes

It's not only a way to get outside and enjoy some of the best outdoor spots in Maine, it's also a way to get to know and honor some of Maine's fallen heroes.

The Summit Project was started over a decade ago, as a living memorial to honor Mainers who have served in the Armed Forces and passed away.

The gist of the project is that folks volunteer to pick up stones, research the soldier whose name is inscribed on it, and then the stones are taken on the hike, up to the summit, and then carried back down and returned to the families. (They practice leaving no trace.) After the journey, the volunteer hikers then write a letter to the soldier's family, detailing their journey with the stone and what it meant to them.

This hike takes place, appropriately, on Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice.

According to The Summit Project's Facebook Post, the organization is looking for volunteers who would like to be involved in this year's event and hike.

"CALLING ALL HIKERS!!! Sign-ups for our annual Baxter State Park event held Memorial Day weekend are happening NOW! Join us at the beautiful New England Outdoor Center - NEOC in Millinocket, Maine May 24-26 for our 2025 TSP at BSP event! "

Courtney Evans has taken part in several Summit Project hikes. She says being part of such an experience is a feeling unlike anything out there.

"Being a part of The Summit Project is an experience you will never forget. We may carry their stones for a single hike, but we will carry their stories with us for a lifetime."

Evans says she started hiking with the group 7 years ago.

"I first heard about The Summit Project from a friend and signed up to hike their annual Acadia hike in 2018. I didn’t know anyone on my team, but once we started hiking I made fast friends with a Gold Star Sister. I was welcomed into the TSP family immediately. I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and sharing the story of her brother (along with 9 others from TSP who were carrying stones) on the 100 Mile Wilderness in 2023. This hike and 3 of our Gold Star Families are featured in a docufilm 'A Journey to Remember' which is being shown at the CCA [Collins Center For the Arts] in Orono next month."

"I’ve participated in the Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park events, the Hero’s Hundred Hike, several rucks carrying stones, and most recently did the Millinocket half marathon with others carrying stones!"

Her 17-year-old daughter, Delaney, has also taken part in the living memorial.

"She signed up to do the first hike with me and then she really got to take the time to research the hero’s story and talk with family members about their hero before the hike. She has made many friendships with TSP folks over the years that we will cherish forever!"

For those who might be interested in carrying a stone, you can click here for more information.