1 Merrill Dr., Dahlonega GA
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Welcome to the Hero Hill Climb
Join us for the 4th annual Hero Hill Climb on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, during Memorial Weekend. This is a great event to honor our fallen veterans and bring awareness to the good men and women serving in our military of all branches.
Event Details
- Date: May 23rd, 2026
- Location: 1 Merrill Dr., Dahlonega, GA
- Participation: Walk, run, or mountain bike: all ages welcome.
- Mission: Honor a fallen service member by carrying their name and bio to the top of the hill.
What to Expect
Starting next to Camp Merrill Army Ranger Base, participants will receive a half-sheet card with the name and bio of a fallen service member (Hero). You will carry your Hero up the gravel road to the top of the hill to honor their sacrifice. At the top, enjoy:
- Hero Board: Pin your Hero Card onto the board.
- Freedom Bell: Ring the bell in their honor.
- 12-inch Flag: Receive a flag to carry back down the hill.
- Community: Walk with amazing people, including members of the 5th Ranger Training Battalion.
After Party
Join us after the climb at "The Overhang," Camp Merrill's on-base bar & grille for:
- Food & Beverages: Enjoy a variety of delicious options.
- Raffle Giveaways: Stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
- Live Music: Relax with great tunes.
- T-shirts: Comfy event t-shirts available on-site and online.
Accessibility
If you are unsure of your physical fitness to walk up the gravel road, no problem! We will have UTV/SxS vehicles to transport you up and down the mountain. We even offer a "virtual category" for those who want to participate from home.
Why Do We Do This?
Your contribution raises money to deploy critical support to our Heroes, by fostering community, financial assistance, and long-term wellness programs to combat PTSD and prevent veteran suicide. It is a troubling fact that 22 Veterans a day take their own life. But we can all make a difference to support our Heroes.
- Partnership: Together with the US Mountain Ranger Association (USMRA), proceeds from this event will help provide necessary resources.
- Impact: Your participation contributes to organizations like Mission22 and USMRA.
- Awareness: Help us spread the word and gather support.
- Community: Our Heroes deserve our best!
Get Involved
We also need sponsors and volunteers! If you have a business or organization that we can promote, your sponsorship will be accepted as a 501(c)3 contribution. Let's find creative ways to benefit our heroes and promote you at the same time. Please contact Stephen at the "Race Contact" below.
Update: We will be closing online registration today at 11 AM (ET) on 5/22 to prepare logistically for the event. You can register in person at the event, but we may have a limited supply of goodie bags.
