A multi-speed automatic transmission having a control circuit for managing a hill climb event is provided. The control circuit may detect the hill climb event, such as by identifying when an upshift from a climb gear to an upshift gear would cause deceleration on a hill. The control circuit may also respond to the hill climb event based on desired performance characteristics, including fuel economy, speed, acceleration, and other performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the control circuit responds to the hill climb event by cycling the multi-speed automatic transmission between the climb gear and the upshift gear.