diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 6d299d8..cf0eaef 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ This package will run against your currently open file as you type and when you
 Included features
 ===
  * Supports jshintConfig in package.json
- * Supports custom .jshintrc file in project root
+ * Supports custom .jshintrc file in project root and all parent directories
  * Line number turns red when error on that line
  * Once you move your cursor to a line with an error, it will show in the status bar.
  * Configure how you want JSHint to run.
diff --git a/lib/atom-jshint.js b/lib/atom-jshint.js
index 3d38712..110e14c 100644
--- a/lib/atom-jshint.js
+++ b/lib/atom-jshint.js
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ var JSHINT_Worker = null;
 
 var Subscriber = require('emissary').Subscriber;
 var fs = require('fs');
+var path = require('path');
 
 module.exports = AtomJshint = (function(){
   JSHINT_Worker = cp.fork(__dirname + '/worker.js');
@@ -154,15 +155,21 @@ module.exports = AtomJshint = (function(){
         return this.setConfig(packageJson.jshintConfig);
       }
     }
-    if( fs.existsSync(atom.project.path + '/.jshintrc') ){
-      var configFile = fs.readFileSync(atom.project.path + '/.jshintrc','UTF8');
-      var conf = {};
-      try {
-        conf = JSON.parse(configFile);
-      } catch(e){
-        console.error('error parsing config file');
+    var workingPath = atom.project.path || '';
+    var dirs = workingPath.split(path.sep);
+    while ( dirs.length >= 1 ) {
+      var configPath = path.join(dirs.join(path.sep), '/.jshintrc');
+      if( fs.existsSync(configPath) ){
+        var configFile = fs.readFileSync(configPath, 'UTF8');
+        var conf = {};
+        try {
+          conf = JSON.parse(configFile);
+        } catch(e){
+          console.error('error parsing config file');
+        }
+        return this.setConfig(conf);
       }
-      return this.setConfig(conf);
+      dirs.pop();
     }
   };