In 2013, Cindy Louderback, an administrative supervisor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, began to embrace her passion for hiking seriously. She decided to take on the Appalachian Trail (AT), which runs 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin, Maine. This hike would set the stage for a life-changing experience, a pursuit that would sustain her for years to come.
A recent breast cancer survivor, Louderback embraced hiking to maintain an active lifestyle. She decided to start with a supported section hike. Supported hikes relieve hikers’ burden of carrying heavy backpacks filled with supplies. Instead, they can trek knowing a van awaits them with the essentials they need. This also allowed her to accomplish her goal while economizing on time—most serious hikers take off six months to hike the AT, not an option for Louderback due to her busy work schedule.
After completing the AT, still her favorite trail, she backpacked other challenging routes, including the Foothills Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Benton MacKaye Trail, and the breathtaking John Muir Trail. She also tackled sections of the Collegiate Trail and Pinhoti Trail, and reached the summits of the two highest peaks in the contiguous 48 states.
Emphasizing the importance of preparation and expertise in hiking, Louderback trained to handle extreme conditions. She took a three-day snow basics class to prepare for treacherous trails and completed a wilderness first responder course. She carries a GPS device to contact search and rescue services if needed.
“Whenever I venture onto the trail, I always have it by my side,” she says. “If I find myself in a critical situation, it allows for urgent communication by simply pressing the button and connecting me with help.”
Louderback advises aspiring hikers to start with shorter distances, and says group hikes can provide a safer, more enjoyable experience. She also stresses the importance of informing others about hiking plans, gradually conditioning one’s feet for longer distances, and conducting gear tests to ensure a successful trek.
Louderback’s faith is an essential part of her life, and she feels that God has given her a passion to hike and enjoy the beauty of nature. “Everyone can enjoy the peace and beauty of the outdoors,” she says. “Just get outside."
-By Teresa Hicks