EPISODE 7: From First Peak to Triple Crown — Carol “Cheer” Coyne on Thru-Hiking, Community, and Transformation
In this episode of the Social Adventures Podcast, we continue our Trail to Transformation series with a conversation that perfectly captures how the outdoors can reshape not just our weekends—but our entire lives.
Jeff Hester is joined by Carol “Cheer” Coyne, a thru-hiker who began her journey with the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge and went on to complete hiking’s rarest achievement: the Triple Crown, thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Appalachian Trail.
But this episode isn’t just about miles logged or summits reached. It’s about identity, healing, leadership, and the community that forms when people choose hard paths on purpose.
How “Cheer” Got Her Trail Name
Carol’s trail name was earned on a snowy ascent of Mount Baden-Powell during her first long-distance hike. As conditions grew tough, she instinctively began cheering other hikers on—clapping, encouraging, and lifting spirits. By the time she reached the summit, “Cheer” felt like more than a nickname—it was who she already was.
From Day Hiking to Long-Distance Backpacking
Carol traces her hiking roots back to college, when a newspaper article introduced her to Santiago Peak in Southern California. That curiosity eventually led her to the original Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, where backpacking—rather than day hiking—sparked something bigger.
Learning to backpack came with fear, heavy packs, and plenty of trial and error. But those early overnights planted the seed for something much larger.
Taking the Leap to the Pacific Crest Trail
After steadily increasing her mileage and confidence, Carol made a life-changing decision while hiking in the Sierra: she would thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail.
Through shakedown hikes, gear swaps, and a carefully curated kit, she prepared—but also learned that no amount of planning can fully control a thru-hike. One of her biggest lessons: balance preparation with trust.
“The trail provides” became more than a saying—it became a life philosophy.
Transformation on the Trail
Carol describes how long stretches of solo hiking opened the door to deep introspection. Away from screens, schedules, and expectations, unresolved fears and patterns surfaced—along with a growing confidence in her ability to do hard things.
She shares how the PCT began as a “vacation from burnout,” but ultimately reshaped her outlook on work, relationships, and self-worth.
Triple Crown: Three Trails, Three Experiences
Each trail offered something different:
- Appalachian Trail: the most physically demanding
- Continental Divide Trail: the most remote and mentally challenging
- Pacific Crest Trail: the most joyful and communal
By the time Carol committed to finishing the CDT, the idea of completing all three trails became inevitable.
Post-Trail Depression and the Birth of Thru-r
After finishing the PCT, Carol experienced severe post-trail depression—an isolating contrast to the rich community found on trail. Wanting to recreate that connection in everyday life, she founded Thru-r, a community built to support thru-hikers before, during, and after their journeys.
What began as Zoom meetups has grown into a nonprofit organization offering mentorship, scholarships, in-person trips, and a global support network.
Leadership, Community, and Giving Back
Through Thru-r, Carol discovered her own leadership voice—overcoming introversion, growing as a speaker, and helping others navigate both trail life and re-entry into the “default world.”
From taco dinners at Benson Lake to trail scholarships and ambassador programs, Thru-r has become a home for long-distance hikers everywhere.
Advice for Aspiring Thru-Hikers
Carol’s advice is simple and powerful: Just do it.
Don’t wait for perfect readiness. Don’t overthink. If the time, support, and opportunity align—take the first step.
Connect with Carol & Thru-r
- Thruer Community: https://thru-r.com
- YouTube: Cheer on the Trail
- Instagram: @carollcoyne
🎧 Trail to Transformation explores how outdoor adventures change who we are. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone standing at their own starting line.
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