Hannah Hudson

About Hannah: Hannah is the Trail Operations Manager for UGATA. Originally from North Carolina, she found her way to the Upstate through UGATA’s AmeriCorps program. An adventurous and well-traveled individual, Hannah is passionate about working with service organizations and digging in the dirt. She lives in Spartanburg with her dog Ellie Mae and her partner Lex and enjoys exploring the many waterways throughout the Upstate.

Favorite Trail or Greenway: I actually wasn’t much of a hiker until I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. While on a volunteer trip in Tanzania, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and go backpacking. The experience was truly once in a lifetime. Along the way, I discovered that hiking is a lot more enjoyable when shared with good company and a porter that carries all of my stuff. After returning home, I hiked Crowders Mountain countless times, and it remains one of my favorite mountain hikes to this day. It’s short, sweet, and Ellie Mae approved!

Why I Support UGATA: I love UGATA because I value public spaces that bring people together. I’m originally from Golden Valley, a small town in the foothills of North Carolina, where community is everything. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve gathering in public spaces — family reunions at South Mountain State Park, fireworks at Lake Lure, and large bluegrass festivals. Those places and experiences hold a special place in my heart. Being part of UGATA gives me the opportunity to help create spaces where families and communities can come together to make memories and traditions of their own.