94-year-old Arkansas woman still climbing the mountains she hiked as a kid. Here’s her secret.

PINNACLE, Arkansas — Pinnacle Mountain is a landmark in central Arkansas that draws hundreds of thousands each year. But every now and then, you meet someone who stands above the rest.

Meet 94-year-old Theresa Guenther, a Pinnacle native and local historian who knows this land better than most.

“I’m ready to go,” Theresa Guenther said. 

“The natural steps was truly a step down to the river—big, huge rocks. Kind of a natural formation. Steamboats would come up the river and bring people there, let them out. They would spend the day picnicking at natural steps,” Guenther said. 

Growing up, the mountain was her playground. Guenther told THV11 she began climbing the mountain at the age of 10 and never stopped.

Decades later, she still hasn’t stopped climbing, but these days she doesn’t do it alone.

For the past 12 years, Christophe Block has been right by her side: a neighbor who became family.

On her 89th birthday, he joined her on a trek to the top. Five years later, they did it again.

“That day, we didn’t know if we would make it to the top, but we were going to have a great walk and enjoy ourselves regardless if we made it to the top,” Block said. 

For many, that climb can be a challenge. Not for Guenther. It’s just another step forward.

“As we kept going, it looked more and more like we’d actually make it to the top, and it was fun to see the joy on her face when we did. Then we stayed on the top for quite a while, took it all in,” Block said. 

We got a chance to ask Guenther what her favorite moment was when she reached the summit. She said it was the view and experience overall.

“Don’t climb just to climb,” she said. “Enjoy the trees and the plants and just the surrounding area. Don’t just find decline.” 

As remarkable as it is, Guenther is still reaching new heights. If you ask her, the secret is simple.

“Just stay active,” she said. 

A true story of inspiration.

“Her story of doing that can inspire people to do the same and to maybe not make excuses for themselves, or, I think a better way to put it is to realize what they’re capable of and to live life fully like she does. ” She’s an inspiration,” Block said. 

Guenther said she doesn’t think she’s special, but Block spends every moment trying to convince her she’s wrong about that. 

“You’re incredibly special,” Block said. “No one else is hiking this thing on their 94th birthday, for instance. Amongst other things, yeah, you are special.”

Meanwhile, they’re already looking ahead to the next climb.