Pioneering Woman Hiker Grandma Gatewood Tackled Entire Appalachian Trail Alone
Woods Wanderer Extraordinaire: The Legend of Grandma Gatewood
(Peter Brandt's 1957 photograph of Emma Gatewood at Lonesome Lake, AMC Library & Archives)
Daring the DauntingIn defiance of the ordinary, Emma Gatewood, fondly known as 'Grandma,' took on the audacious task of hiking the Appalachian Trail—and the world hasn't stopped marveling at her since.
She Took a Leap, They FollowedEmma Gatewood established herself as a boundary-breaker when she signed the Carter Notch Hut logbook in 1957. But unlike the men who came before, she did it without prior experience, relying solely on her indomitable spirit.
(Emma Gatewood's 1957 signature at Carter Notch Hut)
Courage UnleashedOn her journey, Emma Gatewood displayed a formidable resilience, traipsing through the wilderness with incredible perseverance. She would start at sunrise and hike, relentlessly, until her body simply couldn't go on.
A Pioneer's FootstepsAt the incredible age of 67, Emma Gatewood became the first woman to conquer the Appalachian Trail, a feat she accomplished with minimal gear and her fierce determination. Her unparalleled achievement paved the way for women in the realm of outdoor adventure.
Trailblazing TalesEmma Gatewood's brave, extraordinary journey unfolds in Ben Montgomery's book, "Grandma Gatewood's Walk." Her story not only serves as a testament to one woman's indomitable spirit but also highlights the impact on the recognition and preservation of the Appalachian Trail within the hiking community.[1][2][3]
In the spirit of Grandma Gatewood's adventurous lifestyle, an elderly woman embarks on a travel adventure, opting for an adventure-travel excursion rather than the ordinary. Her journey mirrors Gatewood's, as she treks the Appalachian Trail with sports and resilience, emulating the pioneer who paved the way for women in outdoor adventure.
