Emma Rowena Gatewood - born 131 yrs ago today

[DownYonder]

First woman to hike the AT....at age 67!!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandma_Gatewood

[Captain Blue]

First woman to hike the AT....

Nope. Fake news. Google: Mildren Norman Ryder (Peace Pilgrim)

[jungleland1972]

I don't care if she was the 1st or 2nd but I have to think, after having 11 kids, the AT was a much needed break.

[gpburdelljr]

Grandma Gatewood was the first woman to thruhike the Appalachian Trail solo in one season, at the age of 67. Peace Pilgrim was the first woman to thruhike in one season, but with a companion, while in her mid 40s.

[shelb]

Thanks for the info. She was an amazing woman, especially when we realize the AT was much more primitive in those days - much more difficult to follow!

[futureatwalker]

This summer when I was in the States I picked up Grandma Gatewood's Walk, by Ben Montgomery.

This is a superbly written account of her walks (she failed the first time she tried the trail) and difficult domestic situation. If you are an AT enthusiast, it is well worth a read.