Grandma Gatewood

Meet Grandma Gatewood: The Woman Who Walked Her Way Into History Emma "Grandma" Gatewood wasn’t your average grandmother. At age 67, with a pair of canvas sneakers, a homemade denim bag, and a heart full of grit, she set out alone to hike the entire Appalachian Trail—a 2,000+ mile journey through rugged mountains and wild forests. And she did it in 1955, long before ultralight gear and GPS apps. No fancy equipment. No sponsorships. Just raw determination. She became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in one season—and went on to hike it two more times, plus a trek of the Oregon Trail for good measure. Grandma Gatewood defied expectations of age, gender, and what it meant to be “capable.” Her story isn’t just about walking. It’s about resilience, healing, and the quiet power of doing something no one thinks you can