Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail

by Ben Montgomery

Book Overview

2014 National Outdoor Book Award Winner in History / Biography

Emma Gatewood told her family she was going on a walk and left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. The next anybody heard from her, this genteel, farm-reared, sixty-seven-year-old great-grandmother had walked 800 miles along the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail. By September 1955 she stood atop Maine's Mount Katahdin, sang "America,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1613734999
• ISBN13: 9781613734995
• Release Date: April 2016
• Publisher: Chicago Review Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Inspirational!

Love, love, loved this book. What a courageous and inspirational woman Grandma Gatewood was. Shows that anything can be accomplished with work and determination.

A well told story of an amazing woman

The author went to great lengths to gather as much information from historical articles, personal notebooks, and the family and descendents of the woman fondly and respectfully dubbed Grandma Gatewood and her famous walks. With a hand sewn denim bag, a shower curtain, and a trusty pair of Keds at the youthful age of 67, Emma Gatewood went for a walk, something she was known to do... only this time she was out to walk one of America's first National Scenic Trails, the Appalachian Trail, which she'd been inspired to walk by a National Geographic article. The unstoppable spirit of Emma Gatewood is something every person (man, woman, child, hiker and non hiker alike) should experience and 'Grandma Gatewood's Walk' does a mighty fine job of sharing her inspiring tale, a role model of strength, endurance, and perseverance. And a tale of human kindness. If you enjoy uplifting true stories read this book... and watch the documentary 'Trail Magic' about this amazing woman.

Amazing lady!

Grandma Gatewood found her release in walking. Little did she know, her walk, her adventure, would spark the nation’s interest in the Appalachian Trail. Written at a time when car trips were the new thing, she ignited interest in the walking adventures. I’ve read it and gifted 3 copies. Our book club is doing it this year.

Very Inspiring

Grandma Gatewood is one of my heroes. I’m so inspired by her toughness, resourcefulness, and witty personality.

Great read!

Inspiring!

This 67 year old grandma conquered the Appalachain Trail and inspires others to do the same. I loved her down to earth mannerisms and matter of fact demeanor.