Emma Gatewood (née Rowena Curtis; October 25, 1887 – June 4, 1973), better known as Grandma Gatewood, was an American ultra-light hiking pioneer and the first woman to hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail in one continuous journey. She became a trailblazer in the world of long-distance hiking, demonstrating that age and gender were not barriers to undertaking such challenging adventures.

Key points about Emma Gatewood’s life and accomplishments include:

1. Early Life: Emma Gatewood was born in Gallia County, Ohio. She grew up in a large family and later married Perry Clayton Gatewood. Together, they had 11 children.
2. Escape from an Abusive Marriage: In 1954, at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood left her abusive marriage and set out on a journey that would make her a hiking legend. She wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail to find peace and solitude.
3. First Solo Thru-Hike of the Appalachian Trail: In 1955, Emma Gatewood, wearing a pair of sneakers and carrying a small sack, became the first woman to complete a solo thru-hike of the entire Appalachian Trail. At the time, the trail stretched over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine.
4. Later Thru-Hikes: Emma Gatewood completed the Appalachian Trail two more times, becoming the first person to hike it three times. Her subsequent hikes were in 1960 and 1963.
5. Advocacy for Hiking: Emma Gatewood’s hikes and her subsequent media coverage brought attention to the Appalachian Trail and long-distance hiking. She became an advocate for the trail and its preservation.
6. Legacy: Grandma Gatewood’s achievements and determination inspired many to take up hiking. Her story became widely known after a 1955 National Geographic article and the publication of the book “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk” by Ben Montgomery in 2014.
7. Recognition: In 1964, the Appalachian Trail Conference honored Emma Gatewood with a plaque commemorating her contributions to the trail. She was also inducted into the Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame in 2012.

Emma Gatewood’s story serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of nature. Her impact on the hiking community, especially among women and older individuals, is significant, and her legacy continues to influence long-distance hikers today.