A long walkSourced
She went for a walk—and covered nearly 3,500 km
In 1955, 67-year-old Emma Gatewood told her grown children she was going for a walk. She completed the Appalachian Trail, about 2,168 miles, in 146 days, becoming the first woman to hike its entire length solo. Her simple equipment included a shower curtain for shelter, rather than a tent or sleeping bag.
A brief announcement began a very long journey.
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Grandma Gatewood · Wikimedia contributors
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Reviewed: 2026-10-10