Limited Time Offer | Get 2 Months For $1 Claim Offer

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

Author:
Ben Montgomery
Read by:
Patrick Lawlor
Read Read Own Own

Unabridged Audiobook

Listen Free Now
  • Listen free with a 30-day free trial
  • Choose 2 bonus VIP books
  • Enjoy 10,000 always free books
Ratings
Book
52
Narrator
16
Release Date
December 16, 2014
Duration
7 hours 56 minutes
Summary
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. And in September 1955, atop Maine's Mount Katahdin, she sang the first verse of 'America, the Beautiful' and proclaimed, 'I said I'll do it, and I've done it.'




Grandma Gatewood, as the reporters called her, became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, as well as the first person—man or woman—to walk it twice and three times. The public attention she brought to the little-known footpath was unprecedented. Her vocal criticism of the lousy, difficult stretches led to bolstered maintenance and very likely saved the trail from extinction.
Browse By Category
Reviews
What listeners say
The audiobook receives high praise for its inspiring portrayal of resilience and determination. Listeners appreciate the compelling narrative of a remarkable woman's life experiences. Despite one negative assessment citing dull pacing, the majority find the story motivating and engaging. The audiobook is celebrated for its vivid character depiction and powerful themes. Overall, it stands as a memorable listening experience for many.
Profile Avatar Joanne G. Sep 2018

I stumbled upon this book whilst browsing and I’ve really, really enjoyed it. Grandma Gatewood’s story is that of a formidable woman who raised a very large family, was subjected to extreme violence and abuse from her husband and emerged as a strong, determined, independent woman and an excellent example to all of us. To complete walking the Appalachian Trail successfully, not just once, but three times and to do it back in the fifties and sixties with none of the modern equipment we take for granted nowadays. She’s a true heroine. I love, loved, loved this book and strongly recommend it. Excellent!

Profile Avatar Denise M. May 2026

Inspiring and wonderful story of bravery and courage !

Profile Avatar Belinda T. Jul 2025

Good read. Amazing woman. Inspiring trek and appreciated her back story.

Profile Avatar Martha A. Jun 2025

Fascinating story and woman!

Profile Avatar Marcia Bear Mar 2023

Interesting and inspirational story.

Profile Avatar Anonymous Oct 2020

It was boring. Narrator did nothing enhance the already boring book. Waste of time.

Profile Avatar Mayda T. Oct 2018

Well written, good imagery. I am in awe of this amazing grandma!!

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

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

Author: Ben Montgomery
Read by: Patrick Lawlor
Listen Free Now Get any book plus
2 bonus VIP books
1 book added to cart
Subtotal
$16.99
View Cart