Emma Gatewood's Walk in the Woods episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 29, 2025 · 16 MIN

Emma Gatewood's Walk in the Woods

from Stories of Appalachia · host Steve Gilly, Rod Mullins

In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. In this episode, Steve and Rod tell the story of her remarkable journey from a childhood in rural Ohio, through years of hardship and abuse, to the day this grandmother stepped onto the trail with nothing but a sack, a shower curtain, and an iron will. Her hike captured America’s attention, inspiring generations of hikers.It’s another one of the Stories of Appalachia.Subscribe on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode.Thanks for listening!

In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. In this episode, Steve and Rod tell the story of her remarkable journey from a childhood in rural Ohio, through years of hardship and abuse, to the day this grandmother stepped onto the trail with nothing but a sack, a shower curtain, and an iron will. Her hike captured America’s attention, inspiring generations of hikers.It’s another one of the Stories of Appalachia.Subscribe on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode.Thanks for listening!

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Emma Gatewood's Walk in the Woods

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Stories of Appalachia?

This episode is 16 minutes long.

When was this Stories of Appalachia episode published?

This episode was published on November 29, 2025.

What is this episode about?

In 1955, at the age of 67, Emma Gatewood became the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, from Springer Mountain in Georgia to the top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine. In this episode, Steve and Rod tell the story of her remarkable journey...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

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