PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 6, 2026
One of the most inspiring stories you’ve likely never heard is about a woman who went for a walk and ended up completing the Appalachian Trail. In 1955, the 67-year-old Gatewood, of Ohio, got the idea to walk the entire AT from reading a National Geographic article in a waiting room. She took a hand-sewn duffel bag carrying minimal supplies and a pair of Keds sneakers, and covered more than 2,000 miles from Georgia to Mount Katahdin. It took her 146 days. At the end, Gatewood became the first woman to solo-hike the storied trail. Gatewood later completed the Appalachian Trail a second time and also tackled the Oregon Trail. A stage version of Emma Gatewood’s story is being performed this month at The Public Theatre in Lewiston starting Friday.