. She would retreat to the woods to find solace and healing after the abusive episodes. One day, at age 67, she decided to go for a nice long walk . Emma was born in 1887 at Raccoon Creek, Gallia County Ohio; she was one of 15 children. Emma Caldwell was born around 1887 at Raccoon Creek in Gallia County, Ohio; she was one of 15 children. The walk is approximately 3 to 4 hours. It has a fast pace and covers 6 miles of Old Man’s Cave’s celebrated hilly ups and downs for which the region is known and reflects the type of paths Grandma Gatewood followed. You of course want to know more about Gatewood’s story, so check out Montgomery’s book, Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail. Emma Gatewood was born in Ohio in 1887, one of 15 children. Pet Friendly? YOUR HOCKING HILLS ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE. In Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail (2012), author Ben Montgomery describes the stirring journey of Emma Gatewood, a 67-year old grandmother who, in 1955, became the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone. In rural Ohio, she managed a household of 11 kids alongside a less-than-supportive husband. Her 85 years alive were spent doing something she loved, hiking. The Grandma Gatewood Memorial Trail was dedicated a few years back in Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, and is now part of the Buckeye Trail which is part of the American Discovery Trail … . When she was 19 years old she married Perry Clayton Gatewood, a teacher and a produce farmer. At the end of the program, the park generously offers free marshmallows and s’mores that hikers can cook over an open fire. Grandma Emma Gatewood was the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955 at the age of 67 after raising 11 children and surviving domestic abuse. There are some tough spots (roots, rocks, rough terrain) to pass through. Parents/Guardians should closely supervise children while in these areas. Gr 2–5—This book recounts the story of how Emma "Grandma" Gatewood became the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish at the astounding age of 67. Oglethorpe Foundation present a tribute to Grandma Gatewood...famous for hiking the Appalachian Trail. Starting Point: Meet with the naturalist at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center for a strenuous hike that spans roughly 6 miles of the Grandma Gatewood trail. Inspired by Emma Gatewood’s life-challenges and her journeys, the Grandma Gatewood Fall Color Hike is one of the park’s more challenging treks. Hocking Hills State Park Naturalist Pat Quackenbush guides the hike and covers Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center to Cedar Falls. The information provided is correct to the best of our knowledge. “I thought it would be a lark,” she said. She was married at the age of 19 to PC Gatewood and had 11 children of her own.Unfortunately Emma was a victim of violent abuse at the hands of her husband. Hikers traverse the section running from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back while enjoying the scenic beauty. Gatewood endured many hardships and hiked the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail alone, inspiring many others to overcome great odds of their own. So is the untold story of what she overcame before that. I doubt that’s the reason for her success. Before she died in 1973 she had hiked the AT several times, completed hikes in Oregon, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. . The hike has become so popular that there are fewer stops along the way than the regular shorter guided tours. Grandma Emma Gatewood was 67 years old in 1955 when she became the first woman to solo thru-hike the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail after she had raised 11 children and survived domestic abuse! Hikers walk the trail, awed by the wide display of leaf colors, cliff overlooks, rock formations, and waterfalls. Copyright © 2000-2021 - Crows, LLC and Subsidiaries- Site Design by 21 Crows, LLC. Hocking Hills State Park is home to the Grandma Gatewood Hike in honor of Emma Gatewood, an Ohio hiking pioneer. As if that wasn't enough she went back and did it TWO MORE TIMES (making her the first PERSON to thru-hike it … All Rights Reserved. Commonly known as Grandma Emma Gatewood, this influential woman lived most of her life on a working farm in Gallia County. During a time when spousal abuse… There are some steep drops, so be mindful with small children. Katahdin, Maine. Storyline Emma "Grandma" Gatewood's story speaks to the courageous, undaunted spirit of Appalachian people everywhere. Emma Rowena Gatewood, “Grandma Gatewood,” walked out of her house one fine day in 1957 at age 69 and hiked the entire Appalachian Trail — 2,180 miles, from Springer Mountain, Ga., to Mount Katahdin, Maine. Emma "Grandma" Gatewood was not the first woman to thru-hike the A.T., but she was the first woman to do it by herself, and she was also the first thru-hiker to attract a great deal of national publicity. Hocking Hills State Park areas and trails all close at dusk. Emma moved on and raised her last three children alone. Â. Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Rock House, Conkle's Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. Unable to classify Gatewood as a hiker, the press deemed her “Grandma.” Of course, she was so much more: Hiker Gatewood, Pioneer Gatewood, Mother Gatewood, Leader Gatewood, Sister Gatewood, Friend Gatewood. All park visitors must remain on trails at all times. No swimming in waterfalls, creeks, or ponds at the park. Trail. You must bring drinks and snacks- 6 miles is a long hike. In rural Ohio, she managed a household of 11 kids alongside a less-than-supportive husband. This short video gives brief insights into Grandma Gatewood, her life, tribulations & achievements. Description Along the Buckeye Trail at Hocking Hills Old Man's Cave State Park, choose from the easy Gorge Overlook Trail with views of the gorge, or opt for the steeper Grandma Gatewood Trail that allows you to explore the Devil's Bathtub and Upper Falls to the north and the stunning "Old Man's Cave" hermit's cave and Lower Falls to the south. For more information on the parks: ODNR - Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Parks and Watercraft Grandma Gatewood was actually the second female on record to complete the entire Appalachian Trail in one season. Emma Gatewood was known as Grandma Gatewood as the hiking grandmother who hiked the Appalachian Trail, three times with the first time at the age of 67. 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