12 Facts About Grandma Gatewood

Emma Rowena Gatewood, better known as Grandma Gatewood, was an American ultra-light hiking pioneer.

Grandma Gatewood filed for divorce in September 1940, and in February 1941, she testified against her husband in a hearing that resulted in the divorce being granted, giving her custody of the three children still at home and with alimony to be paid by P C This was at a time when divorce was difficult, and after her husband had repeatedly threatened to have her committed to an insane asylum as a means of maintaining control over her.

Grandma Gatewood wore canvas Keds shoes on her misshapen feet and carried a small notebook, some clothes, and food in a homemade denim bag slung over one shoulder.

Grandma Gatewood ate berries and other edible forest plants she recognized when she ran out of food.

Grandma Gatewood reported that the trail was in better condition that year due to the efforts of local hiking clubs to clean and mark parts of it.

Grandma Gatewood was invited to speak to students and various civic groups about her experiences.

Grandma Gatewood was credited with being the oldest female thru-hiker by the Appalachian Trail Conference.

Grandma Gatewood was a life member of the National Campers and Hikers Association and the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club.

Grandma Gatewood was one of the founding members, Director Emeritus, and a lifetime member of the Buckeye Trail Association.

At the time of her death at age 85 from a heart attack, Grandma Gatewood had one surviving sister plus 66 living descendants: 11 children, 24 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Grandma Gatewood's funeral was held at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home, and she was buried in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens.

Grandma Gatewood received numerous honors during her lifetime, and her legacy lives on through various tributes, artistic works, and other commemorative projects.