Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail! Picture Book Feature + Fun Ideas & Activities!
Updated: Oct 29, 2023
An AMAZING true story about a grandmother that hiked the Appalachian Trail by herself...in sneakers!!
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Once you've finished reading this incredible story, go for a hike or enjoy one of the other great ideas inspired by Grandma Gatewood included in our post!
Love fall as much as we do? Be sure to check out 10 Great Ways to Have Fun This Fall!Great books, free printables and more to have the best fall ever!
I saw this book and had to read it! Written and illustrated by Jennifer ThermesGrandma Gatewood is just one of many books that this fabulous author and illustrator has on the market!
I've always been of the mindset that age is more about how you feel and less about the number on your license! After reading Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail, I'll think you'll agree with me!
I come from a long line of determined and resilient grandmothers. They each had their own feisty personalities and zest for life, and that, along with my love of hiking had me grabbing this book off the shelf!
Well, fall has come around again and that's my favorite time to hike!
Getting outside, enjoying the sights, views and fresh air are unmatched and have provided our family with a wealth of memories and wonderful photos!
(Above) Hiking in the Adirondacks! Crossing water on a log and being really careful! No doubt the water is very cold!
Her response was, "Could we do just a part of it?" Well, fair enough! Add it to the bucket list!
"I did it. I said I'd do it and I've done it.
Emma Rowena 'Grandma' Gatewood
Jennifer Thermes' colorful illustrations are imaginatively detailed and give readers a feast for the eyes as they join thisfearless woman on her journey!
Emma 'Grandma' Gatewood was sixty-seven when she set out in a pair of sneakers and hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Being a novice hiker, even with my great hiking boots, trail-worthy clothes and gear, I can't imagine doing that 2,160-mile trail by myself!
I've always been a big fan of hiking, but the thought of hiking this trail all by myself in a pair of sneakers is quite daunting!
On our first big hike, my daughter wore her pink rainboots! Even with the pink rain boots, we made it to the summit of Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks.
This fascinating true story comes to life by way of the beautifulillustrations as well as colorful maps, timelines and additional notes about Emma 'Grandma' Gatewood that are included in the book.
It doesn't have to be far away or a huge time commitment. Even a walk in a city park or down a country road will do!
Want to get more adventurous but not sure how to proceed? Go to AllTrails and search to find the perfect hike!
2. Interview your Grandmother
....Or a neighbor that has stories to tell! (...and we all have stories to tell!)
Grandma, Tell Me Your Storyby Susan Branch is a fabulous book that has conversation starters, prompts and questions with plenty of pages to write it all down in!
3. Make a Map of your Neighborhood
Have fun making your own map! Include houses, parks, fire hydrants, special areas like a park or restaurant or really tall tree.
One of the many cool parts of Grandma Gatewood Hikes the Appalachian Trail are the maps!
Need to put all of your fun fall ideas in once place? Check out our Free Fall Printable Bucket Lists! Plenty of inspiration for more fall fun!
Looking for a fun fall picture book with great ideas to go along with it? Check out this fun book feature with ideas and activities to go along with it!!
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originally published 10/15/2019 updated 10/05/2023