Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail

by Ben Montgomery

Maybe she was trying to articulate that exploring the world was a good way to explore her own mind.

This is no trail. This is a nightmare. For some fool reason they always lead you right up over the biggest rock to the top of the biggest mountain they can find. I’ve seen every fire station between here and Georgia. Why, an Indian would die laughing his head off if he saw those trails. I would never have started this trip if I had known how tough it was, but I couldn’t and wouldn’t quit.

“What is it with old people and mountains?” he asked. That’s a fine question.

If you’ll go with me to the mountains And sleep on the leaf carpeted floors And enjoy the bigness of nature And the beauty of all out-of-doors, You’ll find your troubles all fading And feel the Creator was not man That made lovely mountains and forests Which only a Supreme Power can. When we trust in the Power above And with the realm of nature hold fast, We will have a jewel of great price To brighten our lives till the last. For the love of nature is healing, If we will only give it a try And our reward will be forthcoming, If we go deeper than what meets the eye.

Appalachian Trail Disease,’” he said. “There are certain ones among us who hear about the A.T., and then it’s all over.”