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An empowering network. A unique event.

Celebrate Grandma Gatewood's Legacy with Us at the 6th Annual Grandma Gatewood Legacy Hike!

Every year, Prime Time for Women honors Grandma Gatewood’s legacy with a series of hikes, designed for different ability levels. 

Register for the hike of your choice! Through this event, Prime Time for Women hopes to connect and inspire women and foster healthy aging at every age!  Prime Time for Women will donate a portion of the proceeds to one of our favorite nonprofits!

Participating is Easy

Step 1: Register below for the hike of your choice
Step 2: Meet at Washington Monument State Park at 10:00 AM to sign waivers, hear from our sponsors and set off down the trial at 10:30 AM!

Saturday, October 25, 2025- 10:30 AM-1:30PM

6620 Zittlestown Rd. Middletown, MD 21769

Who is Grandma Gatewood?

Grandma Gatewood was the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, and she accomplished this feat at 67 years of age!  She was a survivor of severe domestic violence that left her hospitalized many times. When she was discouraged from hiking the 2,091 miles trail, she did it anyway!  She was not limited by the perceptions of others.  Grandma Gatewood embraced challenges as adventures, and pursued possibilities rather than probabilities.

Literally and figuratively, you can follow in the footsteps of this amazing woman! Enjoy the beauty of nature and the brilliant autumn foliage as you connect with others who, like Grandma Gatewood, believe in their power to make dreams come true! (We want to be inclusive of men and children.)

Get Involved Today...

The Gentle Hike is a 1/2 mile out and back walk to the beautiful and historic Washington Monument, built in 1827, which promises beautiful vistas of the valley cloaked in autumnal glory.

Considered an easy walk, with little elevation gain, this is the perfect intergenerational hike suitable for every age!

Following the Gentle Hike, join us at Il Forno Vanish for a FREE showing of “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story and a delicous lunch featuring pizza, chicken wings, sandwiches and salad…and of course Birthday Cake!

The Intermediate Hike will begin at the parking lot at Washington Monument State Park. Along this 2-mile out and back hike, we will stop at the Washington Monument to take in the breathtaking views before continuing down the trail. Except for a moderate ¼ mile downhill section (which means one uphill section on the way back), this section of the Appalachian Trail is well-maintained, provides sure footing and is made easier by natural step-like features.

Following the Intermediate Hike, join us at Il Forno Vanish for a FREE showing of “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story and a delicious lunch featuring pizza, chicken wings, sandwiches and salad…and of course Birthday Cake!

Can’t make it on October 25th? No problem! You can join us virtually and support two worthy nonprofits. Take and send pictures of your hike! We will share them on our website and post them on social media!

Eat. Drink. Party. Right here in Boonsboro at Il Forno Vanish. Join us for a FREE showing of “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story”, an inspiring documentary of the woman who saved the Appalachian Trail. Following the movie enjoy a casual lunch in a family friendly space featuring pizza, chicken wings, sandwiches and salad…and of course, Birthday Cake!

Grandma Gatewood's Birthday Bash

Not a hiker?  Not a worry! You can still celebrate the legacy of Emma “Grandma” Gatewood at the 6th Annual Grandma Gatewood Birthday Bash! Eat. Drink. Party. Right here in Boonsboro at Il Forno Vanish. Join us for a FREE showing of “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story”, an inspiring documentary of the woman who saved the Appalachian Trail. Following the movie enjoy a casual lunch in a family friendly space featuring pizza, chicken wings, sandwiches and salad…and of course, Birthday Cake!

Are you a business owner interested in fostering healthy aging through our 5th Annual Gatewood Legacy Hike?

Your support will enable PTFW to continue FREE community-based programs (Walking to Wellness, PTFW Book Club and Saturday in the Park) that celebrate and foster healthy aging at every age!
Click below to view our sponsorship page.

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