An empowering network. A unique event.

Celebrate Grandma Gatewood's Legacy with Us!

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 increase awareness of breast cancer. Registration fees will support Prime Time for Women’s mission and Breast Cancer Awareness of Cumberland Valley.

Participating is Easy

Step 1: Register below for the hike of your choice
Step 2: Download and fill out the liability form (bring with you to the event)
Step 3: If you are local, register for Grandma Gatewood’s Birthday Bash

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 other women who, like Grandma Gatewood, believe in their power to make dreams come true!

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Gentle Hike - October 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Washington Monument State Park

Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. Washington Monument State Park.

Take a lovely, short hike on a mostly flat, paved surface to the historic Washington Monument, a 40-foot-tall tower honoring George Washington. Connect with other women as we celebrate the beauty of fall and Emma “Grandma” Gatewood’s 135th birthday, who at 67, was the first woman to solo hike the entire Appalachian Trail. We’ll meet on Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30 AM in the parking lot of Washington Monument State Park (6620 Zittlestown Rd., Middletown, MD 21769) for this hike just over one-half mile.

*Please note: There’s a $3 entrance fee for Washington Monument State Park, which Prime Time will cover for registered hikers.

Want to extend the fun? Let’s meet at Dan’s Restaurant & Taphouse in Boonsboro, Md for lunch. I know… we can have cake for dessert and sing Happy Birthday to Grandma Gatewood!

Intermediate Hike - October 29, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Thurston Griggs to Appalachian Trail to Black Rock

Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Thurston Griggs to Appalachian Trail to Black Rock

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, who at 67, was the first woman to solo hike all 2168 miles of the Appalachian Trail! In honor of her birthday, we will walk in her footsteps and experience the majesty of the Appalachian trail as we climb to the Black Rock cliffs. We will meet on Saturday, October 29 at 8:30 AM and park at 21998 White Oak Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740 to access the trailhead for this magnificent 3.5 mile out and back hike. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots–the trail has an elevation gain of 897 feet, is rocky at parts and has two shallow streams to cross.

Advanced Hike - October 23, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Raven Rock to High Rock

Sunday, October 23, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. Raven Rock to High Rock

Do you want to celebrate the legacy of Emma “Grandma” Gatewood, who at 67 was the first woman to solo hike the entire AT? Do you want to challenge yourself and literally follow in the footsteps of this remarkable woman? If so, join us for this 6.4-mile out-and-back trail near Smithsburg, Maryland on Sunday, October 23 at 8:30 AM. Considered a moderately challenging route, with an elevation gain of 990 feet, will have approximately 3.5 hours to complete. Celebrate Grandma Gatewood’s birthday by giving yourself a gift…time on the Appalachian Trail surrounded by the beauty of nature and the generosity of good friends. We will meet and park at the base of Raven Rock along Route 491, look for the yellow and black Appalachian Trail signs.

Virtual Hike - Hike from anywhere, anytime!

Can’t make it to hike in person? No problem! You can still make an impact and join us virtually! Send us your pictures and we will post them on our website and FaceBook account to celebrate and thank you for your support.

All hikers, please sign our Liability Waiver and bring with you to the hike.

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Grandma Gatewood's Birthday Bash

Registrants for any hike will receive a quality, high-performance long-sleeve t-shirt and an invitation to join us for Grandma Gatewood’s Birthday Bash on Tuesday, October 25 at Stone House Urban Winery from 7-9 PM. Please note, registration for the Birthday Bash is separate with an additional $25 cost. Please register below.

Stone House Urban Winery

12810 Shank Farm Way,
Hagerstown, MD 21742

Connect with fellow hikers, share stories of your trail adventures and sip a complimentary glass of wine (generously provided by Stone House Urban Winery to all who attend) before we cut the cake and sing Happy Birthday to Emma “Grandma” Gatewood.

At the end of the evening, we will award The Golden Hiking Poles to the woman who raised the most funds to support our mission. Celebrate Grandma Gatewood’s legacy by creating your own! Win the 2022 Golden Hiking Poles Award and have your name etched on our commemorative plaque by raising the most funds to support women in their prime. Use this link to send to friends, colleagues and family members to help raise funds that will make a difference for women everywhere. Watch a video of Bernadette Wagner presenting last year’s award to the winner.

If you plan to attend the Birthday Bash, please register separately below. You don’t have to hike to attend this event.

Are you a business owner interested in celebrating and empowering women?

If so, don’t miss out on the chance to sponsor Prime Time for Women’s 3rd Annual Grandma Gatewood Legacy Hike(s).
Download and fill out our sponsorship form below and please email it back to us.

DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP FORM

Grandma Gatewood Legacy Hike