Grandma Gatewood Returns to the Appalachian Trail: Life-Size Statues to Honor Trailblazing Hiker and Inspire Future Generations

Grandma Gatewood is returning to the AT help support the bronze statue
Grandma Gatewood became a legend in 1955 at the age of 67

(PRESS RELEASE_ National- February 24, 2026)
Decades after her legendary trek, the indomitable spirit of Emma "Grandma" Gatewood is set to inspire hikers once again as two life-size bronze statues are commissioned to celebrate her extraordinary legacy. Gatewood, the first woman to solo thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 1955 at age 67, remains an icon of resilience, courage, and empowerment.

The committee will place the first statue at Grandma Gatewood's gravesite- Ohio Valley Memorial Gardens Gallipolis, Ohio.
The committee will place the first statue at Grandma Gatewood's gravesite- Ohio Valley Memorial Gardens Gallipolis, Ohio.

A dedicated committee has partnered with acclaimed sculptor and avid Texas hiker Bridgette Mongeon to create identical statues capturing Grandma Gatewood in motion, hiking stick in hand and eyes lifted in wonder. One statue will stand at her gravesite in Gallipolis, Ohio, while the second will be installed at the historic Mountain Crossings at Neel Gap, Georgia—mile 31 of the Appalachian Trail—thanks to the support of the North Georgia Mountain Authority and Georganna Seamon, owner of Mountain Crossings.

Mountain Crossing is the chosen location for the second sculpture of Grandma Gatewood.
Mountain Crossing at Neel Gap is the designated location for the second sculpture. Bringing Grandma Gatewood Back to the AT!

"As a female thru-hiker of the entire Appalachian Trail, I'm thrilled to see a life-size sculpture of Grandma Gatewood installed at Mountain Crossings," said Seamon. "This iconic location will now honor one of the trail's most legendary women—whose courage and determination continue to inspire generations."

The project also addresses a significant imbalance: less than 8% of public statues in the United States honor real women. The Grandma Gatewood statue campaign celebrates not just a trailblazer, but an ordinary woman whose extraordinary achievements changed American hiking culture forever.

Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon has finished the design and small maquette, the family has approved, and now the committee awaits funds to make the legend life-size.
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon has finished the design and small maquette, the family has approved, and now the committee awaits funds to make the legend life-size.

With the design finalized and a small-scale model complete, the committee is launching its most ambitious phase: raising $200,000 for the casting, shipping, and installation of these two statues. We invite you to support this effort—personal donations can be made through GoFundMe, and businesses can make tax-deductible contributions through Eden Valley Enterprises, the nonprofit overseeing this project. Every contribution will help us bring Grandma Gatewood's inspiring legacy to life.

Supporters are invited to follow the journey and contribute at www.GrandmaGatewood.com. There you’ll find updates, behind-the-scenes content, and details on both statue unveilings. Every donation—no matter the amount—is one step more on the trail to bring these tributes to life and honor a true Trailblazer. Celebrate Grandma Gatewood’s enduring legacy, inspiring generations of adventurers and dreamers.

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For further information on this press release, interviews, or to receive access to images and directions for larger donations,
Please contact the sculptor, Bridget Mongeon —Subject: Grandma Gatewood.
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