80-Year-Old Woman Becomes Oldest to Complete Appalachian Trail

Betty Kellenberger, an 80-year-old from Michigan, has etched her name into the annals of hiking history by becoming the oldest woman to complete the Appalachian Trail.

On September 12, 2025, she reached the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine, marking the culmination of her arduous journey.

Her achievement surpasses the previous record by six years, a testament to her unwavering determination.

Kellenberger's fascination with the Appalachian Trail began in her school days.

Despite spending more time cycling than hiking over the years, the pandemic prompted her to reflect on the fleeting nature of time and rekindled her desire to tackle the trail.

Her path was fraught with challenges.

In 2022, she was forced to abandon her hike due to Lyme disease and severe dehydration.

The following year, a fall off a mountain and the loss of her mentor and friend, Joe "Tracks" Cox, led to another premature end.

Determined to honor Cox's memory, she embarked on the trail again in 2024, only to be halted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Undeterred, Kellenberger resumed her journey in 2025.

Upon descending from Katahdin, she exclaimed, "Yeah! I'm done. I'm done. I'm done."

She emphasized that setting records was never her goal.

Her advice to others is to not let the fears of others deter them and to create memories for old age, persisting until one truly can't continue.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder that age is but a number, and with resilience and passion, any summit is within reach.