Khaberni - Betty Kellenberger, aged 80, achieved a historical landmark in the field of physical endurance by becoming the oldest woman to complete the Appalachian Trail, extending 2,193 miles across 14 American states from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Kellenberger, who spent 41 years teaching middle school in Carson City, Michigan, said her dream of hiking this trail began in her childhood, but she faced several delays throughout her life.
After retiring in 2009 and serving an 8-year term as a county commissioner, she decided it was time to fulfill her dream, saying, "I thought: Should I wait until I'm ninety?"
Multiple Attempts Culminate in Success
Kellenberger aimed to become a thru-hiker, a term for those who complete the long trail within 12 non-consecutive months. Her first attempt began in 2022 at Springer Mountain heading north, where she met Joe Cox, a former U.S. Navy veteran who became her travel partner, according to the "New York Post".
Upon reaching Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, the two decided to travel to Maine to climb Mount Katahdin before the snowfall. However, Cox's journey ended after he fell while descending, forcing him to return home, while Kellenberger's trip halted three days later due to Lyme disease.
In 2023, Kellenberger tried again starting from Harpers Ferry northward but stopped in Massachusetts due to a fall requiring knee surgery, and during her six-month recovery period, she continued training by climbing the stairs inside the hospital. In 2024, she resumed the journey from Harpers Ferry heading south, dedicating her trip to the memory of Cox, who passed away.
She reached midway to Hurricane Helen, and was evacuated from the trail by the Appalachian Trail Association, which offered to count the miles they had previously completed for hikers finishing the trail later.
Fourth Attempt and Final Success
In 2025, Kellenberger began her fourth and final attempt, departing from Damascus, Virginia to Springer Mountain, then traveled north to complete the northern part of the trail, and being petite, she was careful to reduce her backpack weight to 30 pounds, carrying a sleeping bag, a tent, and her food until reaching the next towns.
During her journey, she met "Trail Angels", volunteers who live near the path and provide travelers with water, homemade food, and supplies. She successfully completed the hike and was honored in her town through the naming of the Kellenberger Trail locally in her honor.
The oldest person to have completed the trail was M.J. Nimblewill Nomad Eberhart, who finished the journey in 2021 at the age of 83.
Message for the Elderly
Kellenberger summarizes her advice to seniors: "The more you move, the better you feel. The more active you are, the more active you stay."
Regarding encountering wildlife, she said, "People always ask me, did you see any bears? The only bear I saw was in a zoo along the trail! I saw a rhino and was a little tense, but it quickly went back into the forest."
