We Were There, Too: Pioneering Appalachian Trail Women

by Gwenyth Loose

When most people think of the making and developing of the Appalachian Trail for the past century, they think of Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery and a few other men. Yet throughout those ten decades, talented, strong, and effective women stood and worked right alongside them--not behind them. Indeed, the meeting that created the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in 1925 was entirely organized by one talented, strong, and effective woman. This is the story of leading lights among that corps of overlooked trail-builders.

184 pages, Paperback

Published November 30, 2020

Reviews

[Linda Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very historically accurate accounting of the women who were very instrumental in developing the Appalachian Trail. When the Trail was first planned, (early ‘20’s) women were wearing long skirts (no slacks!) and were not regarded as capable of physically hiking the Trail or of leadership skills to organize the work needed to help in the efforts, legislatively, property ownership right of way issues, volunteer recruitment, and overall building support for the immense project. Being a Trail supporter, advocate, and frequent user, I appreciate the incredible work done by these Trailblazing women!

[Katie W · Rating 4 out of 5]

This books covers a brief history of women and trails, then focuses on 3 women: Jean Stephenson, Ruth Blackburn, and Margaret Drummond. Reading about these women’s amazing achievements not only shed light on how the ATC was impacted by women (and may not have survived without women), but was also truly inspiring.