80-Year-Old Betty Kellenberger Breaks Record Hiking Appalachian Trail

UPDATE: In a stunning achievement, 80-year-old Betty Kellenberger has officially become the oldest woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail, a grueling trek spanning 2,200 miles across 14 states. Kellenberger completed her journey in 2025, overcoming monumental challenges, including a knee replacement surgery and severe weather conditions.

Kellenberger’s journey started earlier this year, driven by a lifelong dream to conquer the trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. “You see incredible parts of our country, things that you wouldn’t see otherwise,” she reflected as she recuperated at home in Carson City, Michigan. Her achievement is not just personal; it inspires countless others, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing dreams.

With an extensive background as an educator, Kellenberger has always embraced endurance challenges. Before embarking on this monumental hike, she completed cross-country biking trips and extensive hiking in various rugged terrains, including the Canadian Rockies and Peru. “I always thought, ‘Oh, it would be so cool to hike on the Appalachian Trail,’” she recalled, a dream that became a reality without the constraints of family obligations.

Despite the obstacles, including a knee replacement that could have sidelined many, Kellenberger took a bold approach. She began hiking in Harpers Ferry, targeting the less challenging section of the trail through the Shenandoah National Park. “I could do it, with knee replacement… So I just kept going,” she said, demonstrating her remarkable determination.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimates that between 3,000 and 4,000 people attempt to hike the full trail each year, but fewer than 25% successfully complete the journey. Kellenberger faced significant hardships, including dehydration, a concussion from a fall, and Lyme disease. She reached the southern Virginia border just as Hurricane Helene devastated the eastern United States, forcing her to adjust her route.

Kellenberger pushed through the harsh conditions and completed her hike in the spring of 2025. Rumors swirled about her potential record-breaking status as she traversed New England, previously held by Linda Vanderloop, who completed the trail at age 74 in 2024. “You have to plant your feet, look at the view, and then move forward every step,” she stated, emphasizing the focus and resilience required during her trek.

Her emotional journey culminated in a powerful finish. “You’re a basket case. You have so many emotions because you’re excited about finishing,” Kellenberger shared, expressing the bittersweet feeling of completing such a monumental task. She highlighted the breathtaking beauty of Maine and New Hampshire as two of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of her adventure.

Kellenberger now aims to adjust back into everyday life while maintaining her newfound vigor. “This life is a journey. The bigger your efforts, the greater the reward,” she stated, already looking ahead to hiking in Iceland and possibly tackling the North Country Trail.

This remarkable achievement by Kellenberger not only sets a new record but also serves as a testament to the power of determination and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Her story is inspiring individuals of all ages to embrace challenges and push beyond their limits.