Ep199: Betty Kellenberger, Oldest Woman to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail

December 11, 2025
Betty Kellenberger and her five sisters grew up in a farming family. She attended Central Michigan University and then taught for 40+ years in Carson City, Michigan. Her summer breaks were filled with traveling, often by bicycle. She pedaled across every state in the US and every province in Canada. Betty has also ridden in China, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. She’s been on a couple of archeological digs, studied at numerous universities, lead a Boy Scout troop to earn their cycling badge, served four terms in public office before the desire to travel demanded her attention. 

In September of 2025, at 80 years old, Betty became the oldest woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
She tells us all about her AT hike, shares words of wisdom and personal philosophy, plus much more. 

Thru-hikers complete the A.T. in 12 months or less, with most thru-hikes taking around 6 months. Thru-hiking is physically and mentally demanding, with only about 1 in every 3 thru-hikers completing the journey. However, many thru-hikers rank their hike as one of the greatest accomplishments of their life and carry their memories of the Trail with them forever. The ATC recognizes thru-hikes regardless of sequence or whether or not you carried a pack (and in fact, we recommend flip flop hikes as a way to reduce overcrowding on the Trail!). All successful thru-hikers are eligible for the ATC’s 2,000-miler program.

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Appalachian Trail Conservancy
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