by Julie Dodd
Hikers recognized Margaret Stevenson and her influence on hiking when they met to celebrate what would have been her 104th birthday.
The celebration was held at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area on July 13 and drew members of the Wednesday Hikers and Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash.
Margaret Stevenson was the first woman to hike all 900 miles of trails in the Smokies. She hiked to Mt. Le Conte 718 times. If you’ve been in the LeConte Lodge office, you may have seen her bronzed hiking boots.
You can read about previous birthday celebrations — 101st, 102nd and 103rd. Thanks to Ellie Doughty for providing photos from the celebration.
Margaret is one of the three Friends of the Smokies Pathfinders, whose hiking legacy continues through contributions to the Trails Forever program.
You can make a contribution to the Trails Forever program in honor of Margaret here.