Ellen Wolfe

Author and Motivational Speaker

First Woman Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker for 1997

It began as a childhood dream and became her lifetime goal. Thirty-five years passed before Ellen Wolfe shouldered a backpack and began the 2,160-mile hike from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mt. Katahdin, Maine on the Appalachian Trail. Her compelling story will move your spirit of adventure, joining Ellen as she hikes through a beaver pond, slides off a mountain, and struggles through a blizzard. When confronted by a stranger and led into the woods in search of water or when she wanders off course in search of white blazes, Ellen's steadfast trust in the process is an inspiration to people of all ages. How she prepared for 145 days alone in the wilderness, endured the challenges, and maintained her focus on her goal offers motivating support for anyone setting out to accomplish personal goals and dreams.To hear the story and own the only book written of a woman's solo journey as a thru-hiker, schedule a presentation and order your signed copy of Walking the Dream today.

Less than 10% of the 3,000 hikers who set out each year to thru-hike the 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail finish the journey. Of those who complete the adventure, less than 20% are women. Few people, men or women, hike it alone.

On March 1, 1997 Ellen Wolfe set out as one of those 3,000 hikers to accomplish her 35-year personal dream. On July 23, she finished alone as the first woman thru-hiker for 1997. In addition to her personal accomplishment, her journey, called "Hike for Healing", raised $10,000 for breast cancer research. Through slides and stories, her authentic, empowering story is a presentation that can empower participants to challenge their perspectives on what they can accomplish and encourage them to take the first steps toward achieving their goals.