Skip to content
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Menu
  • Happy Health
  • Happy Mindset
  • Animal Wonders
  • About Us
    • Team
  • Subscribe
Happy News

She Hiked The Equivalent Of 16 Mount Everests At Age 80

Betty Kellenberger always dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail ever since she was a little girl growing up on a Michigan farm, jokingly thinking she might meet Daniel Boone along the way. At 80 years old, the retired teacher from Carson City just became the oldest woman to ever complete the entire 2,200 mile trail from Georgia to Maine, breaking the previous record held by a 74 year old. What makes her achievement even more remarkable is that she started the journey right after recovering from knee replacement surgery, with her doctor urging her to begin with easier sections before tackling the mountains. The six month trek was anything but easy as she battled dehydration, a concussion from a nasty fall, Lyme disease, and even had to pause when Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the trail.

Kellenberger hiked her way into shape over months on the trail, accepting that flat Michigan couldn’t prepare her for climbing and descending the equivalent of 16 Mount Everests across 14 states. She never married and has no children, which she says made the decision easier since no one was hovering and telling her not to attempt such an ambitious goal. The solitary journey gave her time for reflection, incredible wildlife sightings, and breathtaking scenery she never would have experienced otherwise. Now in the best shape of her life and already planning hikes in Iceland and possibly the 4,800 mile North Country Trail, Kellenberger proves that age is just a number when you’re chasing your dreams.

PrevPreviousMaking Sign Language Communication Accessible For Millions

Recent Articles

Happy News

Fifty Strangers Saved This Wedding In Under 24 Hours

October 29, 2025

When Kaitlyn and Tyler woke up to check on their wedding venue the morning before their big day, they discovered every bride and groom’s worst nightmare, as a devastating windstorm had completely destroyed everything. The entire venue was in ruins with decorations scattered and structures damaged beyond use, leaving the

Read More
Happy News

Heavy Metal Legends Just Donated Huge To Fire Heroes

October 29, 2025

British heavy metal legends Judas Priest just proved that rock and roll hearts beat strongest when communities need them most. The iconic band announced they’re donating $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation following the devastating wildfires that tore through Southern California. Frontman Rob Halford and guitarist Richie Faulkner

Read More
Happy News

Child Writes NASA Asking For Job And Gets Response

October 29, 2025

When Jack Davis heard NASA was hiring a Planetary Protection Officer, the fourth grader knew exactly what he had to do. The position pays up to $187,000 annually and involves protecting Earth from alien microbes while preventing contamination of other planets during space missions. Jack sent a handwritten letter explaining

Read More
« Previous Next »
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Notice
  • Accessibility Notice
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2025 HappyNews.