The Tragic Story of Geraldine Largay: A Hiker’s Survival and Loss on the Appalachian Trail
In July 2013, Geraldine Largay, a 66-year-old hiker known as “Inchworm,” vanished while hiking the Appalachian Trail. For over two years, her disappearance remained a mystery—until her remains were discovered in a remote forest in Maine. Her journal, found at the campsite where she spent her final days, revealed a heartbreaking story of hope, survival, and acceptance.
This article explores Gerry’s journey, the search efforts, and the lessons hikers can learn from her experience.
Who Was Geraldine “Gerry” Largay?
Geraldine Largay was a retired Air Force nurse from Tennessee with a passion for hiking. At 66, she embarked on a “thru-hike” of the 2,168-mile Appalachian Trail, a lifelong dream. Her trail name, “Inchworm,” reflected her steady, determined pace. Gerry had already hiked over 1,000 miles by July 2013, supported by her husband, George, who met her at checkpoints to resupply food and gear.
Friends described Gerry as cheerful and adventurous. “She brought joy to everyone she met,” her husband later shared. Though inexperienced with wilderness navigation, Gerry took hiking courses and trained on local trails. Tragically, a single wrong turn would lead to her demise.
The Day Gerry Disappeared
On July 22, 2013, Gerry left the Appalachian Trail near Maine’s Route 27 Crossing to find a private spot to relieve herself. She strayed just a few hundred feet off the path but quickly became disoriented in the dense woods.
At 11:00 AM, Gerry texted her husband: “In somm trouble. Got off trail to go to br. Now lost. Can u call AMC to c if a trail maintainer can help me. Somewhere north of woods road. XOX.”
The message never sent due to poor cell service. Over the next 90 minutes, she climbed higher ground, resending the text 10 times—all failed. By nightfall, she set up camp, unaware she was only 2 miles from the trail.
26 Days of Survival: Gerry’s Journal Entries
Gerry’s journal, titled “George Please Read XOXO,” documented her physical and emotional struggle:
- Day 1 (July 22): “Tried texting George. No signal. Will try again tomorrow.”
- Day 3 (July 24): “Still lost. Built a shelter with branches. Rain won’t stop.”
- Day 16 (August 6): “If you find me, tell my family I love them. Please send this journal to them.”
She survived on snacks, rationed water, and tried lighting signal fires. Heavy rain and thick tree cover hid her from search planes. By August 18, her final entry read: “I accept I won’t make it out. Thank you, Lord, for my life. Tell Kerry I’m proud of her.”
The Search for Gerry
George reported Gerry missing on July 24. Over 200 rescuers—wardens, police, pilots, and K9 teams—scoured the area. Tips from hikers, aerial searches, and scent dogs led to dead ends. Heavy rain washed away clues, and Gerry’s campsite was hidden under thick trees.
In October 2015, a forester working near a Navy facility stumbled upon her tent. Lieutenant Kevin Adam described the scene: “A green backpack, a skull wrapped in a sleeping bag… I knew it was Gerry.”
Searchers Get Emotional Finding Remains Of Missing Hiker 2 Years Later
What Went Wrong? Critical Mistakes and Missed Chances
- Poor Navigation Skills: Gerry struggled with map and compass use.
- No Emergency Device: She carried a cellphone but no GPS or satellite messenger.
- Staying Put vs. Moving: Gerry wandered for days, exhausting herself.
- Hidden Campsite: Her tent was under tree cover, invisible to planes.
Rescuers later found an open clearing just 70 yards from her camp. Had she moved there, she might have been spotted.
Gerry’s Legacy
Gerry’s family placed a cross and mementos at her campsite. Though heartbroken, they thanked rescuers for their relentless efforts. Her journal, now with her loved ones, serves as a reminder of her courage.
FAQs About Gerry Largay’s Story
How did Geraldine Largay get lost?
She stepped off the trail to use the bathroom and couldn’t find her way back.
How long did she survive?
26 days.
Why weren’t her texts received?
Poor cell service in remote areas.
What survival gear did she have?
A tent, flashlight, space blanket, and limited food/water.
Why wasn’t she found sooner?
Thick tree cover hid her tent from search planes.
What caused her death?
Exposure (starvation and hypothermia).
How far was she from the trail?
Less than 2 miles.
Did she have a GPS device?
No—she relied on a cellphone.
What’s a “thru-hike”?
Hiking a long trail end-to-end in one trip.
How can hikers avoid getting lost?
Carry a GPS, learn navigation, and stay on marked paths.
What’s the Appalachian Trail’s hardest section?
Maine’s rugged, remote terrain.
Are cellphones reliable on trails?
No—satellite devices are safer.
How did rescuers finally find her?
A forester spotted her tent by chance.
What did her journal reveal?
Her emotional struggle and final messages to family.
What’s Gerry’s legacy?
Highlighting hiking safety and preparedness.