Breaking Trail: Women Who Shaped the Adirondacks
Women’s History Month Special | ADK Talks Podcast
Originally released June 2025. Reissued March 2026 in honor of Women’s History Month.
In this episode of ADK Talks, we explore Breaking Trail: Remarkable Women of the Adirondacks, a powerful collection of stories that restores women to the center of Adirondack history.
For generations, the Adirondack narrative has focused largely on male guides, conservationists, and industrialists. But women were here — leading, organizing, writing, preserving land, building institutions, and shaping communities.
This conversation examines the research behind the book, the lives it illuminates, and why expanding our regional memory matters.
Trailblazing Adirondack women.
Grace Hudowalski, the first woman (and ninth person overall) to hike all 46 high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains.
We discuss overlooked pioneers, Indigenous storytellers, environmental stewards, fearless athletes, and behind-the-scenes visionaries whose legacies continue to resonate across mountains, lakes, and communities.
What you’ll learn in this episode.
Why Breaking Trail needed a new edition
The fascinating stories of women who shaped Adirondack life
How researchers uncovered untold histories
What this book tells us about identity, land, and belonging
How readers can help keep these stories alive
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About the book.
Jeanne Robert Foster
The updated edition of Breaking Trail is available from Purple Mountain Press.
And through independent bookstores and major retailers.
Also mentioned in this episode.
Continue exploring Adirondack women.
Looking for more stories of women who shaped the Adirondacks?
Explore additional profiles from ADK Taste.
Known as "Adirondack Woodswoman," Anne's unforgettable story shows bravery, strength, and commitment to protecting the beauty of the Adirondacks.a true pioneer and advocate for environmental conservation.
Born and raised in a small Adirondack town, Alice Green is known as a fierce advocate for racial and social justice, serving as the Executive Director of the Center for Law and Justice in Albany, New York.
An Adirondack summer camp helped shape one of America’s best-known Supreme Court Justices, who was a trailblazer for gender equality and reshaped American law.
Jeanne Robert Foster, a woman whose life took her from the Adirondack wilderness to New York City, Boston, London, Paris and beyond.
Diane Struble, a 25-year-old single mother, became the first swimmer to conquer Lake George.
More about the ADK Talks podcast.
ADK Talks podcast.
Explore the beauty of the Adirondacks with the ADK Talks podcast.
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We offer a carefully curated selection of recommendations for exceptional accommodations, delightful dining options, charming shops, and engaging activities throughout the stunning Adirondack Park.
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