Not Oatmeal at Hiker's Fest

Join us to listen to Opye, otherwise known as Not Oatmeal, and her mom Nikki, read their book and talk about their adventure on the Appalachain Trail. Opye was only 4 years when she hiked the trail with her family of 16.

Opye Bettis is the baby of a family with 15 kids and one single Mother. In 2023, Opye achieved the unthinkable - she hiked the entire Appalachian Trail on her own two feet and became the youngest officially documented hiker to ever complete the Appalachian Trail - as recognized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

She also received her Elite Athlete Permit by Baxter State Park, which was required in order to summit Katahdin.

Her trail name is “Not Oatmeal” because after the beginning of her AT journey, for seven straight days, she wanted to eat nothing but oatmeal for every single meal and snack. She ate so much that after the first week, She began to hate it. You could ask her if she wanted oatmeal and all she’d say is “not oatmeal!!” and start whining. It was whiplash. And she never ate oatmeal again.

Like her older sisters, she’s outgoing, opinionated, and unafraid to speak her mind; her spirited personality adding a dash of excitement to every moment.

Opye will be signing books at this event; books available in store now and at event.