Orra Almira Phelps

Orra Almira Phelps (10 September 1895-26 August 1986) was an American physician, botanist, naturalist, mountaineer, and writer. Phelps was born in Storrs, Connecticut. Her mother was a noted botanist in her own right and mentored Orra. Her father struggled with employment. As a result, the family moved frequently and Orra helped take care of her six siblings. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1918 after studying zoology and geology and later graduated with a medical degree from Johns Hopkins University in 1927. In 1934, Phelps published the first trail guide to the High Peaks Region. It was noted for its accuracy and thoroughness; she hiked each of the trails herself to ensure it was complete.