The search had started at 9 p.m. the previous evening after a relative called 911 for assistance. The family followed the Ivestor Gap Trail from the Black Balsam parking area for a few miles and then left the trail to explore a waterfall. They got turned around when trying to return to the trail, and upon realizing they were lost they contacted the family member who ultimately called 911. The hikers’ cell phone batteries died shortly thereafter.

Inclement weather conditions hampered the overnight search, but the family was located the next afternoon thanks in part to a whistle they’d brought with them, allowing searchers to zero in on their location. The hikers suffered from fatigue, mild dehydration and some bumps and bruises from their night in the woods but were otherwise unharmed.

Several local agencies were instrumental in this successful search and rescue effort including the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, Haywood County Emergency Services, Haywood County Search and Rescue, Cruso Fire and Rescue, Lake Logan Fire Department, Haywood County Rescue Squad, Henderson County Rescue Squad, Reynolds Fire Department, National Park Service and the United States Forest Service.

Many trails in the Pisgah National Forest run through wilderness areas in which the trails are unmarked and minimally maintained. Even in summer conditions, hypothermia is a real threat, especially if you get wet and cannot dry off, so always bring rain gear and an emergency shelter when hiking, even on short day hikes. Signaling devices like whistles and mirrors are highly recommended as well, and always travel with extra food, water and light sources.