AVERY COUNTY, N.C. (WHKY) – A multi-agency rescue operation was launched on Saturday afternoon after a hiker was injured along the rugged Lost Cove Trail. Shortly after 2:00 p.m. Saturday, (September 5) Avery County 911 Communications dispatched the Linville-Central Rescue Squad to the scene.

Due to the remote location and challenging terrain, a massive response was mobilized involving nine regional emergency, fire, and law enforcement agencies. Responders tracked down the injured hiker deep in the wilderness. After receiving initial medical stabilization on-site, the patient was secured into a Stokes basket stretcher.

The rescue quickly turned into a grueling physical extraction. Teams had to navigate steep terrain and execute multiple river crossings while carrying the packaged patient to safety. The hiker was successfully brought out to an awaiting ambulance.

Responding Agencies Included:

• Linville-Central Rescue Squad
• Avery EMS
• Linville Volunteer Fire Department
• Banner Elk Volunteer Fire & Rescue
• Crossnore Volunteer Fire Department
• NC Mountain Rescue Team 1
• Avery County Emergency Management
• Collettsville Fire & Rescue
• Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office
• Avery County Drone Team

No updates have been released regarding the identity of the hiker or the current severity of their injuries. Local emergency officials continue to urge hikers to prepare for changing wilderness conditions and difficult terrain when exploring regional trails.