NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Hikers Lost In Great Smoky Mountains, Found OK

Hikers Lost In Great Smoky Mountains, Found OK

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) - Rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park found three lost hikers.

A news release from the National Park Service on Tuesday said the hikers from Knoxville were all in good condition when rangers located them Monday evening in the Abrams Fall area of Cades Cove.

They were identified as 21-year-old Jonathan Hildreth, 19-year-old Kayla Letard and 19-year-old Samuel Willis.

Park officials received a cell phone call Monday afternoon from the hikers, who said they left their packs and jackets on the marked trail and followed an unmarked path - then became lost in thick brush and confusing terrain.

Acting Chief Ranger Steve Kloster said the hikers were fortunate to find cell phone coverage and avoid spending what he called a "dark, damp night in the woods."

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