Powell County Search & Rescue

6 days ago

This evening at approximately 08:49 PM, Powell County Search and Rescue was dispatched to Natural Bridge State Resort Park at the request of park law enforcement in reference to four possibly overdue and missing hikers.

Initial reports from park law enforcement indicated that other hikers in the area had heard yells for help as they were descending down Hoods Branch Trail and believed the group of four were on this trail.

Fortunately, multiple members of SAR and Red STAR Wilderness EMS were finishing a meal at nearby Miguel’s Pizza next to Natural Bridge and were on scene within five minutes of the initial dispatch.

As members from SAR and RedSTAR were establishing unified command between Rescue, Medical, and Law Enforcement in the parking lot of the Skylift and gathering witness information, the four hikers walked out unharmed and in good spirits.

All agencies cleared the scene at approximately 9:05 PM. ... See MoreSee Less

Powell County Search & Rescue

4 weeks ago

At approximately 12:09 PM this afternoon, Powell County Search and Rescue was requested to respond to Natural Bridge State Resort Park with Powell County Emergency Medical Services to reports of a subject experiencing chest pains.

As medical personnel arrived on scene and made contact, it was determined that the subject would be able to walk out under their own power from the top of Natural Bridge with medical personnel and therefore did not require additional rescue assistance.

All SAR personnel canceled their response at approximately 12:45 PM.

This is the 3rd weekend in a row where SAR personnel have responded to Natural Bridge State Park. As we continue to experience very hot and humid conditions in the Red River Gorge, we encourage all hikers to carry plenty of water, take breaks, and use extra caution while traversing the wilderness. ... See MoreSee Less

Powell County Search & Rescue

4 weeks ago

At approximately 3:57 PM this afternoon, Powell County Search and Rescue was notified of a possibly overdue and missing hiker in the Red River Gorge. At the time of Dispatch, the exact location of the subject was unknown.

As SAR personnel were responding to check popular hiking trails and parking lots, new information was learned that the hiker was possibly suffering from a heat related injury. As a result of this new information, Red STAR Wilderness EMS personnel were dispatched to assist SAR crews in locating this hiker.

As crews were clearing their search of Tunnel Ridge Road, the hiker was located by a 3rd party, was in good health, and did not require any additional medical or rescue assistance.

As always, we encourage all hikers to never hike alone, carry extra water, have plenty of phone battery before hiking, and always tell a friend or family member where you are hiking and how long you expect to be on your hike. ... See MoreSee Less