Last Updated on October 12, 2026 7:55 am
Linville-Central Rescue Squad responded to two separate calls for hikers in distress late Saturday, Oct. 10, as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias brought heavy rain and high water to the High Country, according to the squad.
Hiker slips into water on Profile Trail
Just before 7 p.m., the squad was alerted to a hiker on Profile Trail who had slipped and fallen into the water and was clinging to a tree. The squad said the hiker was able to self-rescue. Squad members met the hiker near the trailhead, assessed them and helped them to their car.
Two hikers and a dog lose the trail in Harper’s Creek area
The second call came just before 10 p.m. for two hikers and a dog who had lost the trail because of high water in the Harper’s Creek wilderness area. The squad’s normal access to the area was cut off by flood waters, so rescuers had to reach the hikers by a much longer trail.
A team hiked in and located the hikers. After getting them warmed up, rescuers helped them hike back out.
Agencies that assisted
The squad said several agencies assisted in the effort: NC Mountain Rescue Team 1, Avery County 911 Communications, Linville Volunteer Fire Department, Crossnore Volunteer Fire Department and Avery County Emergency Management.
Heavy rain and trails
The remnants of Isaias brought 24-hour rainfall totals of more than 8 inches to parts of Watauga and Ashe counties, according to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg. Creeks and streams can rise quickly during heavy rain, and trails can become hard to follow or cut off by high water. Check conditions before heading out, and tell someone where you are going.
