Last Updated on September 5, 2026 7:57 pm
Crews from nine agencies worked together Saturdy afternoon to rescue a hiker injured on the Lost Cove Trail in Avery County, carrying the patient out over rugged terrain that included multiple river crossings.
According to Linville-Central Rescue Squad, Avery County 911 Communications notified the squad shortly after 2 p.m. of a hiker who had been injured while on the trail. Personnel from EMS Avery, 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, the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, and the Avery County Drone team all responded to assist.
After initial medical treatment on scene, the hiker was packaged in a stokes basket and carried out to a waiting ambulance. The carry-out required crews to cross the river more than once along the way.
