Tennessee National Guard Rescues Injured Hiker in Snowy Mountains

Black Hawk helicopter used to reach hiker in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Tennessee National Guard and Emergency Management Agency responded to a call about an injured hiker in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday. Using a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, rescuers were able to locate the hiker at the Double Springs Gap shelter near the North Carolina border and safely transport them to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville for further evaluation.

Why it matters

This rescue highlights the important role that the National Guard and first responders play in providing emergency assistance, especially in remote and treacherous outdoor environments. The quick response likely prevented the hiker from suffering any cold-related health issues.

The details

National Park Service rangers were in contact with the hiker after they used an emergency SOS to initiate the rescue. The National Guard flight crews were able to locate the hiker at the Double Springs Gap shelter and use a hoist to safely lift them into the helicopter. The entire mission lasted about two hours.

  • Around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the Tennessee National Guard and Emergency Management Agency were notified of the injured hiker.

The players

Tennessee National Guard

The state's National Guard unit that responded to the emergency call and provided the helicopter and rescue crew.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency

The state agency that was notified along with the National Guard about the injured hiker.

National Park Service

The federal agency that manages the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and whose rangers were in contact with the hiker and assisted in the rescue.

University of Tennessee Medical Center

The hospital in Knoxville where the rescued hiker was transported for further evaluation.

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The takeaway

This rescue operation demonstrates the vital role that the National Guard and emergency responders play in providing life-saving assistance, especially in remote and challenging outdoor environments. Their quick response and coordination likely prevented the hiker from suffering any serious cold-related injuries.