Maryville, Tenn. — The search for a missing hiker in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park ended in tragedy on Sunday afternoon when the body of 73-year-old Ann Houghton was discovered. Houghton, a seasoned volunteer and avid hiker, was reported missing after failing to return from a planned hike in the park last week.
Park officials confirmed that Houghton had set out on a solo hiking trip on Tuesday, January 28, and was expected to complete a route that included the Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge, and Enloe Creek trails. When she did not return by Wednesday, January 29, park rangers were alerted, and search operations were launched. Her car was located at the Smokemont Campground on Saturday, prompting further efforts to locate her.
On Sunday, February 2, after days of searching, park officials announced that Houghton had been found dead just before 2 p.m. approximately a quarter mile off the Enloe Creek Trail. Authorities have not disclosed the exact cause of death, but a full investigation is underway.
In a statement, Charles Sellars, Acting Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, expressed his condolences, describing Houghton as a “beloved member” of the park community. “Ann was a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors,” Sellars said. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and friends.”
Houghton, a resident of Jackson County, North Carolina, had been a longtime volunteer with the park, contributing more than 20 years of service. She was nominated for the National Park Service’s prestigious George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 2022 in recognition of her commitment to the park and its visitors.
The search operation involved multiple agencies, including Cherokee Fire and Rescue, BUSAR, the Macon Volunteer Fire Department, Cowee Volunteer Fire Department, the Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. These teams worked tirelessly to locate Houghton, but the outcome was a devastating loss for her family, friends, and the hiking community.
Houghton’s passing is a reminder of the inherent risks that come with solo hiking, particularly in the rugged terrain of the Smoky Mountains. While her death is tragic, her legacy as a dedicated volunteer and ambassador for the park will be remembered by all who knew her.
