Missing Hiker Found Dead In GSMNP

A missing hiker has been found dead in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 73 year old Ann Houghton of Jackson County, NC was reported as missing on Saturday after she had planned to hike in the park last week on Jan. 28-29. Her vehicle was found at the Smokemont Campground in the Cherokee, NC area. Law enforcement plus search and rescue staff started their search there focusing on several trails in that area. Houghton’s body was found roughly a quarter mile off of Enloe Creek Trail.

Ann Houghton had volunteered at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for over 20 years. In 2022, the In 2022, Great Smoky Mountains National Park nominated her for a National Park Service George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.