On July 23 at 8:30 p.m., Wolfe County Search & Rescue was dispatched after a 14-year-old male hiker was separated from a group in the Indian Staircase area.
With darkness quickly approaching and him being a juvenile, additional resources were immediately requested. Powell County Search & Rescue responded with additional searchers, while the Kentucky State Police Aviation Branch launched a helicopter equipped with FLIR (Forward Looking InfraRed) technology to assist with an aerial search.
As Wolfe County Search & Rescue personnel were assembling at the Bison Way Trailhead and the KSP helicopter was conducting its search, one of our responding team members spotted the missing teen walking safely along KY Highway 715.
The young man had become separated from his group and continued south on the Sheltowee Trace, eventually exiting the trail system via the Cloud Splitter Shortcut, where he made his way to the highway.
We greatly appreciate the group of campers that were camping near Cloud Splitter. This group heard the teenager yelling for help and came to his aid. They assisted in getting him to the roadway where he was found by WCSAR and taken back to his group.
This incident could have easily ended much differently. The Indian Staircase area is surrounded by numerous high cliff lines, steep drop-offs, rugged terrain, and multiple intersecting trails that can quickly disorient even experienced hikers.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Powell County Search & Rescue and the Kentucky State Police Aviation Branch for their rapid response and willingness to assist. Strong partnerships between emergency response agencies make all the difference, and we’re grateful for their support.
This incident also serves as an important reminder to all hikers:
Stay with your group and establish a meeting plan before starting your hike.
Carry a map or GPS-enabled device and know your route.
Keep a fully charged cell phone, but don’t rely solely on cell service.
Carry a flashlight for travel after darkness which can also be used for signaling aviation units.
If you become separated, stop, stay calm, and call 911 if possible, rather than continuing into unfamiliar terrain.
Plan your hike so you’re off the trail well before dark—especially in areas with significant cliffs and difficult terrain.
We’re thankful this mission had a safe ending and wish the young man and his family all the best.
